When it comes to protecting your smile, Council Oak Perio stands as a trusted leader in expert periodontal care. If you’ve ever been told that you need a “deep cleaning,” you may have heard the term periodontal scaling and root planing.
This specialized treatment goes far beyond regular cleanings. It targets harmful bacterial buildup beneath the gum line, which, if left untreated, can silently damage your oral health over time.
Many people experience symptoms such as bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or receding gum lines without realizing the seriousness of the issue. By understanding this treatment, you can take the right steps toward a healthier mouth and a confident smile.
Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums, bone, and supporting structures around the teeth. It usually starts with mild gum irritation but can progress to significant bone loss and tooth instability if not treated.
Unlike a cold, gum disease doesn’t just go away on its own—it gets worse quietly, often without pain until it reaches advanced stages.
| Stage | Description | Reversible? |
| Gingivitis | Early gum inflammation, usually causing redness and bleeding when brushing or flossing. | Yes |
| Periodontitis | Advanced stage with gum recession, bone loss, and deep pockets forming around the teeth. | No |
Think of gingivitis as a warning sign. If ignored, it turns into periodontitis, which is like a foundation problem in your house—serious and costly to fix if left unchecked.
Plaque is a sticky film made of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. When it isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar (also called calculus). This buildup irritates the gums and creates pockets where more bacteria thrive.
These bacteria release toxins that break down gum tissue and bone. Regular brushing and flossing can’t remove tartar—only professional dental tools can.
Periodontal scaling and root planing is a deep dental cleaning treatment that treats gum disease at its source. It removes plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line and smooths tooth roots to allow gums to heal and reattach.
Scaling involves carefully removing hardened deposits of plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line.
Specialized instruments reach the deep spaces where bacteria hide, areas that toothbrushes simply can’t reach.
Root planing is the process of smoothing out the tooth roots. This step eliminates rough areas where bacteria like to cling, making it harder for new plaque to stick and easier for gums to heal properly.
Scaling removes the bacterial buildup, while root planing creates a clean, smooth surface that encourages the gums to reattach. Together, they reduce inflammation, shrink gum pockets, and restore a healthier environment in your mouth.
It’s not always obvious when gum disease requires professional treatment. Here are some signs to watch for:
If your gums bleed regularly when brushing or flossing, it’s a sign of irritation or infection, not something to ignore.
Gum recession can expose tooth roots, making teeth sensitive to temperature changes and touch.
Persistent bad breath, even after brushing, may be due to bacteria trapped beneath the gum line releasing foul-smelling gases.
Your dentist may use a periodontal probe to measure the space between your teeth and gums. Pockets deeper than 3 mm often indicate gum disease that requires scaling and root planing.
During scaling, your dental professional uses ultrasonic tools that vibrate to break apart tartar, combined with hand instruments for precise cleaning.
The focus is on cleaning below the gum line where bacteria thrive and cause damage.
All surfaces are cleaned thoroughly to remove hidden bacterial buildup and help restore gum health.
After scaling, the root surfaces are smoothed to remove irregularities where bacteria collect.
Smoother roots help the gums reattach firmly to the teeth, reducing spaces where bacteria can accumulate.
By shrinking these pockets, root planing helps stabilize the teeth and reduces the likelihood of future infection.
Local anesthesia is usually applied to keep you comfortable throughout the treatment. You’ll feel pressure but no pain.
Your dentist will take X-rays to evaluate bone levels and plan your treatment carefully.
Before treatment, your Council Oak Perio periodontist will explain the treatment, set expectations, and address any concerns you may have.
Scaling and root planing are usually done in sections—often one or two quadrants at a time. Appointments typically last 1 to 2 hours.
You may experience slight tenderness, gum sensitivity, or minor bleeding afterward. These sensations are temporary and usually improve within a few days.
You’ll receive instructions on how to care for your gums at home. Initial healing usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks, but gum reattachment can continue for several months.
Scaling and root planing remove the cause of infection, stopping gum disease from advancing further.
By treating gum disease early, you preserve the bone and gum support around your teeth.
Removing bacterial buildup eliminates persistent bad breath and leaves gums looking healthier.
Gum health is linked to heart health, diabetes control, and other systemic conditions. Caring for your gums supports your overall well-being.
If you have receding gums, periodontal scaling and root planing can stabilize the situation and help prevent further recession. While the gums may not fully “grow back,” the treatment encourages them to heal and reattach, protecting tooth roots from exposure.
Without proper treatment, gum disease continues to destroy the tissues and bone supporting your teeth. Periodontal scaling and root planing interrupts this cycle, reduces inflammation, and allows healing to take place. It’s a proactive step that can save your natural teeth.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle technique to keep your gums clean without irritating them.
Rinsing with antimicrobial solutions helps control bacteria and support healing.
Regular follow-up visits—usually every 3 to 4 months—are essential to keep gum disease under control and maintain long-term results.
Routine cleanings address surface plaque and tartar above the gums, while scaling and root planing focus on deeper areas where disease starts.
Laser therapy can be used alongside scaling and root planing to kill bacteria more effectively and support healing.
If deep pockets persist even after SRP, surgical treatments may be needed to access and clean these areas more thoroughly.
Council Oak Perio is your trusted partner for periodontal care in Austin, TX.
Are you struggling to chew the foods you love because of broken or missing teeth? Have you recently been diagnosed with gum disease or noticed gum recession? These problems can feel overwhelming, but expert help is available.
Our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Christopher Bingham, has over 20 years of experience addressing complex dental issues. From periodontal scaling and root planing to advanced surgical procedures, our team provides personalized, high-quality care.
Location: 2152 Village Park Ave #100, Twin Falls, ID 83301, United States
Hours: Monday–Thursday 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Closed Friday–Sunday)
If you’re ready to restore your oral health and confidence, Council Oak Perio is here to guide you every step of the way.
Periodontal scaling and root planing are more than just a dental cleaning—it’s a powerful treatment that can stop gum disease, protect your teeth, and improve your overall health.
By removing harmful bacteria and encouraging gum healing, it gives your mouth the chance to recover and thrive.
Early intervention is key. With professional care from trusted specialists at Council Oak Perio, you can protect your smile and maintain it for years to come.
No. Local anesthesia is used, so you’ll feel little to no pain during the treatment. Some mild soreness afterward is normal.
Initial healing happens within 1 to 2 weeks, but full gum reattachment can take several months.
Gums won’t “grow back” entirely, but root planing helps them heal and reattach, improving stability.
Most patients need deep cleanings every 3 to 4 months, depending on their gum health.
It can stop the progression of gum disease and help restore gum health, but long-term maintenance is needed to keep it under control.
