Healthy gums are essential for maintaining strong teeth. When plaque and calculus accumulate below the gum line, they can cause inflammation and infection, leading to gum disease. If left untreated, gum disease may result in gum recession, bone loss, loose teeth and eventually tooth loss.
Scaling and root planing, commonly called deep cleaning, is a non-surgical periodontal treatment that removes plaque, calculus and bacterial deposits from below the gum line.
What is Root Planing?
Root planing involves carefully cleaning and smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth. This removes bacterial deposits and contaminated root-surface material, creating a cleaner surface that allows the gums to heal and adapt more closely around the teeth.
Root planing is usually performed together with scaling:
- Scaling removes plaque and calculus from above and below the gum line.
- Root planing cleans and smooths the tooth roots beneath the gums.
When is Scaling and Root Planing Recommended?
The treatment may be recommended for patients with:
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession
- Deep periodontal pockets
- Calculus below the gum line
- Early bone loss around the teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Gingivitis that has progressed to periodontitis
A periodontal examination, pocket-depth measurement and appropriate dental imaging help determine whether treatment is required.
How is the Procedure Performed?
Scaling and root planing generally involve the following steps:
- Periodontal assessment: The gums, pocket depths, tooth mobility and bone support are evaluated.
- Local anaesthesia: The treatment area may be numbed to keep the patient comfortable.
- Deep scaling: Special instruments and ultrasonic devices are used to remove plaque and calculus from above and below the gum line.
- Root planing: The root surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and smoothed.
- Irrigation or medication: In selected cases, an antimicrobial agent may be placed within deep periodontal pockets.
- Follow-up evaluation: After healing, the dentist reassesses the gums and measures the periodontal pockets.
Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may be completed in one appointment or divided into multiple visits.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
The treatment may help to:
- Control the progression of gum disease
- Reduce harmful bacteria beneath the gums
- Decrease gum inflammation and bleeding
- Reduce periodontal pocket depth
- Improve gum adaptation around the teeth
- Reduce persistent bad breath
- Protect the supporting bone
- Improve the stability of affected teeth
- Reduce the need for periodontal surgery in some cases
- Preserve natural teeth for longer
Is Root Planing Painful?
Local anaesthesia may be used to minimise discomfort during treatment. After the procedure, some patients may experience mild soreness, gum tenderness or temporary tooth sensitivity. These symptoms usually decrease as healing progresses.
What Can You Expect After Treatment?
After scaling and root planing, patients may be advised to:
- Brush gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Clean between the teeth as instructed
- Use a prescribed mouthwash, if recommended
- Take medicines as directed
- Avoid very hot, cold, spicy or hard foods temporarily
- Avoid smoking and other tobacco products
- Attend the scheduled review appointment
- Continue regular periodontal maintenance visits
How Long Does Healing Take?
Initial healing generally occurs over the following days or weeks. As inflammation reduces, the gums may become firmer and bleeding may decrease.
Some gum recession or temporary sensitivity may become noticeable after treatment because the swelling has reduced and previously covered root surfaces may become exposed.
Will Further Treatment Be Required?
Scaling and root planing is often the first treatment for periodontitis. The response is evaluated after an appropriate healing period. If deep periodontal pockets or active infection remain, additional treatment may be required, such as:
- Further deep cleaning
- Local antimicrobial therapy
- Periodontal flap surgery
- Regenerative periodontal procedures
- Regular supportive periodontal therapy
Protect Your Gums and Preserve Your Smile
Scaling and root planing can help control gum disease before it causes further damage to the gums and supporting bone. However, long-term success depends on proper oral hygiene, avoiding tobacco and attending regular periodontal maintenance appointments.
If you experience bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession or loose teeth, arrange a periodontal consultation for a complete evaluation.