Scaling & Root Planing

Gum disease does not always announce itself with obvious pain or visible symptoms — in many cases, the damage is already underway before patients realize anything is wrong. When bacteria accumulate beneath the gumline, they trigger an inflammatory response that gradually destroys the tissue and bone supporting the teeth. For patients diagnosed with periodontitis, a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing is often the first and most important step toward stopping that progression and restoring gum health.

At Rockland Dental Specialists, our periodontists and implant specialists take a thorough, patient-centered approach to treating gum disease. Dr. Shalom Mintz, board-certified in periodontics and implantology, along with Dr. David Peto, leads our team in providing comprehensive periodontal care that addresses disease at its source. With over 24 years of combined experience in periodontics, implants, and endodontics, our team is committed to delivering exceptional outcomes with minimal discomfort.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical periodontal treatment designed to remove bacterial deposits and smooth the root surfaces of the teeth. It is the standard of care for patients with moderate to advanced gum disease and goes significantly deeper than a routine dental hygiene cleaning.

Scaling

During the scaling phase, our periodontists carefully remove plaque and calculus (tartar) from the surfaces of the teeth, both above and below the gumline. Calculus cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing — it hardens onto the tooth surface over time and requires specialized instruments to eliminate.

Root Planing

Root planing follows scaling and involves smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth to eliminate rough areas where bacteria tend to accumulate. When roots are smoothed, it becomes significantly harder for bacteria to reattach, and the gum tissue has an easier time reattaching to the tooth. This step is essential for reducing pocket depth and promoting tissue healing.

Why Scaling and Root Planing Is Necessary

Gum disease progresses in stages, and when it advances past gingivitis into periodontitis, the infection moves below the gumline, where brushing and flossing can no longer reach it. According to the CDC’s oral health data, nearly half of adults aged 30 and older in the United States have some form of periodontal disease. Understanding the stages of periodontal disease helps patients recognize when professional intervention is needed and why acting early produces the best results.

Without treatment, periodontitis can lead to bone loss, tooth mobility, and ultimately tooth loss. Scaling and root planing interrupts that process before it reaches a point of no return.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

The procedure is typically completed over one or two appointments, with each session focusing on one or two quadrants of the mouth. Local anesthesia is used to keep patients comfortable throughout the process. Following treatment, some sensitivity and mild gum tenderness are normal and generally resolve within a few days.

After completing scaling and root planing, patients return for a follow-up evaluation to assess how the gum tissue has responded to treatment. Understanding your gum disease screening and signs is an important part of monitoring your progress and maintaining your results long-term. For patients whose disease has not responded sufficiently to this initial treatment, additional periodontal therapies — including laser surgery — may be recommended.

Maintaining Results After Scaling and Root Planing

The success of scaling and root planing depends heavily on what happens after the procedure. Patients are typically placed on a periodontal maintenance schedule, which involves more frequent monitoring appointments to prevent disease recurrence. The following habits are critical for sustaining healthy gums:

• Brushing at least twice daily with a soft-bristle toothbrush
• Flossing daily to remove plaque from between teeth
• Using any additional hygiene aids recommended by your provider
• Attending all scheduled periodontal maintenance visits

Consistent home care combined with regular professional monitoring gives patients the strongest foundation for maintaining their results and preventing further bone and tissue loss.

Schedule Your Care at Rockland Dental Specialists

At Rockland Dental Specialists, our periodontists and implant specialists provide the full scope of periodontal treatment, from non-surgical deep cleaning to advanced surgical options, all within a high-end, comfortable environment. Dr. Shalom Mintz and Dr. David Peto bring board-certified expertise and over two decades of combined experience to every patient’s care, ensuring treatments are thorough, precise, and tailored to each individual’s needs. We offer complimentary insurance verifications and custom payment plans to make the process as accessible as possible.

If you have been diagnosed with gum disease or are experiencing signs of periodontal concerns, we encourage you to take action before the condition progresses further. Reach out to our team today by completing our contact form to schedule your consultation.