Signs You May Need a Deep Cleaning
Gum disease can develop slowly, and many people have no pain until it is advanced. Regular exams, including measurements of the gum pockets, help us find problems early. A deep cleaning may be recommended if you notice or we find any of the following.
- Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
- Pockets deeper than normal around your teeth
- Calculus, also called tartar, below the gumline
- Gums that are starting to pull away from the teeth
- Gum problems that do not improve after a routine cleaning
If you have severe pain, swelling, or a fever, please see our emergency dentistry page for guidance.
How Scaling and Root Planing Works
The treatment has two parts, and each one has a specific purpose. Together, they remove the cause of the infection and create a surface where the gums can heal. Here is how they work.
- Scaling. We use specialized instruments to remove plaque and calculus from your teeth, including the areas beneath the gumline where bacteria collect and inflame the tissue.
- Root planing. We smooth the surfaces of the tooth roots, which removes rough spots where bacteria like to cling and helps the gums reattach to a cleaner surface.
Because the work reaches below the gums, it is more thorough than a routine cleaning, which focuses on the visible surfaces of the teeth and the area just under the gumline.
What Happens During a Deep Cleaning, Step by Step
Treatment is straightforward, and we move at a pace that keeps you comfortable. Knowing what to expect can help you feel at ease. Here is how your treatment will go.
01
Periodontal Evaluation
We examine your teeth and gums, measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth, and take digital X-rays to look at your bone.
02
Diagnosis and Plan
We explain what we found and why a deep cleaning is recommended, and we outline how many visits you will need and what it will cost.
03
Numbing for Comfort
When needed, we use local anesthetic to numb the area, so you feel pressure but not pain.
04
Scaling Below the Gumline
Specialized instruments remove plaque and calculus from beneath the gums and from the tooth surfaces.
05
Root Planing and Targeted Treatment
We smooth the root surfaces so the gums can reattach. In some cases, a locally applied antibiotic is placed in the deepest pockets.
06
Aftercare and Follow Up
We review how to care for your mouth, schedule a follow up visit to check how your gums are healing, and set a maintenance plan.
Added Support with ARESTIN®
For pockets that are deeper or more stubborn, we may recommend adding ARESTIN® at the time of treatment. ARESTIN® is a locally applied antibiotic that is placed directly into the infected periodontal pocket, where it releases medication over time. It does not require local anesthesia, adhesive, or a dressing, and it does not need to be removed. Learn more about it on our periodontal treatment page.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is designed for patients with gum disease, rather than healthy mouths. An exam, X-rays, and measurements of your gum pockets tell us whether you need it. You may be a candidate if any of these situations apply.
- You have been told you have gingivitis that has progressed or early to moderate periodontitis
- You have deep pockets, bleeding, or buildup below the gumline
- You have gum problems that have not improved with regular cleanings
- You have had gum disease before and it has returned
- You have risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, or a family history of gum disease
If you have healthy gums, a routine cleaning and exam is the right choice. If your disease is more advanced, we may recommend additional treatment, which we explain on our periodontal treatment page.
Stop Gum Disease in Its Tracks
Gum disease rarely goes away on its own, and the sooner it is treated, the simpler and more comfortable treatment tends to be. A deep cleaning can protect your teeth, calm your gums, and give you a healthier foundation for years to come. Our team at Godfrey Dentistry in Somersworth, NH is ready to evaluate your gums and explain your options. Schedule your visit today.
Book Your Gum EvaluationFrequently Asked Questions About Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non surgical deep cleaning used to treat gum disease. During scaling, specialized instruments remove plaque and calculus from beneath the gums. During root planing, the root surfaces are smoothed so the gums can heal and reattach to a cleaner surface. It is often the first step in treating gum disease and can help many patients avoid surgery.
A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of your teeth and just below the gumline, and it is meant for healthy mouths. Scaling and root planing goes deeper, below the gums and along the roots, to treat an active infection. It may take more than one visit and often uses local anesthetic. Our team will tell you which one you need after measuring your gum pockets.
Most patients are comfortable during treatment. We numb the area with local anesthetic when needed, so you should feel pressure but not pain. Afterward, your gums may feel tender and your teeth may be sensitive for a few days. This usually improves quickly with gentle care and the instructions our team gives you.
The number of visits depends on how much of your mouth needs treatment and how deep your pockets are. Many patients are treated in more than one visit, often treating one side or one section of the mouth at a time. This keeps each visit comfortable. Our team will outline your schedule when we make your treatment plan.
You can usually return to your regular activities right away. Your gums may be tender, and you may notice some bleeding or sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days. Eating soft foods, brushing gently, and rinsing with warm salt water as directed can help. Call us if pain, swelling, or bleeding is more than you expected.
Scaling and root planing can stop the infection and help your gums heal, but gum disease is a chronic condition that needs ongoing care. The bacteria can return if plaque builds up again, so home care and regular maintenance visits are essential. For many patients, this treatment brings their gum disease under control. If some pockets do not respond, we may recommend additional treatment.
Many patients move to a periodontal maintenance program after treatment, which includes an oral exam and a cleaning. We recommend a schedule based on how quickly you develop calculus and your past and current periodontal health, and many patients come every three to four months. Keeping these visits helps prevent gum disease from coming back.
Many dental plans cover scaling and root planing, often at a different level than a routine cleaning, though coverage levels, waiting periods, and annual maximums vary. We accept all dental insurance plans except Medicaid and are in network with Delta Dental Premier, and we offer financing through Sunbit. Our team will verify your benefits and explain your costs before treatment begins. You can learn more on our Insurance and Financing page.
