Scaling & Root Planing
Scaling & Root Planing
A deep cleaning that goes below the gumline — clearing out plaque and tartar a standard cleaning can't reach, then smoothing the tooth root so gums have a chance to reattach and heal.
Open Mon–Fri · 9AM–1PM & 2–6PM
What it is
Scaling and root planing is a two-part deep cleaning used when plaque and tartar have built up below the gumline, which a routine cleaning doesn't reach. Scaling removes that buildup from the tooth surface and root; root planing smooths the root surface itself, removing rough spots where bacteria tend to collect and making it easier for the gum to reattach snugly to the tooth. It's typically recommended once gum disease has progressed past the earliest stage.
What to expect
- 1Numbing
The area is numbed with local anesthesia, since this reaches deeper than a routine cleaning. - 2Scaling
Plaque and tartar are carefully removed from below the gumline, along the tooth and root surface. - 3Root planing
The root surface is smoothed so gum tissue can reattach more easily and bacteria have less to grip onto. - 4Healing check
A follow-up visit checks how well the gums have healed and whether further treatment is needed.