Deep Dental Cleaning: How Scaling and Root Planing Treats Gum Disease

Late-stage gum disease is easy to recognize — swollen, receding gums, chronic bad breath, and sometimes even loose teeth. At this stage, treatment is more intensive, and the risk of permanent damage is much higher. However, gum disease develops gradually, and most people miss the early signs until things get worse.

The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. At this point, you may notice some bleeding when brushing or flossing. Your gums may feel sore or look slightly swollen. It's at this point that treatment can make the biggest difference, and the most effective treatment at this stage is a deep dental cleaning that includes scaling and root planing.

This deep dental cleaning is not the same as your standard dental cleaning. It is more targeted and used to remove plaque and tartar buildup under the gums, clean the roots of your teeth, and help stop the progression of gum disease. It’s often the first step in reversing the damage and getting your gums healthy again.

To get the best results, you need to get help from experts who know what they’re doing. At  OneSource Dental of South Tampa in Tampa, Florida, Nancy Horton, DMD, and our team know how to spot gum disease and treat it early, helping our patients avoid more serious interventions down the line. Here we break down what scaling and root planing involve, why they’re used to treat gum disease, and what to expect during the procedure.

What causes gum disease

Gum disease develops when plaque builds up along and under the gumline. If it’s not removed properly, this plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Over time, this buildup causes inflammation, leads to gum recession, and damages the bone that holds your teeth in place.

In the early stage (gingivitis), the damage is reversible. Your gums may be swollen or bleed, but your teeth are still firmly in place. If you act quickly and follow through with treatment, you can prevent the progression to periodontitis. When periodontitis sets in, pockets form between your teeth and gums, bacteria spread deeper, and you’re at a higher risk of experiencing tooth loss.

What are scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure used to treat gum disease. It usually requires more than one visit, depending on the severity of the buildup. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. 

The scaling process involves removing all hardened plaque and tartar, both above and below the gum line. With root planing, the roots of your teeth are gently smoothed out, helping the gums reattach to the tooth surface and making it harder for plaque and bacteria to cling to them. 

What to expect after treatment

After scaling and root planing, it’s normal to experience some tenderness, slight swelling, or sensitivity to hot and cold foods. These symptoms usually ease up within a few days. Dr. Horton may prescribe an antimicrobial mouthwash or recommend a saltwater rinse to aid in the healing process.

One of the most important things you can do after a deep cleaning is follow through with excellent at-home care. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing daily, and avoiding tobacco use will go a long way in preventing gum disease from recurring.

Gum disease won’t go away on its own. Waiting too long to address early symptoms allows it to progress, and once it reaches an advanced stage, treatment becomes more complicated and expensive. If you’ve noticed bleeding, tenderness, or changes in your gums, schedule a deep cleaning with us today or call 813-879-9299.