Gum disease can develop when plaque and tartar accumulate around the teeth and along the gumline. When gum disease progresses beyond the early stages, a routine dental cleaning may not be enough to remove the buildup. Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical periodontal treatment designed to clean below the gumline and help manage gum disease.
At Oak Park Dental Group, we provide scaling and root planing in Lenexa, Kansas, for patients who need more comprehensive treatment for plaque, tartar, and periodontal infection. Our dentists, Dr. Rebecca Kisling and Dr. Mark Jensen, can evaluate your gum health and determine whether periodontal treatment is appropriate for you.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing, sometimes called a deep dental cleaning, is a non-surgical treatment used to clean the teeth and root surfaces when gum disease has developed.
The treatment has two primary components:
Scaling
Scaling removes plaque, tartar, and bacterial deposits from the surfaces of the teeth. When gum disease is present, deposits may also develop below the gumline where regular brushing and flossing cannot adequately remove them.
Root Planing
Root planing involves carefully cleaning and smoothing the exposed root surfaces. Removing bacterial deposits and contaminated material can help create a cleaner environment around the teeth and gums.
Our existing practice information describes scaling as removing plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and root planing as cleaning and smoothing the roots to remove bacterial toxins.
Why Is Scaling and Root Planing Needed?
Gum disease can progress gradually and may not always cause significant symptoms in its early stages. Without appropriate treatment, inflammation and infection around the teeth can become more extensive.
Your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing when an examination indicates periodontal disease that requires treatment below the gumline.
Treatment may help:
- Remove plaque and tartar buildup
- Clean areas below the gumline
- Reduce bacterial deposits
- Support healthier gums
- Help control the progression of periodontal disease
- Maintain the supporting structures around your teeth
Signs of Gum Disease
Some symptoms that may indicate gum disease include:
- Red or swollen gums
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Tender or sensitive gums
- Gums that appear to pull away from the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way your teeth fit together
- Receding gums
- Increased spaces between teeth
Some people may have periodontal disease without significant discomfort. Regular dental examinations are therefore important for monitoring your gum health.
Scaling and Root Planing vs. Regular Dental Cleaning
A routine dental cleaning is an important part of preventive dental care and is generally intended to remove plaque and tartar from accessible tooth surfaces.
Scaling and root planing is different because it is used when periodontal disease requires cleaning below the gumline and along affected root surfaces.
The appropriate type of cleaning depends on your oral health, gum condition, and individual treatment needs.
What Happens During Scaling and Root Planing?
Your dentist will first evaluate your teeth and gums to determine the extent of periodontal disease and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Depending on your needs, scaling and root planing may be completed in sections of the mouth over multiple appointments. Oak Park Dental Group notes that treatment may be divided into several visits, with different areas of the mouth treated during each appointment.
During treatment, your dental team will:
- Examine your gums and teeth.
- Identify areas affected by plaque and tartar.
- Remove deposits from the tooth surfaces.
- Clean below the gumline.
- Clean and smooth the root surfaces.
- Provide instructions for maintaining your gum health at home.
- Determine whether additional periodontal care or follow-up is necessary.
Is Scaling and Root Planing Painful?
Patients can have different experiences during periodontal treatment. Oak Park Dental Group states that many scaling and root planing treatments can be completed comfortably without an anesthetic, while anesthetic and other comfort options may be available when appropriate.
Your dentist can discuss comfort options with you before treatment and explain what you can expect during your appointment.
How Many Appointments Are Needed?
The number of appointments depends on the condition of your gums and how much treatment is required.
For some patients, treatment may be completed during one visit. In other cases, the mouth may be divided into sections and treated over multiple appointments.
Your dentist will recommend a schedule based on your individual periodontal condition.
What Can I Expect After Treatment?
Your gums may feel different after a deep cleaning, particularly if there was significant inflammation or buildup before treatment.
Follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dental team. Maintaining good oral hygiene at home is important for protecting the results of periodontal treatment.
Contact your dental office if you experience unusual or persistent symptoms after treatment.
Maintaining Healthy Gums After Scaling and Root Planing
Professional periodontal treatment is only one part of maintaining healthy gums. Daily oral hygiene and regular dental appointments are also important.
You can help protect your gums by:
- Brushing your teeth twice each day.
- Cleaning between your teeth every day.
- Following your dentist’s recommended cleaning schedule.
- Limiting frequent sugary foods and drinks.
- Avoiding tobacco products.
- Keeping regular dental examinations.
- Following any periodontal maintenance recommendations from your dental team.
Regular preventive appointments can also help identify changes in your gum health before they become more extensive. The practice recommends routine dental examinations and cleanings as part of ongoing preventive care.
Can Scaling and Root Planing Prevent Tooth Loss?
Periodontal disease can affect the tissues and structures that support your teeth. Treating gum disease and maintaining good oral hygiene can help manage periodontal problems and protect your oral health.
Scaling and root planing is one treatment that may be recommended when gum disease requires cleaning below the gumline. Your dentist can determine whether additional periodontal treatment or maintenance is needed based on your individual condition.
When Should I See a Dentist for Gum Problems?
Schedule a dental examination if you notice persistent bleeding when brushing or flossing, swollen or tender gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, or other changes in your oral health.
Early evaluation can help your dentist identify the cause of the problem and determine whether preventive care, professional cleaning, scaling and root planing, or another treatment is appropriate.
Scaling & Root Planing in Lenexa, KS
Oak Park Dental Group provides general, preventive, restorative, and periodontal dental care in Lenexa, Kansas.
If you have symptoms of gum disease or have been told that you need a deep dental cleaning, our dental team can evaluate your oral health and discuss appropriate treatment options.
Call 913-492-9660 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rebecca Kisling or Dr. Mark Jensen and learn more about scaling and root planing in Lenexa, KS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical periodontal treatment that removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and cleans affected root surfaces below the gumline.
Is scaling and root planing the same as a regular cleaning?
No. A routine cleaning is generally preventive, while scaling and root planing is used when periodontal disease requires more extensive cleaning, including below the gumline.
How do I know if I need a deep cleaning?
Your dentist determines whether scaling and root planing is appropriate by evaluating your teeth and gums and assessing signs of periodontal disease.
Can gum disease occur without pain?
Yes. Gum disease may not always cause noticeable pain, particularly in its earlier stages. Regular dental examinations can help identify changes in gum health.
How long does scaling and root planing take?
Treatment time varies depending on the extent of periodontal disease and the number of areas requiring treatment. Some patients may need multiple appointments.
Will I need additional treatment after scaling and root planing?
Some patients may require ongoing periodontal maintenance or additional treatment depending on the severity of their gum disease and their response to treatment.
How can I prevent gum disease?
Brush twice daily, clean between your teeth every day, maintain regular dental visits, and follow your dentist’s recommendations for preventive and periodontal care.