Quick Highlights

• Deep cleaning below the gum line to remove plaque and calculus
• Smooths tooth roots to help gums reattach and heal
• Effective for gingivitis through moderate periodontitis
• Gentle, comfortable treatment with local anesthesia
• Often combined with advanced therapies (PRF, LANAP) for enhanced results
• Prevents gum recession, bone loss, and future surgery

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a deep dental cleaning that treats gum disease by removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smoothing the tooth roots.

This non-surgical procedure helps reduce gum inflammation, stops infection from spreading, and encourages the gums to heal and reattach to the teeth.

Scaling and root planing is often the first step in reversing early to moderate periodontal disease, helping many patients avoid more invasive surgery later.

When Is Scaling and Root Planing Needed?

Scaling and root planing is needed when gum pockets are 4 mm or deeper and regular cleanings can’t reach harmful buildup. It’s a key treatment for preventing gum disease from causing permanent damage.

You may need this deep cleaning if:

• You have gingivitis or early signs of periodontal disease
• You’ve been diagnosed with moderate to severe periodontitis, where bacteria begin breaking down bone and gum tissue
• You notice persistent plaque, tartar, or gum inflammation even with daily brushing and flossing

What Happens During the Procedure?

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning performed under the gums to treat periodontal disease. It’s typically done in one or two visits, depending on severity.

Here’s what to expect step-by-step:

1. Exam and Diagnosis

We start by examining your gums and taking X-rays. This includes:

• Measuring pocket depth (4 mm or deeper indicates concern)
• Evaluating bone loss, gum health, and tooth mobility

This step helps determine the number of areas that need treatment.

2. Scaling: Removing Plaque and Tartar

We use ultrasonic scalers and hand tools to gently remove:

• Plaque, tartar, and bacteria beneath the gumline
• Buildup in deep gum pockets that regular cleanings can’t reach

This reduces the source of inflammation and infection.

3. Root Planing: Smoothing Tooth Roots

Next, we smooth the root surfaces to:

• Make it harder for bacteria to return
• Encourage gum tissue to heal and reattach to teeth
• Reduce pocket depth and stabilize your teeth

4. Antibacterial Therapy (If Needed)

For moderate to advanced cases, we may apply:

• Antibacterial rinses or
• Localized antibiotics, such as Arestin®, directly into pockets

These help speed healing and reduce future infection.

5. Home Care and Maintenance

After your visit, we’ll give you tips to heal faster, including:

• Using a soft toothbrush and avoiding hard foods
• Returning for regular maintenance cleanings every 3–4 months 

Consistent home care helps prevent disease from returning.

Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing help stop gum disease and protect your oral and overall health. It’s one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for reversing early-stage periodontal problems.

Here are the key benefits:

• Reduces gum inflammation and bleeding by removing the bacteria that cause infection
• Stops harmful bacteria from spreading to the bone, bloodstream, and other areas of the body
• Slows or reverses bone loss, helping preserve natural teeth and avoid extractions
• Improves breath and reduces stains by removing hidden plaque and tartar buildup

According to ADA and clinical sources, early periodontal therapy like this not only treats gum disease but can reduce systemic health risks as well.

Boost Healing with Advanced Therapies

Scaling and root planing is a powerful first step, but sometimes, your gums need a little extra help to fully heal. That’s where advanced therapies come in.

We often pair your deep cleaning with one or more of the following to improve healing and long-term results:

• Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF): This uses your own blood to create a concentrated healing serum. It’s completely natural and helps your tissue recover faster with less inflammation.
• LANAP® laser treatment: If your gum pockets are deeper or more stubborn, we may use a gentle dental laser to disinfect the area and encourage your gums to regenerate.
• Antibacterial rinses or local antibiotics: In some cases, we’ll place medication directly into deeper pockets to eliminate bacteria and keep things clean as you heal.
• Ongoing maintenance or surgery, if needed: For more advanced gum disease, we might recommend a minor surgical procedure or regular maintenance visits to prevent it from coming back.

What If Left Untreated?

When gum disease isn’t treated early, it  doesn’t go away on its own. It gets worse.

Without a deep cleaning like scaling and root planing, bacteria stay trapped below your gums. Over time, they break down the bone and tissues that hold your teeth in place.

Here’s what can happen if treatment is delayed:

• Bone and gum attachment starts to break down, often without any pain at first
• Gums begin to recede, exposing sensitive tooth roots and affecting your smile
• Teeth may loosen or shift, and eventually may need to be removed
• Advanced cases often require gum surgery or even dental implants to restore what was lost

The earlier you treat gum disease, the more of your natural smile you can save, and scaling and root planing is one of the best tools we have to do that.

Why Choose Our Frederick, MD Practice?

When it comes to your gum health, experience and comfort matter. At our Frederick office, you’re in expert hands from start to finish.

Here’s why so many patients in Frederick, Urbana, Middletown, and nearby communities choose us for scaling and root planing:

• Your care is led by Dr. Melanie Towe, a board-certified periodontist with advanced training in gum and implant therapy
• We personalize every treatment plan to fit your needs, not a one-size-fits-all approach
• Our modern, welcoming office is designed to keep you comfortable throughout your visit
• You’ll find complete care here, from deep cleanings to laser treatment to dental implants (no need to bounce between providers)

Whether you’re catching gum disease early or coming in with more advanced symptoms, we’re here to help you get back to a healthier, stronger smile.

Key Takeaways

• Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical deep cleaning that treats gum disease at its source

• It removes harmful plaque and tartar, smooths the root surfaces, and encourages gums to heal

• Often combined with advanced therapies like PRF, LANAP®, or antibiotics to boost results

• Early treatment helps prevent bone loss, tooth loss, and the need for surgery later

Frequently Asked Questions

Does scaling and root planing really work?

Yes, it works very well, especially when gum disease is caught early. Scaling and root planing removes the plaque and tartar causing inflammation and infection, helping the gums heal and reattach to the teeth. Many patients see reduced pocket depths, less bleeding, and healthier gums within weeks.

How painful is scaling and root planing?

The procedure is generally comfortable. We use local anesthesia to numb your gums, so you won’t feel pain during treatment. Some mild soreness or tooth sensitivity can occur afterward, but most patients manage this easily with over-the-counter pain relief.

What is the difference between scaling and root planing?

Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surface, especially below the gumline. Root planing takes it a step further by smoothing the tooth roots, which helps your gums heal and makes it harder for bacteria to stick again.

Does scaling and root planing stop gum disease?

It can stop or significantly slow the progression of gum disease, especially in its early to moderate stages. With regular maintenance cleanings and good home care, it’s often enough to avoid surgery or tooth loss.

Will gums grow back after scaling?

Gums don’t “grow back” in the traditional sense, but scaling and root planing can help them heal and tighten around the teeth again. This reduces pocket depth and improves gum health, making your mouth feel and function better.

What are the disadvantages of scaling and root planing?

Side effects are usually minor. Some patients experience temporary sensitivity, gum tenderness, or light bleeding after the procedure. In more advanced cases, deep pockets may require follow-up procedures like gum surgery to fully stabilize the area.

Ready to Restore Your Gum Health?

If you’re noticing bleeding gums, chronic bad breath, or signs of gum recession, now is the time to act.

Scaling and root planing could be the treatment that helps save your teeth and restore your smile.

Book your deep cleaning consultation with our Frederick, MD team today. You can call our office directly at 240-363-0360.
We’ll help you take the next step toward healthier gums and long-term oral wellness.