Scaling & Root Planing
A thorough periodontal cleaning designed to remove plaque and tartar buildup from above and below the gumline, helping control gum disease and protect your teeth and gums.
Professional Periodontal Care for Healthier Gums
Scaling & Root Planing Designed Around Your Gum Health
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical periodontal treatment designed to clean areas affected by gum disease. It removes hardened tartar and bacterial buildup from around and beneath the gumline while smoothing the tooth roots to support healthier gums.
At Maxwell Dental, every scaling and root planing treatment begins with a careful evaluation of your gums and teeth. We assess the depth of gum pockets, areas of inflammation, and the overall condition of your periodontal health before creating a treatment plan suited to your needs.
What Can Scaling & Root Planing Improve?
Plaque & Tartar Buildup
Professional scaling removes hardened tartar and plaque that regular brushing and flossing cannot effectively remove.
Gum Inflammation
Cleaning beneath the gumline helps remove bacteria and irritants that contribute to redness, swelling, tenderness, and bleeding.
Deep Gum Pockets
Scaling and root planing can clean bacteria and buildup from deeper areas around the teeth where gum disease has developed.
Bleeding Gums
Removing plaque, tartar, and bacterial buildup can help reduce the irritation that contributes to bleeding during brushing or flossing.
Root Surface Buildup
Root planing smooths contaminated root surfaces, helping remove deposits and creating a cleaner surface for the gums to heal around the teeth.
Progression of Gum Disease
When recommended as part of periodontal care, deep cleaning can help control bacterial buildup and support healthier gums.
Why Choose Personalized Scaling & Root Planing?
Every patient's periodontal condition is different. That's why scaling and root planing should be carefully planned according to the health of your gums, the depth of periodontal pockets, and the amount of buildup present.
- Thoroughly remove plaque and tartar from affected areas
- Clean below the gumline where regular cleaning cannot reach
- Address bacterial buildup around the teeth
- Smooth affected tooth root surfaces
- Help reduce gum inflammation and irritation
- Support healthier gum tissue and ongoing periodontal care
What Happens During Scaling & Root Planing?
01
Comprehensive Gum Evaluation
We examine your gums, teeth, and supporting tissues to identify signs of gum disease and determine which areas may require periodontal treatment.
02
Personalized Treatment Planning
Based on your examination, we create a treatment plan that identifies the areas requiring deep cleaning and determines the most appropriate approach for your gum health.
03
Scaling Above & Below the Gumline
Specialized dental instruments are used to carefully remove plaque, tartar, and bacterial deposits from the tooth surfaces, including areas below the gumline.
04
Follow-Up & Periodontal Care
After treatment, we evaluate your gum health and provide personalized recommendations for home care, maintenance, and future periodontal visits when needed.
05
Root Planing
The affected root surfaces are carefully cleaned and smoothed to remove remaining deposits and create a cleaner environment around the teeth.
Give Your Gums a Deeper Clean. Protect Your Smile.
Healthy gums need more than routine brushing when gum disease has caused buildup below the gumline. Scaling and root planing provides a deeper level of professional cleaning designed to help manage periodontal health.
- Professional deep gum cleaning
- Plaque and tartar removal
- Cleaning below the gumline
- Root surface cleaning and smoothing
- Personalized periodontal treatment planning
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 above and below the gumline. Root planing also smooths affected tooth root surfaces to support healthier gum tissue.
Why might I need scaling and root planing?
It may be recommended when plaque and tartar have accumulated below the gumline or when signs of periodontal disease, such as inflammation or deeper gum pockets, are present.
Is scaling and root planing different from a regular dental cleaning?
Yes. A routine cleaning generally focuses on maintaining healthy teeth and gums, while scaling and root planing is a deeper periodontal treatment designed to clean areas affected by gum disease, including below the gumline.
Will scaling and root planing hurt?
Your comfort is an important part of treatment. Depending on the extent and location of the cleaning, local anesthesia may be used to help keep you comfortable during the procedure.
How long does scaling and root planing take?
Treatment time varies depending on the number of areas requiring cleaning and the condition of your gums. Your dentist will explain your treatment plan and expected appointment time after your periodontal evaluation.