Restore Gum Health and Protect Your Smile
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. If you’ve noticed bleeding, swelling, or tenderness around your gums, you may be experiencing early signs of gum disease. Scaling and root planing—often called deep cleaning—is one of the most effective ways to restore gum health, stop infection, and protect your teeth from long-term damage.
At Whiteman Dental Associates in Boston, we provide gentle, personalized care for patients experiencing gum disease. Dr. Daniel Whiteman and his team take a careful, thorough approach to deep cleaning that prioritizes your comfort while addressing the root cause of gum inflammation.
By removing harmful bacteria below the gumline and smoothing tooth roots, this treatment supports healing and helps you maintain a strong, healthy foundation for your smile.
Understanding Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a specialized non-surgical procedure designed to clean below the gumline, where harmful plaque and tartar accumulate. Unlike a routine cleaning, this treatment targets deeper areas affected by gum disease to remove infection and encourage gum reattachment.
Here’s how it works:
Scaling
Scaling removes plaque and tartar from both the visible surfaces of your teeth and the hidden areas beneath the gumline. Using precise dental instruments, we eliminate bacterial buildup that can’t be reached by brushing or flossing.
Root Planing
Once scaling is complete, the roots of your teeth are smoothed to remove rough areas where bacteria tend to cling. This step helps the gums heal and reattach more securely to the teeth, reducing future risk of infection.
Scaling and root planing help reverse the progression of gum disease and prevent further damage to the supporting structures of your teeth.
Why Deep Cleaning Matters
Gum disease begins quietly but can quickly lead to serious complications if left untreated. Plaque and tartar harbor bacteria that irritate the gums, causing inflammation, bleeding, and, eventually, bone loss around the teeth.
Scaling and root planing are critical because they:
- Prevent progression of gum disease: Early intervention can stop gum disease before it leads to tooth loss.
- Reduce infection: Removing bacteria allows the gums to heal and inflammation to subside.
- Improve overall health: Studies show links between gum disease and systemic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory illness.
- Preserve natural teeth: Maintaining strong, healthy gums supports long-term oral stability.
Deep cleaning not only improves your oral health but also supports your body’s overall wellness.
Signs You May Need Scaling and Root Planing
You may benefit from deep cleaning if you experience:
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Chronic bad breath
- Receding gums or teeth that appear longer
- Swollen or tender gum tissue
- Loose teeth or changes in your bite
- Tartar buildup near the gumline
If you notice any of these signs, schedule a periodontal evaluation with Dr. Whiteman. Early treatment can prevent gum disease from advancing to more severe stages.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Your comfort and care are our top priorities throughout every step of treatment. Here’s what you can expect from your scaling and root planing visit:
1. Consultation and Examination
We begin with a comprehensive evaluation of your gums and teeth. This may include digital X-rays to determine the extent of plaque buildup and bone health. Dr. Whiteman will discuss your symptoms, review findings, and explain the best treatment plan for your needs.
2. Local Anesthesia for Comfort
To ensure a comfortable experience, we use local anesthesia to numb the treated areas. This allows for a pain-free procedure while enabling precise, thorough cleaning.
3. Scaling
During this stage, we carefully remove all hardened plaque (tartar) and bacterial deposits from above and below the gumline. Specialized tools and ultrasonic instruments help reach even the deepest areas safely.
4. Root Planing
Once scaling is complete, the tooth roots are gently smoothed to eliminate rough spots and allow gum tissue to heal naturally. This helps reduce pocket depth and supports reattachment of the gums.
5. Aftercare and Follow-Up
We’ll provide personalized instructions to care for your gums after treatment, including gentle brushing techniques, recommended rinses, and dietary guidance. Follow-up visits help us monitor healing and maintain results.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
Deep cleaning provides both immediate relief and long-term protection for your oral health. Key benefits include:
- Healthier Gums: Scaling and root planing reduce inflammation, bleeding, and swelling.
- Fresher Breath: Removing bacteria and plaque eliminates the source of persistent odor.
- Lower Risk of Tooth Loss: Treating gum disease early protects the bone and tissue that anchor your teeth.
- Enhanced Comfort: As the gums heal, sensitivity and tenderness often decrease.
- Improved Overall Health: A healthy mouth supports a healthier body by reducing systemic inflammation.
Many patients notice significant improvement in gum appearance and comfort within a few weeks of treatment.
How to Prepare for Treatment
Before your scaling and root planing appointment, it helps to:
- Eat a light meal unless advised otherwise.
- Brush and floss gently to remove surface debris.
- Share any medical conditions or medications with our team to ensure safe treatment.
- Arrange for rest afterward if you are receiving anesthesia for multiple areas.
Our team will guide you through each step so you know exactly what to expect.
Aftercare and Recovery
Following your deep cleaning, your gums may feel tender or slightly swollen. This is normal and part of the healing process. You can support recovery by:
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle technique.
- Rinsing with warm saltwater to soothe irritation.
- Avoiding smoking, as it delays gum healing.
- Eating soft foods for the first day or two.
- Following any prescribed antibiotic or mouth rinse instructions.
Within a few days, you’ll begin to notice your gums feeling firmer and less sensitive. Full healing typically occurs within one to two weeks.
Maintaining Results After Deep Cleaning
Scaling and root planing lay the foundation for improved gum health—but maintaining those results requires daily care.
We recommend:
- Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
- Flossing carefully each day to remove bacteria between teeth.
- Scheduling regular professional cleanings to prevent new buildup.
- Staying consistent with checkups to monitor gum health.
Your commitment to home care helps ensure lasting results and prevents gum disease from returning.
Cost and Insurance Information
The cost of scaling and root planing depends on the severity of gum disease and the number of areas treated. Before beginning, our team will provide a detailed estimate so you know exactly what to expect.
Most dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing as a medically necessary procedure when gum disease is present. If you do not have insurance or need flexible payment options, we offer financing to help make your care accessible.
Karen, our office manager, can review your plan, maximize your benefits, and assist with all billing questions.
Begin Protecting Your Gums Today
Gum health plays a vital role in your overall well-being. If you’ve been noticing signs of gum disease—such as bleeding or persistent bad breath—scaling and root planing can make a meaningful difference.
At Whiteman Dental Associates in Boston, we’re here to provide the guidance, care, and follow-up support you need for lasting oral health. Our team takes a gentle yet thorough approach, ensuring every visit feels comfortable and reassuring.
Take the first step toward stronger, healthier gums today.
Scaling and Root Planing FAQs
How do I know if I need deep cleaning instead of a regular cleaning?
If your gums bleed frequently, feel tender, or show signs of recession, a deep cleaning may be necessary. We can confirm this through an exam and periodontal measurements.
Will my gums grow back after scaling and root planing?
While gum tissue does not grow back once lost, the procedure helps prevent further recession and allows gums to reattach more securely to the teeth.
How long will the results last?
Results can last for years with consistent home care and regular dental checkups. Maintaining good hygiene prevents the return of gum disease.
Are antibiotics always required after deep cleaning?
Not always. Antibiotics are prescribed only when the infection risk is higher or if the pockets are particularly deep. Dr. Whiteman will determine what’s appropriate for your case.
Is there an alternative to scaling and root planing?
For early gum disease, more frequent cleanings may help. However, once plaque hardens below the gumline, scaling and root planing are the most effective treatments.
Can deep cleaning make my teeth more sensitive?
Mild sensitivity is common but temporary. As the gums heal, this usually subsides within a few days. Using sensitive toothpaste can help.
How often should I schedule periodontal maintenance after treatment?
Most patients benefit from maintenance cleanings every three to four months to ensure gum health remains stable.
Will I be able to eat normally after the procedure?
You can resume normal eating once numbness wears off, but soft foods are recommended for the first 24 hours to avoid irritation.
What happens if I don’t treat gum disease?
Untreated gum disease can lead to bone loss, tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss. Early treatment is the key to prevention.
Is scaling and root planing safe for patients with medical conditions?
Yes. It’s safe for most patients, including those with diabetes or heart conditions, as long as your dentist is aware of your full medical history.