Who it is for
Scaling and root planing is commonly recommended when periodontal pockets are deeper than a routine cleaning can reach, or when radiographs show bone loss consistent with periodontitis.
Comfort
The treated areas are numbed with local anesthetic. Treatment is often completed in one or more visits, depending on how many areas need care. Mild tenderness or sensitivity afterward is common and usually short-lived.
After treatment
We re-evaluate the gums several weeks later to measure how the tissues have responded. Areas that remain deep may need further treatment. Patients with a history of periodontitis then move to a periodontal maintenance schedule.
What to expect
- 01
Evaluation
Pocket measurements, radiographs, and a review of your health history.
- 02
Treatment
Numbing, then cleaning below the gumline and smoothing the roots.
- 03
Re-evaluation
A follow-up visit to measure healing and plan next steps.
- 04
Maintenance
A maintenance interval set for your level of risk.
Common questions
How is this different from a regular cleaning?
A routine cleaning (prophylaxis) focuses on the teeth above and just below the gumline in healthy mouths. Scaling and root planing treats active periodontal disease deeper below the gumline.