Scaling & Root Planing: A Deeper Cleaning for Healthier Gums

If your dentist has recommended scaling and root planing, you might be wondering what the treatment actually involves and why a regular dental cleaning isn't enough.

At Silver State Smiles, we want you to understand what this deeper cleaning does, why it may be recommended, and how it can help protect your gums, teeth, and long-term oral health.

See Scaling & Root Planing in Action

Before diving into the details, watch this quick video to see how scaling and root planing works and why cleaning below the gumline can make such an important difference.

Why Is Scaling and Root Planing Needed?

Plaque doesn't only collect on the visible surfaces of your teeth. When it isn't removed effectively, it can harden into tartar, also called calculus, and accumulate around and below the gumline.

As bacteria and tartar build up beneath the gums, the surrounding tissue can become irritated and inflamed. Over time, untreated gum disease can lead to deeper periodontal pockets and damage to the tissues and bone that support your teeth.

A routine dental cleaning focuses primarily on maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Scaling and root planing is a deeper periodontal treatment designed for patients who have signs of gum disease and buildup below the gumline.

What Is Scaling?

Scaling is the first part of the treatment.

During scaling, your dental professional carefully removes plaque and hardened tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, including areas above and below the gumline.

This allows your dental team to reach buildup that brushing, flossing, and a routine cleaning may not be able to adequately address.

By removing these deposits, scaling helps reduce the bacteria and irritation contributing to gum inflammation.

What Is Root Planing?

After scaling, the next step is root planing.

Root planing involves carefully cleaning and smoothing the root surfaces of affected teeth. Removing deposits and creating a cleaner root surface can help the surrounding gum tissue heal and fit more closely around the teeth.

Together, scaling and root planing address the areas where periodontal disease can progress beneath the gumline.

Scaling & Root Planing: A Closer Look

The following images provide a closer look at scaling and root planing, including why deeper cleaning may be recommended and how the treatment helps support healthier gums.

How Is It Different From a Regular Dental Cleaning?

A regular dental cleaning is an important part of preventive dental care. It helps remove plaque and tartar and maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Scaling and root planing is different because it is typically recommended when there are signs of periodontal disease and deposits have accumulated beneath the gumline.

Rather than simply cleaning the visible portions of your teeth, the treatment addresses bacteria and tartar around the roots of affected teeth.

Your dentist or hygienist will evaluate your gums and determine which type of cleaning is appropriate for your individual needs.

Signs You May Need a Deep Cleaning

Not everyone with bleeding or sensitive gums needs scaling and root planing. A dental examination is necessary to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

However, signs that may indicate gum disease include:

• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Gum recession
• Tartar buildup around the gumline
• Changes in the way your teeth or gums look or feel
• Periodontal pockets around the teeth

If you're experiencing these symptoms, scheduling an evaluation can help determine whether you need a routine cleaning or periodontal treatment.

Healthier Gums Start With the Right Care

Treating gum disease early can help protect the structures that support your teeth.

Scaling and root planing may help:

• Reduce gum inflammation
• Remove plaque and tartar below the gumline
• Create a healthier environment around your teeth
• Help prevent periodontal disease from progressing
• Protect the tissues and bone supporting your teeth

After treatment, your dental team may recommend periodontal maintenance visits to help keep your gums healthy and monitor your progress.

Schedule Your Visit With Silver State Smiles

If it's been a while since your last dental cleaning, or you've noticed bleeding, swelling, persistent bad breath, or other changes in your gums, don't wait for the problem to become more serious.

Schedule your visit with Silver State Smiles today and take the first step toward healthier gums and a healthier smile.