Tooth Cleaning Below the Gums to Treat Bone Loss and Pockets.
When bacterial accumulations and inflammation cause bone loss around the teeth, a diagnosis of periodontal disease is made. The bone loss creates periodontal pockets that are too deep to clean by routine oral hygiene methods. A standard one-hour routine cleaning does not allow enough time to effectively clean deep pockets. Scaling & root planing is usually completed in two appointments, half the mouth at a time. A local anesthetic will be used to allow the hygienist to get deep below the gum line and clean the pockets while still ensuring that the patient is comfortable.
Scaling and Root Planing Near You
Scaling and root planing, sometimes called a “deep cleaning,” is a non-surgical treatment at River Place Periodontics designed to remove bacterial deposits from below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces of the teeth. As part of our preventative periodontal care, this treatment addresses periodontal disease at its source, helping halt its progression and allowing the gum tissue to begin reattaching to a cleaner tooth surface.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
As bacteria accumulate below the gumline, the body’s inflammatory response begins to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place, creating periodontal pockets that deepen as the disease progresses. Unlike surface-level plaque, the bacteria and tartar found in these deep pockets cannot be removed with a toothbrush, floss, or even a standard dental cleaning.
- Scaling removes bacterial deposits and tartar from below the gumline.
- Root Planing smooths the root surfaces of the teeth, removing rough areas where bacteria tend to collect and making it more difficult for plaque to reattach.
Signs You May Need Scaling and Root Planing
You may need scaling and root planing if you’ve noticed:
- Bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Periodontal pockets reaching a certain depth threshold, as identified during an evaluation
If these signs sound familiar, don’t wait for the problem to worsen – schedule a consultation today.
The Scaling and Root Planing Procedure
Here’s what you can expect during your deep cleaning:
- Two-Appointment Treatment – Because deep cleaning requires more precision and time than a routine cleaning, treatment is typically completed over two appointments, addressing one half of the mouth at each visit.
- Local Anesthetic – Local anesthetic is used to ensure your comfort while the hygienist works below the gumline, allowing for a thorough cleaning without discomfort.
- Deep Cleaning Below the Gumline – Many patients are relieved to find the procedure far more comfortable than anticipated, especially compared to living with the ongoing inflammation and sensitivity caused by untreated periodontal disease.
- Aftercare Instructions – Our team provides specific aftercare instructions and may recommend follow-up visits to monitor healing and measure improvement in pocket depths.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
This treatment offers several important benefits:
- Halts the progression of periodontal disease before more advanced treatment, such as regenerative bone grafting or dental implants, becomes necessary
- Allows gum tissue to begin reattaching to a cleaner tooth surface
- Reduces the risk of further bone loss, loose teeth, and tooth loss
- Provides a foundation for ongoing periodontal maintenance and long-term gum health
Who Is a Candidate for Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is recommended for patients who:
- Have noticed bleeding gums or persistent bad breath
- Have been told they have periodontal pockets
- Have pocket depths that have reached a certain threshold where a standard cleaning is no longer sufficient
What to Expect After Scaling and Root Planing
Following treatment, some patients experience mild sensitivity or tenderness for a few days, which typically resolves quickly. We use diagnostic tools like digital X-rays to measure bone levels and track your progress over time, and in some cases, if pockets remain too deep after treatment, additional treatment such as pocket reduction surgery may be recommended.
A Foundation for Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance
Once active treatment is complete, maintaining your results requires a consistent periodontal maintenance schedule, along with strong home care habits. Our team works closely with you to develop a personalized routine that reduces your risk of future bone loss and keeps your gums healthy long-term.
Why Choose River Place Periodontics for Scaling and Root Planing?
Our team is focused on stopping periodontal disease at its source while keeping you comfortable throughout treatment. From precise diagnostics to a personalized maintenance plan afterward, every step is designed to help you avoid more invasive procedures down the road through early intervention.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or have been told you have periodontal pockets, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Schedule a consultation today to find out if scaling and root planing is right for you.