Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing, often called a deep cleaning, is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease. It goes beyond a routine cleaning by removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smoothing the surfaces of the tooth roots. At Drangsholt Dental, scaling and root planing is the first line of treatment for patients with gingivitis that has progressed or with mild to moderate periodontitis.

When gum disease develops, bacteria, plaque, and hardened tartar build up below the gum line and form pockets between the teeth and gums. These pockets trap more bacteria and gradually destroy the bone and tissue that support the teeth. Scaling removes the buildup from the tooth and root surfaces, while root planing smooths the roots so the gums can reattach and the pockets can shrink. Together, these steps stop the progression of disease and give the gums a chance to heal.

The treatment is usually performed with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable, and it is often completed in sections over more than one visit, treating one or two areas of the mouth at a time. Most patients experience only mild soreness or sensitivity afterward, which resolves within a few days. After scaling and root planing, ongoing periodontal maintenance cleanings, typically every three to four months, are important to keep the disease from returning.