Scaling & Root Planing: Deep Cleaning for Gum Disease

When gum disease extends below the gum line, a regular dental cleaning may not be enough. Scaling and root planing—often called a deep cleaning—removes plaque and hardened tartar from areas around and beneath the gums to help control periodontal disease and improve gum health.

What’s the Difference Between a Regular Cleaning and a Deep Cleaning?

A regular dental cleaning is preventive care designed primarily to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and around the gum line in a generally healthy mouth.

Scaling and root planing is periodontal treatment. It is used when gum disease has affected the tissues supporting the teeth and deposits have accumulated below the gum line.

The difference isn’t simply that one cleaning is more thorough than the other. They are performed for different dental conditions.

How Does Dr. Chin Know If I Need Scaling & Root Planing?

Dr. Christine Chin and the Cedar Hills Dental Care team first evaluate the health of your gums and the supporting structures around your teeth.

The evaluation may include:

Dr. Chin can then explain what she sees and why periodontal treatment may—or may not—be appropriate.

What Happens During Scaling & Root Planing?

Scaling focuses on removing plaque and hardened tartar from the tooth surfaces, including deposits located below the gum line.

Root planing focuses on thoroughly cleaning the root surfaces of affected teeth so the area is easier to keep clean and the gum tissues have an opportunity to respond to treatment.

Dental instruments and ultrasonic scaling equipment may be used depending on the areas being treated and the amount of buildup present.

Does a Deep Cleaning Hurt?

Because scaling and root planing involves cleaning below the gum line, local anesthetic may be used to keep the treated areas comfortable.

Some tenderness or tooth sensitivity can occur afterward. Your dental team will explain what you can expect following treatment and how to care for your teeth and gums while the area settles.

If you’re anxious about the procedure, tell us. We want to know what concerns you before treatment begins.

Can Scaling & Root Planing Help Save My Teeth?

Periodontal disease affects the gums and supporting structures that help hold teeth in place. As the disease progresses, those supporting tissues and bone can be damaged.

Scaling and root planing is intended to reduce the bacterial deposits associated with periodontal disease and help create an environment where the gums can respond to treatment.

How well an individual responds depends on the severity of the disease, home care, smoking and other health factors, as well as continued periodontal maintenance.

What Happens After a Deep Cleaning?

Follow-up is an important part of periodontal treatment.

After scaling and root planing, Dr. Chin and the dental team can reevaluate your gums to see how the tissues have responded. Areas that were inflamed may improve, and periodontal measurements can be compared with the findings before treatment.

If certain areas continue to show signs of active periodontal disease, Dr. Chin can discuss whether additional treatment or referral for periodontal care should be considered.

Will I Go Back to Regular Cleanings Afterward?

Not necessarily. Once someone has been treated for periodontal disease, maintaining gum health may require a different schedule and type of professional cleaning than routine preventive care.

Periodontal maintenance is designed to monitor and clean areas affected by gum disease and help manage the condition over time.

Dr. Chin and your dental hygienist can recommend an appropriate maintenance schedule based on how your gums respond to treatment and your individual periodontal health.

What Can I Do at Home?

Professional periodontal treatment works best when it’s supported by consistent home care.

Brushing thoroughly, cleaning between the teeth every day and following any individualized instructions from your dental team can help control plaque between visits.

If certain areas are difficult to clean, your hygienist can recommend tools or techniques that may make your daily routine easier and more effective.