Scaling and root planing is a deep dental cleaning procedure used for the treatment of gum disease. Gum disease develops from an infection in the gums and can have devastating effects on your oral health. Your dentist can recommend root planing and scaling if you are experiencing bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and other symptoms of gum disease.
The deep-cleaning procedure removes plaque buildup below the gumline. This helps to prevent the progression of periodontal disease. Additionally, it eliminates bad breath and allows your gums to heal. Scaling and root planing are safe and effective procedures when an experienced dentist performs them.
At Agoura Hills Advanced Dentistry, we specialize in early intervention and personalized care for our Agoura Hills, CA, clients. Our skilled dentists use the latest techniques and tools to ensure comfort while delivering lasting results.
An Overview of Root Planing and Scaling
Root planing and scaling is a deep dental cleaning procedure aimed at preventing the progression of gum disease. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is caused by bacteria that build up in the mouth. Over time, the bacteria form plaque and harden into tartar. When tartar collects below the gumline, it can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth.
Gum recession creates pockets where even more bacteria can grow. If left untreated, the infection can lead to bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss. The dentist or hygienist removes plaque from the tooth surfaces during a scaling and root planing procedure. Additionally, they smooth the tooth’s surface to prevent further accumulation of bacteria. Your dentist can recommend this procedure when you have:
- Deep gum pockets
- Swollen, red, and tender gums
- Bleeding gums
- Loose teeth
Root Planing and Scaling Procedure
The steps involved in the root planing and scaling procedure include:
Initial Assessment and Diagnosis
Before scaling, your dentist will conduct a thorough oral examination. The dentist or hygienist will examine the mouth for indicators of gum disease, such as red, swollen, or bleeding gums. Your dentist can measure the depths of the gum pockets around each tooth with a periodontal probe.
Root Planing and Scaling Procedure
Healthy gum pockets are usually 1–3 mm deep. Deeper pockets may signal gum disease. The dentist also reviews your dental history, habits, and symptoms like sensitivity or persistent bad breath. The oral assessment helps determine whether root planing and scaling are appropriate.
X-Rays and Treatment Planning
If you have moderate or advanced gum disease, your dentist will take an X-ray. These images show how much bone loss has occurred around the teeth. Additionally, they help the dentist identify areas of concern that are not visible to the naked eye.
Once the findings are complete, the dentist will create a treatment plan for you. The dentist will also refer to your mouth in sections or quadrants. The number of quadrants cleaned per visit will depend on the severity of your gum disease, but will range between 1 and 2.
Local Anesthesia and Comfort Preparation
Before beginning the deep cleaning, the dentist will apply local anesthesia to numb the gums. Anesthesia minimizes discomfort during the procedure. You may feel pressure or vibration, but should not feel sharp pain.
If you are anxious, your dentist may discuss other options like sedation or numbing gels. Comfort is essential because root planing and scaling reach more deeply than a regular dental cleaning.
Scaling
Scaling is the initial cleaning process, and it consists of the extraction of plaque and tartar. Your hygienist will use manual hand instruments to clean the hardened plaque deposits from above and below the gum line. These instruments vibrate quickly to fracture the tartar, and a water spray rinses the debris away.
Scaling target areas that are hard or impossible to clean in the home. Plaque contains bacteria that cause further inflammation of the gums and damage to the surrounding tissues.
Root Planing
After removing the tartar, your dentist begins root planing. The step focuses on smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth below the gumline. Bacteria attach more easily to rough surfaces. Therefore, smoothing them out makes it harder for plaque to return. Root planing also encourages the gum tissue to reattach to the teeth. This reduces the depth of the pockets and helps prevent future infection.
Antimicrobial Rinses and Medication
After the scaling and root planing procedure, the dentist may flush the area with an antimicrobial rinse. It helps to eliminate bacteria and decrease the chances of infection. The dentist may also insert localized antibiotics into deep pockets of the gums. They provide a timed dosage of medications that assist in repair and anti-inflammation. Antibiotics are essential in extreme cases.
Post-Treatment Instructions and Recovery
Your mouth may also be tender or sore for a day or two, and your gums might bleed a little while brushing. Your dentist will guide you according to your healing. You must follow these instructions for a quick recovery and to prevent complications.
Follow-Up Visits and Long-Term Maintenance
Your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment a few weeks after the procedure. The dentist will check the pocket depths and evaluate your healing during this visit. The treatment is successful if the pockets have decreased in depth and the gums look healthier.
Aftercare Instructions for Root Planing and Scaling
Scaling and root planing treat gum disease by removing plaque below the gumline. After the treatment, proper aftercare is essential for healing and preventing infection. Your dentist can give you the following care instructions after your root planing and scaling:
Expect Some Discomfort
You may experience some mild soreness or sensitivity, which is normal. Your gums might be tender or a bit swollen. You may also experience some bleeding on the first day or two. These symptoms should disappear in a couple of days.
You can rinse your mouth with warm salt water to soothe your gums and reduce inflammation. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in warm water and swish gently before spitting it out. You can do this twice or thrice daily for the first few days after your procedure.
Take Pain Relief If Needed
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort and pain from the root planing and scaling. Your dentist can prescribe ibuprofen or acetaminophen to ease the pain. You should take the medication as directed on the label and avoid aspirin, as it can increase bleeding.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Your dentist recommends avoiding alcohol or smoking while you receive root planing and scaling. Smoking slows down the healing process. Additionally, it can increase your risk of infection. If your dentist prescribes antibiotics or pain medication, you should avoid alcohol since it can affect their effectiveness.
Be Gentle With Brushing and Flossing
Keeping your mouth clean is very important during healing. You should still brush and floss after the deep cleaning procedure. However, you must do it gently around the treated areas. A soft-bristled toothbrush will prevent scrubbing or snapping the floss into your gums.
If your teeth feel sensitive after the treatment, you can switch to a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. These toothpastes help block the sensation from hot or cold foods. You can use them daily for comfort and protection.
Eat soft foods for a few days.
You can resume eating when the anesthesia wears off. Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods while your mouth heals. Good options include yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, soup, and smoothies. Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or sticky foods that can irritate your gums.
Your teeth may be more sensitive after the procedure. Therefore, try to avoid very hot coffee or ice-cold drinks. Wait until your teeth are less sensitive before returning to your habits.
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Good brushing and flossing habits help prevent future gum problems. You should brush twice a day for two minutes and floss once daily. Your dentist might also suggest using an antibacterial rinse to help reduce plaque.
After scaling and root planing, you may need more frequent professional cleanings. Your dentist might suggest visits every 3–4 months instead of every 6. Constant professional cleaning helps keep your gums healthy and stops gum disease from returning.
Follow Up With Your Dentist
Your visits to your dentist should not end when you receive the deep cleaning. Your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment after the procedure. During these appointments, your dentist will check how well your gums are healing. They may measure your gum pockets again or suggest additional care if needed.
Benefits of Root Planing and Scaling
Root planing and scaling go deeper than a regular cleaning. The dentist or hygienist cleans below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar. It helps restore gum health and prevent further damage. Common benefits of the procedure include:
Reduces Gum Inflammation
One of the first signs of gum disease is swollen, red gums. Root planing and scaling remove the bacteria that irritate. As a result, the inflammation goes down. Your gums begin to heal and look healthier. Root planing and scaling can also make your mouth feel more comfortable and less tender.
Stops Gum Bleeding
Bleeding of the gums when you brush or floss is a warning sign. Bleeding is caused by bacteria under the gumline. Scaling and root planing remove these bacteria. Once the infection is under control, bleeding will stop. This makes daily brushing and flossing easier and less painful.
Prevents Tooth Loss
Untreated gum disease can lead to loose teeth or tooth loss. The infection from gum disease weakens the bone and tissues that hold your teeth in place. Root planing and scaling help stop this process. The gums can reattach and strengthen support by cleaning deep pockets around the teeth. Root planing or scaling reduces the risk of tooth loss in the long term.
Improves Bad Breath
Root planing and scaling is the quickest solution for bad breath. Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by bacteria in the mouth. These bacteria give off a foul odor, especially when hidden deep under the gums. Bad breath can impact your self-esteem and confidence. Deep cleaning clears out these hidden sources. Many people notice fresher breath soon after treatment.
Helps gums reattach to teeth.
When you have severe gum disease, the gums pull away from the teeth, creating pockets. These pockets trap bacteria and food particles. Root planing smooths the tooth surfaces below the gums. The procedure makes it easier for the gums to reattach. When the pockets shrink, the risk of infection drops, and your mouth becomes easier to clean at home.
Supports Overall Health
Gum health is significant to your oral health. Untreated gum disease can transfer bacteria to the bloodstream, causing serious health complications. By treating gum disease early, you reduce your body’s inflammatory response. The procedure lowers the number of harmful bacteria that can enter your bloodstream. Therefore, the procedure protects your overall health, not just your mouth.
Saves Money in the Long Run
Catching gum disease early is much less expensive than treating advanced damage. Root planing and scaling are considered preventive care. They can stop the disease from getting worse. Without treatment, more invasive procedures like surgery, extractions, or dental implants may be needed later. A deep cleaning in the condition’s early stages can prevent bigger costs.
Complications of Root Planing and Scaling
Root planing and scaling effectively remove plaque and tartar under the gumline. While the procedure is considered relatively safe, it can have some side effects. Most of the side effects are temporary and manageable. Common side effects or complications you might experience after the treatment include:
Tooth Sensitivity
Increased tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of root planing and scaling. After the cleaning, your teeth may feel more sensitive to hot or cold drinks. The sensitivity happens because removing plaque exposes the tooth root.
The sensitivity usually fades after a few days or weeks. Using a sensitive toothpaste can help ease the discomfort. If the sensitivity is severe or persists, you should consult with your dentist.
Sore or Tender Gums
The root planing and scaling process can leave your gums feeling sore. Mild soreness is normal as the dentist or hygienist works under the gum line, cleaning the buildup. Gums can appear slightly swollen or red for a limited period as well. Salt water rinses and pain medications can help alleviate this soreness.
Gum Bleeding
Some bleeding may occur during or shortly after the root planing or scaling treatment. Bleeding is common if your gums are already inflamed due to gum disease. Bleeding should lessen as your gums start to heal. However, you should contact your dentist if bleeding continues over a few days.
Gum Recession
Once your dentist has removed the tartar and plaque buildup, your gums will begin to recede or shrink back. The condition causes the affected tooth or teeth to appear longer or expose more of the tooth root. While not attractive, it frequently indicates that gums are healing and reattaching correctly. Your dentist will likely recommend additional treatment, such as a gum graft, in severe cases.
Minor Infection or Inflammation
There is a chance of developing a mild infection or inflammation after root planing and scaling. The infection can happen if the dentist stirs it up during the cleaning. Signs of an infection may include a low-grade fever, swelling, or pus around the gums. You should contact your dentist immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. The dentist might prescribe antibiotics to help manage the infection.
Jaw Discomfort
Because root planing and scaling can take longer than a regular cleaning, your jaw may feel tired or sore. It happens when your mouth stays open for an extended period during the procedure. You may experience jaw discomfort if the treatment is done in multiple areas or quadrants. Gentle jaw stretches and soft foods can help relieve the soreness.
What is the Cost of Root Planing and Scaling?
In California, the cost of scaling and root planing varies depending on:
- The number of quadrants treated
- The severity of gum disease
- The specific dental practice
Patients can expect to pay between $200 and $500 per quadrant. Since the mouth is divided into four quadrants, a full-mouth treatment can range from $800 to $2,000. Dental insurance often covers a significant part of root planing and scaling costs.
If you do not have dental insurance, you can negotiate a payment plan or a discount with your dentist. Before undergoing the procedure, you must consult your insurance provider to determine the amount they will cover.
Find a Competent General Dentist Near Me
Scaling and root planing is a powerful solution for treating gum disease in its early stages. The deep-cleaning procedure removes harmful plaque and tartar from below the gumline. It reduces inflammation, eliminates bad breath, and helps your gums reattach to your teeth. When left untreated, gum disease can cause severe complications. Therefore, early intervention is essential to prevent progression.
The root planing and scaling procedure involves the removal of plaque and tartar and smoothing the root surface. Although you may experience some discomfort after the procedure, proper aftercare ensures a smooth recovery and long-lasting results. The treatment protects your teeth, and it supports your overall health.
Scaling and root planing can restore your oral health and prevent costly procedures in the future. At Agoura Hills Advanced Dentistry, we provide safe, comfortable, and effective treatment tailored to your needs. Contact us today at 818-878-7300 from Agoura Hills, CA, to book an appointment.