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Tooth Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a deep dental cleaning. It removes tartar and bacteria that build up around the roots of your teeth. Dentists and periodontists may deep clean your teeth if you have mild or moderate gum disease. This treatment can help sore, bleeding gums, prevent tooth loss and give you the best chance for long-lasting oral health.

Overview

Tooth scaling and root planing removes plaque and tartar from beneath your gums.
Tooth scaling removes plaque and tartar. Root planing smooths your teeth roots to keep plaque and tartar from reattaching.

What is scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing is a term dentists use to describe a deep dental cleaning. It’s sort of like a regular dental cleaning, except it reaches deeper beneath your gums.

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You might need a deep dental cleaning if you have periodontitis. Symptoms of periodontitis include swollen or bleeding gums. Tooth scaling removes plaque and tartar above the gumline. Root planing smooths your teeth roots and removes plaque and tartar below your gumline. Together, tooth scaling and root planing can get rid of disease-causing bacteria and improve your overall oral health.

Healthcare providers who can deep clean your teeth include:

Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical treatment. It’s usually the first line of treatment for mild to moderate gum disease.

Procedure Details

What happens during a deep dental cleaning?

When you go in for tooth scaling and root planing, your dentist or hygienist will:

  • Give you local anesthesia to numb your gums
  • Remove (scale) plaque and tartar from your teeth (both above and below your gums)
  • Smooth (plane) your teeth roots

Your provider will use hand scalers or ultrasonic instruments to deep clean your teeth. They may also inject antibiotics around your teeth roots or prescribe oral antibiotics for you to take after the procedure.

A deep dental cleaning takes one to two hours to complete. Your dentist might do everything in one visit. Or they might clean half your teeth during one appointment and the other half during a second one. It all depends on your situation and preferences and your dental insurance plan.

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How often will I need scaling and root planing done?

Ideally, you’ll need scaling and root planing only once. After your dentist removes the tartar and bacteria, regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene should help keep you on track. The goal is to improve the health of your gums so you won’t need another deep cleaning.

Risks / Benefits

What are the potential benefits of this treatment?

A dental deep cleaning can:

  • Get rid of bad breath. Scaling and root planing gets rid of the oral bacteria that cause halitosis.
  • Improve your oral and overall health. Bacteria in your mouth can travel through your bloodstream to other parts of your body. A deep dental cleaning reduces harmful bacteria, improving whole-body health.
  • Prevent tooth loss and gum recession. You can avoid these gum disease symptoms by getting treatment early.
  • Reduce your risk for advanced gum disease. The longer you wait to get treatment, the more bacteria may grow.

What are the risks or complications of a deep dental cleaning?

Complications are rare, but they can happen. Potential risks include:

  • Bleeding. It’s normal to have some bleeding after a deep dental cleaning. But let your dentist know if you have excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop.
  • Gum recession. If your gums were swollen before your deep cleaning, they’ll shrink back once the infection is gone. As a result, you might see a little bit more of your teeth roots.
  • Infection. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to reduce this risk.
  • Loose teeth. Your teeth might feel a little wiggly right after your deep cleaning. This should go away once your gums tighten back up.
  • Teeth sensitivity. Removing the plaque and tartar from your teeth can make them more sensitive to heat and cold. If you notice this side effect, it should go away in a month or two.
  • Tenderness. Your gums might feel a bit sore for a couple of days. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort.

Recovery and Outlook

How long does it take to recover from scaling and root planing?

It can vary, but most people can return to their normal routines the same day. Scaling and root planing is much less invasive than other gum disease treatments. You won’t need incisions or stitches, and you can eat and drink whatever you like as long as it doesn’t hurt.

Your dentist will give you a list of instructions specific to your situation. Following their guidelines will help you recover quickly. Be sure to ask questions beforehand if something isn’t clear.

When To Call the Doctor

When should I call my healthcare provider?

Let your dentist know if you develop:

  • Bleeding that doesn’t stop
  • Pain that doesn’t get better with medication
  • Severe swelling

Additional Common Questions

Is a deep dental cleaning ever really necessary?

Yes, a deep dental cleaning is the only way to remove plaque and bacteria deep under your gums. While brushing and flossing is always a good thing, your toothbrush can’t reach all the way down to your teeth roots. You need both professional cleanings and good habits at home to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

As an adult, you only have one set of teeth. No one wants to risk losing them to advanced gum disease. Thankfully, tooth scaling and root planing can save your smile if you develop periodontitis.

Only a dental professional has the necessary tools and expertise to remove the tartar that causes periodontal disease. But daily brushing and flossing can keep your teeth and gums healthy. To lower your chances of another bout of gum disease, ask your provider to show you how to properly brush, floss and take care of your teeth.

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Medically Reviewed

Last reviewed on 12/02/2024.

Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.

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