Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is typically the first active treatment for periodontal disease. These non-surgical procedures remove the bacterial plaque and tartar (calculus) that cause gingival inflammation and drive disease progression. Depending on the severity of a patient's condition, scaling and root planing may serve as a standalone treatment or as preparation for surgical intervention.

Is It Right for You?

Our dentists will only recommend scaling and root planing after a thorough examination of the mouth, which includes probing, digital radiographs, and a visual assessment of the gums. Factors considered include:

• The condition of the gum tissue
• The amount and location of tartar deposits
• The depth of periodontal pockets
• The extent of bone loss

In some cases, a local anesthetic is used during the procedure to ensure complete comfort.

The Procedures

Scaling

Scaling removes calculus and plaque attached to tooth surfaces — especially the root surfaces below the gum line. It is performed with an ultrasonic scaling instrument that uses high-frequency vibration to break up deposits. The irrigation component of the ultrasonic device can simultaneously deliver an antimicrobial agent into the pockets to reduce oral bacteria.

Root Planing

Root planing removes cementum and surface dentin embedded with toxins, microorganisms, and tartar. By literally smoothing the root surface, the procedure promotes healing and discourages future bacterial colonization. A smooth root surface also allows gum tissue to reattach more effectively.

Adjunctive Therapy

Following scaling and root planing, our dentists may recommend:

• Antimicrobial rinses — to control bacterial growth and reduce toxin production
• Localized antibiotics — placed directly into periodontal pockets after treatment to further control infection and encourage healing

When Surgery May Still Be Needed

When periodontal pockets are deep, thorough manual debridement becomes increasingly difficult. Patients also cannot keep deep pockets clean through home care alone. If pockets do not respond to scaling and root planing, surgical pocket reduction or regenerative procedures may be necessary to restore periodontal health.

Benefits of Treatment

Disease prevention — Bacteria from periodontal infections can travel through the bloodstream and contribute to cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Scaling and root planing removes these bacterial sources.

Tooth preservation — When gum pockets exceed 3mm, disease risk rises sharply. Deepening pockets harbor growing bacterial populations that trigger chronic inflammation, destroying bone and gum tissue and ultimately causing tooth loss. Early treatment with scaling and root planing interrupts this process.

Better appearance and fresher breath — Surface stains are removed during scaling, and eliminating food debris and bacteria from deep pockets dramatically reduces halitosis.

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