Scaling and Root Planing

When gum disease advances beyond the early stage of gingivitis, a standard cleaning is no longer enough to address what is happening beneath the gumline. Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical deep cleaning procedure that we use at Creating Beautiful Smiles in Racine, WI to treat periodontitis and restore a healthier environment for your gums and bone.

The procedure involves two components. Scaling refers to the careful removal of plaque and tartar, also known as calculus, from the surfaces of the teeth, including the portions that extend below the gumline into the periodontal pockets. Root planing is the process of smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth to remove rough areas where bacteria tend to accumulate and to help the gum tissue reattach more closely to the tooth.

Scaling and root planing is typically performed in quadrants, meaning one section of the mouth at a time, and local anesthetic is used to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the experience is. After treatment, the gum tissue has an opportunity to heal, the depth of the periodontal pockets typically decreases, and the risk of further bone and tissue loss is significantly reduced. Follow-up care and regular periodontal maintenance visits are an important part of sustaining those results long term.

After your scaling and root planing appointment at Creating Beautiful Smiles, it is completely normal to experience some sensitivity, mild tenderness, and slight gum swelling for a few days. Your provider will give you detailed aftercare instructions, including recommendations for managing any discomfort and guidance on what to eat and how to care for your teeth during the healing period.

Over the following weeks, you should notice that your gums begin to look and feel healthier. Redness and swelling will subside, and your gums may appear to recede slightly as the inflammation resolves — this is actually a sign of healing rather than a cause for concern. Pockets that were previously deeper should become shallower as the gum tissue tightens around the teeth.

We will schedule a re-evaluation appointment typically four to six weeks after your deep cleaning to assess how your gums have responded to treatment. At this visit, we will measure the periodontal pockets again and determine whether your gum disease has been adequately controlled or whether additional treatment may be beneficial. Moving forward, regular periodontal maintenance cleanings are essential to keep the disease from advancing and protect the health of your teeth and bone for years to come.