Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning treatment that targets gum disease by removing plaque and bacteria below the gumline. At Miami Sedation & Cosmetic Dentistry, we use this precise approach to help you stop infection, reduce inflammation, and protect the foundation of your teeth for long-term oral health and stability.
Eliminate Bacteria and Stabilize Your Gums
Scaling and root planing is recommended when gum disease progresses beyond gingivitis and begins affecting the structures supporting your teeth. As plaque hardens into tartar below the gumline, bacteria trigger inflammation, deep pockets, and early bone loss, making routine cleanings no longer effective for controlling infection.
This treatment is a non-surgical deep cleaning that targets those areas beneath the gums. Scaling removes hardened deposits and bacteria from tooth surfaces and periodontal pockets, while root planing smooths the root surfaces to discourage further buildup. This allows the gums to reattach securely, reduces pocket depth, and creates a healthier environment for healing.
Reasons to Consider Scaling & Root Planing:
- Treat moderate to advanced gum disease
- Remove plaque and tartar below the gumline
- Reduce gum inflammation and bleeding
- Eliminate harmful bacteria in deep pockets
- Prevent progression of periodontal disease
- Support reattachment of gum tissue to teeth
- Protect the underlying bone from further loss
- Improve overall oral health and stability
BEFORE & AFTER
Scaling & Root Planing
Actual Patient. Individual results may vary from patient to patient.
Your Complete Scaling & Root Planing Experience
Your treatment begins with detailed periodontal charting, during which our dentists measure the depth of the gum pockets around each tooth in millimeters and identify areas of attachment loss. We numb the gums with a local anesthetic, then use ultrasonic scalers that vibrate at high frequencies, along with hand instruments, to break up and remove calculus and bacterial biofilm below the gumline.
Next, our dentists perform root planing by smoothing the root surfaces to remove microscopic toxins and rough spots where bacteria cling. This helps the gum tissue reattach more closely to the tooth. Treatment is often completed in sections for precision. Afterward, we guide you on rinses, hygiene techniques, and healing expectations to stabilize your gum health.
FAQs
Is Scaling and Root Planing Painful?
This treatment is typically well managed under local anesthesia. Your gums are fully numbed before we begin, so you should only feel pressure or vibration. For added comfort, IV sedation may also be available to help you feel deeply relaxed. Afterward, you might experience mild soreness or sensitivity for a few days, especially when eating or brushing, but not pain.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
Scaling and root planing is usually completed over one to four visits, depending on how many areas of your mouth need treatment. Instead of treating your entire mouth at once, it’s often done in sections (quadrants) to ensure comfort. Each appointment may take about 60 to 90 minutes, allowing for thorough cleaning beneath the gumline.
How Will You Know if I Need It?
You will need scaling and root planing if there are signs of periodontal disease beyond early gingivitis. This includes gum pockets deeper than 4 millimeters, bleeding gums, gum recession, or evidence of bone loss on digital X-rays. A detailed periodontal exam helps determine the severity and whether this treatment is the most appropriate next step.
What Should I Expect After Treatment?
Your gums may feel tender, slightly swollen, or more sensitive to hot and cold. You may also notice minor bleeding at first when brushing. As your gums heal, inflammation should decrease, and the tissue will begin to tighten around your teeth.
Why Choose Miami Sedation & Cosmetic Dentistry for Scaling & Root Planing?
Miami Sedation & Cosmetic Dentistry is committed to helping you treat gum disease comfortably with a patient-first approach. Our dentists use advanced technology and precise techniques to thoroughly clean and restore your gum health. We also offer IV sedation, allowing you to stay relaxed while receiving the care you need. If you’re noticing signs of gum disease, schedule your consultation for scaling & root planing in Miami today.
