Gum disease is one of the most common dental conditions— and one of the most undertreated, largely because its early stages are easy to overlook. Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure designed to address it directly, cleaning beneath the gumline where a standard cleaning cannot— and giving your gums the best opportunity to heal.
What It Is and Why It Matters
When plaque and tartar accumulate below the gumline, they create an environment where bacteria thrive, causing inflammation, gum tissue damage, and over time, bone loss. Scaling and root planing removes that buildup and smooths the root surfaces of the teeth— reducing the bacteria that drive the disease and allowing the gum tissue to respond.
Scaling
Removes plaque and tartar deposits from the tooth surfaces above and below the gumline using specialized instruments.
Root Planing
Smooths the root surfaces to remove remaining bacteria and create a cleaner surface for the gum tissue to reattach to.
What to Expect
Local anesthesia is used to ensure you're comfortable throughout. Depending on the extent of the condition, treatment may be completed in one visit or divided into multiple appointments. Follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your healing and response to treatment.
Concerned about your gum health? Call 434-218-4765 or book your appointment online— we'll evaluate where things stand and walk you through your options.