What Is Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing?

If your dentist has recommended scaling and root planing, you may be wondering what it is and why a regular cleaning is not enough. Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning used to treat gum disease, and it is one of the most effective ways to stop the disease before it damages the bone that holds your teeth in place. Here is a plain-language look at what the procedure involves and what to expect.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a two-part deep cleaning that reaches below the gum line, where a regular cleaning does not go. It is the standard non-surgical treatment for gum disease, and the name describes the two steps involved:

• Scaling removes plaque and hardened tartar from the tooth surfaces and from the pockets that have formed between the teeth and gums.
• Root planing smooths the surfaces of the tooth roots so that the gums can heal and reattach to the teeth, and so bacteria have fewer rough spots to cling to.

Together, these steps clear out the infection-causing bacteria and give your gums the chance to recover. You can learn more about the treatment on our scaling and root planing page.

Why You Might Need It

Scaling and root planing is recommended when gum disease has progressed beyond the earliest stage. When plaque and tartar build up below the gum line, the gums become inflamed and begin to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets. Left untreated, these pockets deepen, and the infection can destroy the bone that supports your teeth, eventually leading to loose teeth or tooth loss. Signs that you may need this treatment include bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gums that are red or swollen, and receding gums. A dentist measures the depth of the gum pockets to determine whether scaling and root planing is needed.

What to Expect During the Procedure

The procedure is usually done over one or two visits, often treating one side of the mouth at a time for comfort. Before starting, your dentist numbs the area with a local anesthetic, so you should not feel pain. Using specialized instruments, the dentist or hygienist carefully cleans below the gum line to remove tartar and bacteria, then smooths the root surfaces. Depending on the case, an antibacterial rinse or medication may be placed in the pockets to help control infection.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery is usually straightforward. It is normal for your gums to feel tender and your teeth to be a little sensitive for a few days. A few tips help the healing:

• Stick to soft foods for a day or two and avoid very hot or cold items while sensitivity settles.
• Brush gently with a soft-bristled brush and keep up with flossing, being careful along the gum line.
• Use any rinse or medication your dentist prescribes as directed.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers if you have soreness.

Your dentist will usually schedule a follow-up to check how well the gums have healed and whether the pockets have shrunk. Keeping up with periodontal maintenance and regular cleanings afterward is key to keeping gum disease from returning.

Frequently Asked Questions