Eliminate deep bacterial infection and promote firm gum tissue reattachment.
Scaling and root planing (often referred to as a deep dental cleaning) is the frontline, non-surgical treatment for chronic periodontitis.
When plaque and tartar remain below the gumline, they release toxins that create deep pockets between your teeth and gums, destroying the supporting bone. Scaling removes hardened tartar deposits from deep root surfaces.
Planing then meticulously smooths the rough root surfaces, removing bacterial endotoxins and creating a clean surface that allows healthy gum tissue to heal and reattach tightly around your teeth.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
A conservative, non-surgical treatment that halts the progression of periodontal bone loss.
- Reduces Periodontal Pocket Depths: Allows inflamed gum tissue to shrink and heal tightly against clean, smooth root surfaces.
- Stops Bleeding and Bad Breath: Eliminates active bacterial colonies that cause chronic bleeding, swelling, and persistent halitosis.
- Protects Supporting Jawbone: Halts the inflammatory cascade that destroys the alveolar bone holding your teeth in place.
- Non-Surgical Outpatient Treatment: Performed comfortably in quadrants with local anesthesia and zero incisions or stitches required.
The Deep Cleaning Procedure
For your comfort, treatment is typically divided into two appointments, treating one side of your mouth per visit. Under gentle local anesthesia, our hygienist uses precision ultrasonic scalers to flush out deep tartar.
Hand curettes are then used to smooth root irregularities. We often flush the pockets with antimicrobial irrigation to eliminate residual bacteria and accelerate tissue healing.
Post-Treatment Healing and Follow-Up
You may experience mild tooth sensitivity and gum tenderness for 48 hours, easily managed with warm salt water rinses. We re-evaluate your pocket depths at a 6-week follow-up visit to confirm healing progress.