Scaling & Root Planing
Deep cleaning treatment for gum disease that goes below the gum line to remove bacteria and tartar — stops progression and helps your gums heal.
A Deep Clean That Actually Heals Gum Disease
Gum disease starts quietly. Some bleeding when you brush. Maybe a little soreness. It's easy to ignore. But if it's not treated, it gets worse — and eventually it can lead to bone loss and tooth loss.
Scaling and root planing is the treatment we use to stop gum disease in its tracks. It's sometimes called a “deep cleaning,” but it's really more than that. We're cleaning below your gum line, where bacteria has been hiding for months or years, and giving your gums a chance to heal and reattach to your teeth.
Why You Might Need It
Dr. Carroll might recommend scaling and root planing if you have signs of gum disease, including:
- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums pulling away from your teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth or teeth that feel like they've shifted
- Pockets between your teeth and gums (we measure these during exams)
- Tartar buildup below the gum line
If we catch gum disease early, scaling and root planing can usually reverse it. Wait too long, and it becomes much harder to treat — sometimes requiring flap surgery or other more involved treatment.
What to Expect
The procedure is usually split into two appointments — one for each side of your mouth. Each one takes about an hour. Here's what happens:
- 1We start by numbing the area so you're comfortable. There's no pain during the procedure — just the usual sounds and sensations of a cleaning.
- 2Scaling: We carefully remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line, all the way down the surface of the root. This is the part regular cleanings can't reach.
- 3Root planing: We smooth out the surfaces of the tooth roots so it's harder for bacteria to grab on again. Smoother roots make it easier for your gums to reattach.
- 4We may apply a topical antibiotic to help with healing if there's been significant infection.
After your appointments, you may have some tenderness for a few days. Most people are back to normal within a week. Your gums will start healing right away, and over the following weeks they should look pinker, feel firmer, and stop bleeding.
After Treatment
Once your gums are healthy, the goal is to keep them that way. Most patients move to a 3 or 4-month cleaning schedule (instead of the usual 6) for at least the first year. This periodontal maintenance keeps bacteria from coming back.
Dr. Carroll will explain exactly what your maintenance schedule should look like — and we'll make sure you have everything you need to take care of your gums at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does scaling and root planing hurt?
We numb the area before we start, so you shouldn't feel anything during the procedure. Some patients have mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days afterward, but it goes away on its own. Most people say it's much easier than they expected.
How is this different from a regular cleaning?
A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above and slightly below the gumline. Scaling and root planing goes deeper — we clean below the gum line, all the way down to the roots, where bacteria has been hiding and causing damage to the supporting jaw bone. It's a treatment for gum disease, not just a cleaning.
How many visits does it take?
Usually two visits — one for each side of the mouth. Splitting it up makes the appointments more comfortable and lets your gums start healing on one side while we work on the other.
Will I need this done again?
Once your gums are healthy, regular cleanings every 3 to 4 months (instead of every 6) are usually enough to keep things from getting bad again. Dr. Carroll will set up a maintenance schedule that works for you.
If your gums have been bleeding or you've been told you have gum disease, don't wait. The earlier we treat it, the easier it is to reverse. Give us a call and let's get you taken care of.
Schedule a Consultation
Bleeding gums or signs of gum disease? Don't wait — early treatment is much easier.
Book AppointmentDon't Ignore Bleeding Gums
Bleeding when you brush isn't normal. It's usually the first sign of gum disease — and the earlier we treat it, the better the outcome.
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