Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Scaling & Root Planning

Simply put, a dental scaling and root planing procedure is a deep oral cleaning for patients suffering from gum inflammation due to plaque buildup and gum disease. Even with regular brushing and flossing and regular dental check-ups, some people can be more prone to periodontal disease than others.

The sticky, bacteria-filled plaque that causes gum disease tends to accumulate in the area along and just below the gumline. If you have gums that are slightly receded from your teeth, you may be at increased risk for gum disease and your dentist may recommend scaling. Scaling is non-surgical, but it is a different type of procedure from a standard dental cleaning because it involves cleaning the areas of the tooth below the gum line.

A deep cleaning is a more thorough version of a regular dental cleaning. Every patient’s level of comfort and sensitivity is different, and local anesthesia is available for patients with especially sensitive or highly inflamed gums.

Be sure that your dental professional knows your total health history before he or she performs a scaling and root planing procedure. The procedure can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, so precautions may need to be taken to treat gum disease in people who are at increased risk for infections, such as those with heart problems, liver disease or a compromised immune system due to an illness, such as HIV.

Depending on the level of buildup and inflammation to the gums, a deep cleaning at Seaside Dental can typically take between two to four.