SCALING AND ROOT PLANING
Everything you need to know about scaling and root planing at Arora Dental
Everything you need to know about scaling and root planing at Arora Dental
What is it?
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Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical, deep-cleaning procedure used to treat periodontal (gum) disease. It involves removing plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from beneath the gum line and smoothing the tooth roots to promote healing. After your Scaling and Root Planing procedure you will be seen for more frequent cleanings, typically 3-4x per year instead of 2x per year, to help stop the loss of bone.
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This procedure is indicated for patients with gum disease, particularly when periodontal pockets have formed, or when signs of early periodontitis, such as gum inflammation, bleeding, or bone loss, are present.
What to expect
Pre-operative instructions
Continue your usual oral hygiene routine to keep the area clean. Scaling and root planing usually require local anesthesia, so eat beforehand to avoid light-headedness or adverse reactions.
During the procedure
Local anesthesia numbs the gums for comfort. Scaling and root planing is often done in 1-2 quadrants per visit. Plaque and tartar are removed, and root planing helps gums reattach and reduce future buildup
Post-operative instructions
After scaling and root planing, anesthesia lasts 4-6 hours. Be careful when eating to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. Avoid spicy or sharp foods for 24 hours, and resume gentle brushing and flossing.
After your visit
Expect mild soreness, swelling, or slight bleeding, which should resolve in a few days. Ibuprofen can help if needed. With proper care, gum health improves and periodontal pockets may decrease.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning treatment we recommend when there's buildup below the gumline. It helps treat early gum disease (also called gingivitis or periodontitis) and prevents more serious issues down the road. At Arora Dental, we use gentle techniques and modern tools to make the experience as easy and effective as possible.
During the procedure, you won't feel pain because we use local anesthesia to numb your gums completely. You may feel some pressure or vibration, but no pain. After the procedure, you may experience mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days, which is normal and typically resolves quickly with proper care.
Yes, most dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing as a periodontal treatment. Coverage typically ranges from 50-80% after your deductible, depending on your plan. We're in-network with most major insurance providers and can help you understand your coverage before treatment. Contact us to verify your insurance benefits.
A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above the gumline, while scaling and root planing is a deeper procedure that cleans below the gumline. It's specifically designed to treat gum disease by removing bacteria from periodontal pockets and smoothing the tooth roots to help gums reattach. This procedure is more thorough and may require local anesthesia.
You may need scaling and root planing if you have signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, inflammation, periodontal pockets, or early signs of bone loss. This treatment helps stop the progression of gum disease and can prevent more serious dental problems in the future. After treatment, you'll typically need more frequent cleanings (3-4 times per year) to maintain your gum health.