Periodontal

Scaling and Root Planing

Deep cleaning treatment that removes plaque and tartar below the gum line to treat gum disease and restore your oral health.

Close-up of a dental ultrasonic scaler with water supply on a white background.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure designed to treat gum disease (periodontal disease) before it progresses. While a regular cleaning addresses the surfaces of your teeth above the gum line, scaling and root planing goes deeper—removing harmful bacteria, plaque, and tartar from below the gum line and smoothing the tooth roots.

This two-part treatment helps your gums heal and reattach to your teeth, preventing further damage to the bone and tissue that support your smile.

Why You Might Need This Treatment

If you've been told you have gingivitis or early-stage gum disease, scaling and root planing can often reverse the damage. Signs that you may benefit include:

Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
Persistent bad breath
Gums that are red, swollen, or pulling away from your teeth
Pockets forming between your teeth and gums

Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to other health concerns. The good news? Catching it early and treating it with scaling and root planing can protect your smile for years to come.

What to Expect During Your Visit

We'll make sure you're comfortable throughout the procedure. Depending on the extent of treatment needed, we may work on one section of your mouth at a time. Here's what happens:

Scaling: We carefully remove plaque and tartar deposits from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gum line.

Root Planing: We smooth the roots of your teeth, making it harder for bacteria to stick and easier for your gums to heal and reattach.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort, and we can use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Afterward, your gums may feel a bit tender for a few days, but this is normal as they begin to heal.

Protecting Your Smile Long-Term

After your treatment, we'll work with you on a personalized plan to keep your gums healthy. This usually includes more frequent cleanings and checkups for a while, along with guidance on brushing and flossing techniques that protect your gum line.

Our goal is to help you keep your natural teeth for life—and healthy gums are the foundation.

How it works

Evaluation

We measure gum pocket depths and assess the extent of gum disease to create your treatment plan.

Scaling

We remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line using specialized instruments.

Root Planing

We smooth the tooth roots to help gums reattach and prevent future bacterial buildup.

Follow-Up Care

We schedule regular checkups to monitor healing and maintain your gum health long-term.

Common questions

Will scaling and root planing hurt?+

We use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Afterward, you may experience mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days, which typically resolves quickly. Over-the-counter pain relief and saltwater rinses can help.

How is this different from a regular cleaning?+

A regular cleaning focuses on the tooth surfaces above the gum line. Scaling and root planing is a deeper treatment that removes bacteria and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the roots to help your gums heal and reattach.

How long does the treatment take?+

Depending on the extent of gum disease, we may treat your entire mouth in one visit or divide the treatment into two to four appointments, working on one section at a time to keep you comfortable.

Get in touch — Egg Harbor Township, NJ

Ready when you are — let's get you smiling.

New patients are always welcome. Give us a call, and we'll find a time that fits — gentle care, honest answers, no pressure.

No-pressure, unhurried first visit
We file your insurance for you
Easy online booking, day or night