Periodontal Scaling Root Planing

Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing for Healthier Gums

At The Foleck Center, we specialize in periodontal scaling and root planing to effectively treat gum disease and restore oral health. If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, gum recession, or bad breath, these may be signs of chronic periodontitis or advanced gum disease. Our skilled team in Virginia Beach, along with our locations in Norfolk, Hampton Kecoughtan, and Hampton Coliseum, delivers advanced deep cleaning solutions to prevent tooth loss, improve dental hygiene, and maintain your healthy teeth.

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What is periodontal scaling and root planing?

Periodontal scaling and root planing are forms of nonsurgical treatment used to combat periodontal disease by removing bacteria called plaque and hardened plaque (tartar) from below the gum line. These procedures clean out periodontal pockets—spaces that form between the gum tissue and teeth roots—and smooth the root surfaces, allowing the gums to reattach and reduce inflammation.

According to the American Dental Association, this treatment is a critical step in reversing the effects of advanced gum disease.

How Scaling and Root Planing Improve Gum Health

When gum disease progresses past gingivitis, harmful plaque and bacteria accumulate below the surface, threatening bone tissue and increasing the risk of tooth loss. Scaling and root planing target this buildup, using ultrasonic instruments and manual tools to remove all the plaque, treat gum pockets, and slow down bone loss. After treatment, you may receive a mouth rinse, oral antibiotics, or have your dentist insert medication directly into the gum pockets to aid healing.

What to Expect During Root Planing and Scaling

The procedure typically requires local anesthetic to ensure comfort while your dentist removes plaque and bacteria deep within the periodontal pockets. Depending on the severity of your periodontal disease, more than one visit may be needed. Ultrasonic devices and special tools are used to begin root planing and ensure that your teeth roots are thoroughly cleaned. Most patients return to normal activities in up to a week, with minimal downtime and reduced teeth sensitivity.

Maintaining Healthy Teeth After Periodontal Treatment

Following your scaling and root planing procedures, it’s vital to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home and return for periodontal maintenance visits. Use a soft brush, commit to regular brushing, and follow any oral health information your dentist provides. Staying consistent with professional cleanings, using mouth rinse, and considering treatment options like subantimicrobial dose doxycycline can help manage pocket depth and prevent future infections.

Contact our Virginia dentists to schedule an appointment. We have dental offices in four locations for your convenience: Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Hampton Kecoughtan, and Hampton Coliseum.

Why is a scaling & root planing needed?

Scaling and root planing is needed when gum disease causes swelling, bleeding, or deep spaces around the teeth. These spaces, called periodontal pockets, hold plaque, bacteria, and tartar. If left untreated, this can lead to bone loss, tooth loss, and long-term oral health problems. This procedure helps remove these harmful substances and supports gum healing.

How the Procedure Works

A dentist or dental hygienist performs scaling and root planing using ultrasonic tools and hand instruments. The first visit usually treats one side of the mouth. The second visit completes the other. The provider removes plaque and hardened plaque from below the gum line, then smooths the root surfaces. This helps the gums reattach to the teeth and shrink the pockets.

What You Can Expect

The treatment uses local anesthetic to reduce pain. It is a nonsurgical treatment that often takes less than an hour. After treatment, your provider may use a mouth rinse, oral antibiotics, or apply medication into the gum pockets to fight bacteria and support healing. Most people return to normal activity in a few days.

Keeping Your Gums Healthy

Good care at home is important after scaling and root planing. Brush with a soft brush twice daily. Use any products your dentist suggests. Return for periodontal maintenance visits to check your progress. These steps help prevent advanced gum disease and protect your teeth and gums.

Who is a good candidate for scaling and root planing?

People with signs of gum disease are good candidates for scaling and root planing. At The Foleck Center, we check for gingivitis, periodontal pockets, and plaque buildup during routine bi-annual dental cleanings. If we see early or moderate periodontal disease, this deep cleaning can help stop it from getting worse.

Candidates for Treatment

Most people with bleeding gums, gum inflammation, or gum recession benefit from scaling and root planing. The procedure removes bacteria, hardened plaque, and other irritants from deep around the teeth roots and below the gum line. This helps reduce pocket depth and allows the gums to heal and reattach to the tooth surfaces.

When Other Options May Be Needed

If you have severe periodontitis or advanced gum disease, you may need other periodontal treatments beyond scaling and root planing. In these cases, your provider may suggest additional procedures to manage bone loss, treat deeper gum pockets, or restore damaged gum tissue.

Why Many Patients Choose This Option

This treatment is done with local anesthetic and does not require surgery. Most people find it quick, comfortable, and easier than other periodontal procedures. Patients across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Hampton choose The Foleck Center for this safe and effective way to improve oral health and prevent future problems.

Portrait of a beautiful and cheerful woman sitting as a patient on the dental chair during a medical examination at the dental office

What happens during a scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing is a step-by-step process that targets plaque, tartar, and bacteria below the gum line. The goal is to clean the periodontal pockets, reduce infection, and help the gums reattach to the teeth. This procedure helps stop the progression of gum disease and protects your oral health.

Step 1: Local Anesthetic

We begin by applying a local anesthetic to numb the area being treated. This keeps you comfortable during the procedure. Only the treated section of your mouth is numbed at each visit.

Step 2: Scaling the Teeth

Next, we use ultrasonic instruments and hand tools to remove plaque, hardened plaque, and stains from the tooth surfaces. This includes cleaning above and below the gum line where bacteria collect and cause damage.

Step 3: Cleaning the Gum Pockets

We go deeper into the periodontal pockets to remove trapped debris, bacteria, and calculus around the teeth roots. Clearing these areas is important for reducing pocket depth and preventing bone loss.

Step 4: Root Planing

We smooth the root surfaces of the teeth. This step is called root planing and helps the gum tissue heal and reattach to the tooth roots, closing the gaps that allow gum disease to spread.

Step 5: Second Appointment

The treatment is usually done in two sessions. One side of the mouth is cleaned during the first visit, and the other side is treated at your second appointment. This allows for complete and safe care.

Schedule your scaling and root planing appointment today!

If you have signs of gum disease, act early. Scaling and root planing can protect your teeth, improve your gum health, and prevent long-term problems. The team at The Foleck Center is ready to help you at any of our locations in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton Kecoughtan, or Hampton Coliseum.

Contact us today at 757.965.7696 or book online to schedule your visit. Get the care you need to keep your gums healthy and your smile strong.

If you think you may need scaling and root planing, or want to know more about this procedure, call us today and our friendly staff members can further assist you.

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