Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleanings)

Scaling and root planing is a deep dental cleaning designed to treat gum disease (periodontitis). Unlike a routine cleaning, this treatment removes hardened plaque and bacteria from below the gum line to help prevent infection from spreading. It also smooths the roots of your teeth (planing), making it harder for bacteria to reattach.

A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) is for maintaining healthy gums. If you have gum disease, a deep cleaning is necessary to remove harmful bacteria from beneath your gums before it leads to bone loss or tooth loss. Your dentist will recommend scaling and root planing if your gums show signs of infection, deep pockets, or inflammation.

We make sure you're comfortable! Most patients feel little to no pain during the procedure because we use local anesthesia to numb the area. Afterward, you may feel mild soreness or sensitivity like someone did work under your gums, but it usually fades within a few days.

A deep cleaning is typically split into two visits (one side of your mouth at a time), with each session lasting about 45 to 90 minutes. This allows us to be thorough while keeping you comfortable.

After your deep cleaning:

Scaling and root planing is usually a one-time treatment for active gum disease. However, if you are prone to plaque buildup, we may recommend periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3 to 4 months to keep bacteria under control.

Yes! After deep cleaning, your gums should become healthier—less inflamed, less red, and less prone to bleeding. While lost bone won’t regenerate, keeping up with cleanings can prevent further damage and help your gums reattach to your teeth.

The cost typically ranges from $200 to $400 per quadrant (one-fourth of your mouth), depending on the severity of gum disease. Most dental insurance plans cover deep cleanings, especially if gum disease is diagnosed.

Yes! If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Scaling and root planing helps stop the infection, allowing your gums to heal and reducing the risk of losing teeth. It’s one of the best ways to save your natural smile.

Yes—gum disease is often silent in its early stages. If your dentist recommends a deep cleaning, it’s because your gum pockets are deep enough to allow bacteria to cause damage. Catching and treating it early prevents bigger (and more expensive) problems down the road.