Scaling & Root Planing

When pocket depths exceed four millimeters and calculus has formed below the gumline, a standard cleaning cannot reach the problem. Scaling and root planing, sometimes called a deep cleaning, is the first active treatment for early to moderate periodontitis, and it is frequently the only treatment needed to arrest the disease progression when caught at that stage. The procedure removes calculus, plaque, and bacterial toxins from the root surfaces both above and below the gum margin. The root planing component smooths the root surface, which discourages future bacterial adhesion and allows the gum tissue to reattach and form a healthier, shallower pocket. After the procedure, a medicated solution is often irrigated into the treated pockets to address any remaining bacterial burden. We complete the procedure 2 quadrants at a time, typically one side of the mouth first, under local anesthesia, which means each session is comfortable and focused. We schedule a re-evaluation 1 month post-treatment to re-probe and assess the tissue response. Pockets that have not responded adequately may need additional intervention. The indication for scaling and root planing is clinical, not cosmetic. If your probe readings are in the healthy range at your annual exam, you do not need this procedure. If they are not, continuing with routine cleanings does not address the underlying disease. We screen proactively at every hygiene visit and recommend deep cleaning when the measurements support it, not as a default.