Scaling and Root Planing

At South Dayton Smiles, our top priority is to take care of your oral health. There are situations where you may have severe infections impacting your gums and roots. If that is the case, we may recommend scaling and root planing. This is important for protecting your native tooth and avoiding a potential extraction.

Whenever a procedure involves the roots, we understand that patients get nervous. We will clearly explain the procedure to you, and we have a variety of sedation options to keep you comfortable.

Why Treating Gum Disease Early Is Important

Gum disease often starts as a mild problem but can quickly become more serious. It begins with a film of bacteria along the gum line. Over time, this buildup can harden into tartar, leading to inflammation in your gums.

If untreated, gum disease can develop into periodontal disease. This can cause damage to your gum tissue, create periodontal pockets, and increase your risk of tooth loss. In more advanced cases, such as chronic periodontitis or severe periodontitis, deeper infection can affect the teeth roots and surrounding structures.

Treating gum disease early is the first step toward protecting your oral health and avoiding more complex dental procedures later.

How Do I Know if I Need Root Scaling and Planing?

Even though you brush and floss your teeth regularly, plaque can still build up on the surfaces of the teeth. If plaque builds up along the gumline, your soft tissue can become inflamed. If this happens, your gums can pull away from your teeth, providing extra space for bacteria to get in between your teeth and your gums, forming pockets.

If this disease progresses unchecked, it could lead to tooth loss. Some of the signs that you may need root scaling and planing include:

• Your gums bleed easily when you brush and floss.
• Your gums appear to be a bit discolored.
• Your gums are swollen and inflamed.
• You are very sensitive to hot and cold liquids. 

If you experience these issues, we can assist you.

How Do Root Scaling and Planing Work?

This procedure is designed to deep clean your gums and associated root structure. Root scaling takes place when the dentist removes all the tartar and plaque around the gum line. The goal is to clean all the way down to the bottom of the pocket.

Then, root planing will begin. The dentist will use the latest tools and techniques to smooth out the entirety of the root structure to reattach the tooth to the gums. It is possible for this procedure to require more than one visit. A local anesthetic can be given to make you more comfortable.

During this deep cleaning procedure, we may use ultrasonic instruments to remove bacteria and calculus from below the gum line. Root planing helps smooth rough spots on the root surfaces, reducing bacterial growth and helping your gums reattach to the teeth roots.

In some cases, local anesthesia may be used to ensure your comfort throughout the dental scaling process.

Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing offers several important benefits for your oral health and overall health.

• Helps remove bacteria and calculus from below the gum line
• Reduces inflammation in your gums
• Supports healing of gum tissue
• Lowers the risk of tooth loss
• Helps prevent advanced gum disease and severe gum disease
• Reduces pocket depth and improves gum attachment
• Supports better oral hygiene and long-term oral health

Many patients notice improvement in their gums and reduced symptoms of gum disease after treatment.

What Is the Recovery Process Like?

Once the procedure is done, you may have discomfort for a day or two. Your teeth might also be sensitive to food and liquids for approximately a week. You might also notice that your gums bleed from time to time.

You may need to take over-the-counter medications to alleviate inflammation and swelling. If you need more powerful pain medications, you should talk to your dentist. Your dentist may also insert medication underneath the gum line to prevent infection from developing.

You will need a follow-up visit to make sure your gums are healing well. Once this procedure is done, your gums and roots should be healthy again.

During the healing process, we may recommend soft foods, warm salt water rinses, or an antibacterial mouthwash to support recovery. Avoid very cold foods if you experience teeth sensitivity, and follow all aftercare instructions carefully.

Who May Be a Candidate for This Treatment

You may benefit from scaling and root planing if you have:

• Signs of gum disease such as bleeding or swollen gums
• Periodontal pockets or large pockets around your teeth
• Gum recession or exposed tooth roots
• Chronic periodontitis or advanced gum disease
• Difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene despite regular brushing

Our team will evaluate your pocket depth, gum condition, and overall oral health to determine if this deep cleaning procedure is right for you.

Caring for Your Gums After Treatment

After your procedure, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to protect your results.

Helpful steps include:

• Practice regular brushing and flossing daily
• Use a recommended mouth rinse or antibacterial mouthwash
• Maintain a balanced diet to support healing
• Attend regular dental visits for monitoring
• Follow your personalized treatment plan

Proper dental care after treatment can help prevent future oral health issues and reduce the risk of gum disease returning.

Understanding Cost and Insurance

The cost of scaling and root planing can vary depending on the severity of gum disease and the number of treated areas. Many insurance plans provide partial coverage for periodontal scaling and root planing. Four Quadrant Scaling and Root Planing with two fluoride treatments starts at $1,594.

Our team can help review your insurance plans and discuss payment options so you can feel confident moving forward with care.

Scaling and Root Planing FAQ

How long does it take to heal after treatment?

The healing process typically takes a few days to a week. Your gums may feel tender at first, and you may notice some sensitivity. Following aftercare instructions, including good oral hygiene and avoiding certain foods, can help speed up recovery.

Can scaling and root planing prevent tooth loss?

Yes, this treatment is designed to stop the progression of gum disease and reduce the risk of tooth loss. By removing harmful bacteria and supporting gum healing, it helps stabilize your teeth and protect your oral health.

How do I know if I need this treatment?

If you have symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, swelling, or deep pockets around your teeth, you may need scaling and root planing. A dental exam will help determine the severity of the condition and the best treatment plan.

How much does scaling and root planing cost? 

The cost of scaling and root planing can vary depending on the severity of gum disease, the number of areas being treated, and your individual treatment needs. At our practice, four-quadrant scaling and root planing with two fluoride treatments start at $1,594.

How long does scaling and root planing take?

The length of your visit depends on how many areas need treatment and the severity of gum disease. Many patients complete treatment in one or two appointments, while others may need multiple visits. Your dentist will explain the timeline so you know what to expect.

Will I need additional treatment after scaling and root planing?

In some cases, additional care may be recommended depending on how your gums respond. This could include periodontal maintenance visits, further monitoring of pocket depth, or treatment for advanced gum disease. Your dentist will evaluate your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Request an Appointment Today

Dr. Michele Botti and Dr. Jeri Scranton take a patient-centered approach, making sure you understand your treatment options and feel comfortable every step of the way. Our goal is to help you restore your gums, reduce your risk of tooth loss, and maintain long-term oral health.

If you are concerned about your gums or root structure, call South Dayton Smiles today to make an appointment at (937) 433-5133. We will do everything we can to keep you comfortable during this procedure and get you on the road to optimal oral health.