Restore Gum Health with Gentle Scaling & Root Planing
Healthy gums are the foundation of a strong, beautiful smile. At Floss & Gloss Dental, our periodontal scaling and root planing treatment helps stop gum disease in its tracks, removing deep-seated plaque and bacteria to protect your teeth and restore your oral health naturally.
What Is Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing?
Periodontal scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease, also known as deep cleaning. When plaque and tartar build up below the gumline, bacteria begin to infect and damage the supporting tissues around the teeth. Over time, this can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss if left untreated.
This treatment involves two essential steps: scaling, which removes hardened plaque (tartar) from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gums, and root planing, which smooths the root surfaces to help the gums reattach and heal properly. The goal is to stop the infection, allow your gums to recover, and prevent further damage — without the need for surgery.
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Why Scaling & Root Planing Matters?
Gum disease often develops silently — you might not notice bleeding gums or mild inflammation until it has already progressed. Scaling and root planing helps stop the progression of periodontal disease, restore gum attachment, and reduce inflammation before it leads to tooth loss or bone damage.
The treatment also has broader health benefits. Research links gum disease to systemic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. By addressing gum infections early, you’re not only improving your oral health but also protecting your overall well-being.
The Deep Cleaning Process
Scaling and root planing is a straightforward, effective process that can dramatically improve gum health and stop infection before it worsens. Here’s what you can expect at Floss & Gloss Dental.
Evaluation & Diagnosis
Your dentist performs a comprehensive gum exam and may take digital X-rays to assess bone levels and the extent of infection. This helps identify areas requiring deep cleaning.
Local Anesthesia for Comfort
A mild local anesthetic is applied to numb the treated area, ensuring complete comfort throughout the procedure. You’ll remain relaxed while we work below the gumline.
Scaling to Remove Buildup
Using ultrasonic and hand instruments, plaque and tartar are carefully removed from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gums. This eliminates the bacterial colonies causing inflammation.
Root Planing for Smooth Healing
The tooth roots are smoothed to remove rough spots where bacteria could cling. This encourages the gums to reattach tightly, reducing pocket depth and allowing natural healing.
Care You Deserve,
Payments You Can Manage
Everyone deserves a healthy, confident smile — and we make it affordable. Floss & Gloss Dental accepts major insurance plans and offers flexible financing options through CareCredit and other partners. Our team will help you find a payment plan that fits your budget so you never have to delay the care you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Deep cleaning can sound intimidating, but it’s a simple, highly effective procedure that prevents serious oral health issues. Here’s what patients at Floss & Gloss Dental often ask us.
Is scaling and root planing painful?
Not at all. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you’ll feel no pain during treatment. Some mild tenderness or sensitivity may occur afterward, but it usually subsides within a few days.
How do I know if I need this treatment?
If you have persistent bad breath, bleeding gums, or your dentist notices deep periodontal pockets, you likely need scaling and root planing. Regular dental exams help catch these signs early before damage occurs.
How long does the procedure take?
Depending on the severity of gum disease, treatment may be completed in one or two visits. Each session generally lasts between 45 minutes to an hour per quadrant of your mouth.
What happens after the treatment?
You’ll receive post-care instructions to aid healing, including maintaining excellent oral hygiene and possibly using a prescribed antibacterial rinse. Follow-up visits may be scheduled to monitor your gum recovery.
Can gum disease return after treatment?
It can if oral hygiene lapses. Brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings every 3–4 months are essential to keep bacteria under control and maintain long-term gum health.