Periodontist and Dental Implants in San Antonio, TX Stone Oak, Alamo Ranch, Pleasanton
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Posted on 8/15/2025 by Amir Hosseini, DDS
Maintaining good oral care is essential for overall health and well-being. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, eating a balanced diet, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups. However, even with the best oral hygiene habits, plaque and tartar can still build up on your teeth. If left untreated, this can lead to gum disease, a serious infection that can damage your gums and teeth.
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure that can help treat gum disease. It is a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from both above and below the gum line. Scaling and root planing can help to stop the progression of gum disease and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.
What Happens During Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is typically performed by a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in the treatment of gum disease. The procedure is usually done in two appointments. During the first appointment, the periodontist will numb the area around your teeth and then use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line.
In some cases, the periodontist may also use a laser to remove plaque and tartar. After the scaling is complete, the periodontist will smooth out the roots of your teeth to help prevent further plaque buildup. This process is called root planing.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing can offer a number of benefits, including:
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Stopping the progression of gum disease
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Reducing inflammation and swelling in the gums
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Preventing further damage to the teeth and gums
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Improving the overall health of your mouth
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Making it easier to keep your teeth clean
Who Needs Scaling and Root Planing?
Not everyone needs scaling and root planing. However, it is important to see your dentist for regular checkups so that they can assess your oral health and determine if you need this procedure. You may need scaling and root planing if you have:
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Gum disease
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Plaque and tartar buildup
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Deep pockets between your teeth and gums
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Loose teeth
Aftercare for Scaling and Root Planing
After scaling and root planing, it is important to follow your dentist's instructions carefully. This may include:
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Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly
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Using an antiseptic mouthwash
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Avoiding hard, sticky, or sugary foods
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Seeing your dentist for follow-up appointments
Scaling and root planing is an important procedure that can help treat gum disease and prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, talk to your dentist about whether scaling and root planing is right for you.
Dental Blog - San Antonio • Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists We post dental blogs to pique your interest and educate our San Antonio community about topics related to dentistry, dental implants, and oral health. Aesthetic Periodontal & Implant Specialists, 1130 E Sonterra Blvd, Suite 120, San Antonio, TX 78258 • (210) 614-4700 • aestheticperiodontist.com • 8/26/2025 • Key Phrases: Dental Implants San Antonio TX •
Maintaining good oral care is essential for overall health and well-being. This includes brushing and flossing regularly, eating a balanced diet, and visiting your dentist for regular checkups. However, even with the best oral hygiene habits, plaque and tartar can still build up on your teeth. If left untreated, this can lead to gum disease, a serious infection that can damage your gums and teeth.