What Is Scaling and Root Planing? Deep Cleaning for Gum Disease

If you have not been to the dentist in a while or have trouble keeping up with daily brushing and flossing, your hygienist or dentist may recommend scaling and root planing.  The name can sound intimidating, but scaling and root planing is simply a deep cleaning below the gumline to treat gum disease and help protect your teeth. 

Why might I need scaling and root planing?

Gum disease affects more than half of adults in the United States. It is estimated that chronic gum disease affects about 47% of American adults over age 30.  Gum disease is an infection in your gums that develops when harmful bacteria in plaque are not cleared away effectively. 

Several factors can increase your risk of gum disease, including: 

• Smoking or using tobacco
• Poor home care (infrequent brushing and flossing)
• Skipping regular professional cleanings
• Pregnancy
• Mouth-breathing
• Alcohol abuse
• Stress
• Crooked or crowded teeth that are hard to clean
• Medications that reduce saliva flow and allow bacteria to flourish

When plaque is not removed, it hardens on the teeth and irritates the gums. The gums swell and begin to pull away from the teeth, allowing more plaque and bacteria to slip below the gumline.  This creates “periodontal pockets” that are too deep to clean with a toothbrush or floss at home. At this stage, only a dental professional using special instruments can remove the plaque and tartar.  If gum disease is not treated, it can lead to bone loss and, eventually, tooth loss. 

If the pockets between your gums and teeth are too deep, scaling and root planing may be recommended to stop the infection from progressing. 

‍What happens during the scaling and root planing procedure?‍

Scaling and root planing is usually completed over a series of appointments using local anesthetic to keep you comfortable.  Some dentists numb one side of your mouth and complete treatment in two visits, while others numb a quarter of the mouth at a time and spread treatment over four visits. 

Once the area is numb, your hygienist or dentist: 

• Removes hardened plaque and tartar from below the gumline (scaling)
• Smooths the root surfaces so bacteria have a harder time attaching (root planing)

Hand instruments and/or an ultrasonic scaler may be used to thoroughly clean each tooth.  After all of the hardened plaque is removed, your provider may rinse the periodontal pockets with an antibacterial solution or use a laser to help kill bacteria that may be hiding deeper in the tissues. 

‍Recovery, home care, and maintenance

After each scaling and root planing visit, you can expect a little sensitivity or soreness in the treated areas for a day or two.  Your dentist may prescribe an oral antibiotic or recommend a special mouth rinse to support healing and reduce bacteria. 

Once all affected areas have been treated, many patients are placed on a shorter hygiene schedule called periodontal maintenance, often every 3–4 months.  

At each visit, your hygienist will: 

• Check your periodontal pocket depths
• Monitor for bleeding, inflammation, or changes
• Remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline

The goal is to keep gum disease under control and prevent the pockets from getting deeper. 

‍How to help prevent gum disease

The best way to reduce your risk of gum disease—or keep it from getting worse after scaling and root planing—is to combine consistent home care with regular professional visits.  

Simple steps include: 

• Brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Flossing (or using interdental cleaners) at least once a day
• Keeping up with recommended professional cleanings and periodontal maintenance
• Eating a healthy diet
• Avoiding all tobacco products

Once gum disease passes a certain point, it becomes a chronic condition that cannot be completely “cured,” but it can be managed.  Good home habits, a healthy lifestyle, and regular visits to your hygienist are key to protecting both your oral and overall health. 

‍Scaling and root planing in Loudoun County, VA

If you have been told you need scaling and root planing, you are not alone—and you have options to keep your gums healthier going forward.  At Middleburg Smiles in Loudoun County, VA, our team provides gentle, thorough deep cleanings and personalized periodontal maintenance plans for patients from Middleburg, Aldie, Ashburn, Purcellville, Marshall, Leesburg, and across Loudoun County.  If you are noticing bleeding gums, bad breath, or have been away from the dentist for a while, contact our office to schedule an evaluation and learn whether scaling and root planing can help protect your smile. 

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