When people think of dental cleanings, they usually picture a routine checkup and a bit of polishing. But sometimes, your teeth and gums need more than just a surface-level refresh. If your gums are red, swollen, or bleed when you brush, it could be a sign of gum disease, and that’s where scaling and root planing comes in.

At Hillside Dental Care, we use scaling and root planing to help patients stop gum disease in its tracks and restore their oral health. It’s not just a deep clean. It’s a step toward healing.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical treatment for gum disease, also called periodontal therapy. It’s often recommended when plaque and tartar have built up below the gumline, irritating the soft tissue and causing inflammation.

Scaling involves removing hardened plaque (tartar) from the surface of the teeth and from beneath the gums.

Root planing smooths the root surfaces, helping the gums reattach to the teeth and preventing bacteria from sticking as easily in the future.

This procedure is one of the most effective ways to manage early-stage gum disease without surgery. And if done early enough, it can often reverse the damage.

Why Gum Health Is About More Than Gums

You might think of gum disease as a localized issue, but research continues to link it to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and even pregnancy complications. That’s because inflammation in the mouth can spill over into the rest of the body.

Gums act as the foundation for your smile. When they weaken, everything else becomes vulnerable. Teeth can loosen or fall out, and even cosmetic issues like gum recession or bad breath can creep in. So, addressing gum disease isn’t just about your mouth, it’s about protecting your whole-body health.

Is scaling and root planing painful?

This is the most common question patients ask, and it’s a fair one.

In truth, the experience varies from person to person. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the actual treatment. You may feel pressure as your dentist or hygienist works, especially if there’s a lot of buildup or if your gums are already inflamed.

After the anesthesia wears off, it’s normal to experience some tenderness or soreness. Your gums might feel a little raw or slightly swollen, and your teeth may be more sensitive to temperature for a few days. However, most patients describe it as discomfort, not pain.

At Hillside Dental Care, we’ll always talk through your comfort options beforehand. If you’re anxious about the procedure, let us know, we can walk you through what to expect and offer ways to make it easier.

What can I expect after scaling and root planing?

Healing after scaling and root planing is relatively quick, especially compared to surgical procedures.

Here’s what you can typically expect in the days and weeks afterward:

• Gum tenderness: It’s normal for your gums to feel a little sore and appear red for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief usually helps manage this.
• Sensitivity: Your teeth may react to hot or cold foods for a while. This tends to subside as your gums heal and reattach.
• Improved gum health: You might notice less bleeding when brushing and flossing within a week or two. This is a great sign that healing is underway.
• Better breath: As bacteria are removed, many patients notice that their breath smells fresher.
• Follow-up visits: You may need additional visits to monitor your progress or to complete the treatment in quadrants if the buildup is extensive.

To help your gums heal, we recommend soft foods for the first couple of days, gentle brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoiding smoking or anything that can slow healing.

Most importantly, keep up with your home oral care and your follow-up appointments. Scaling and root planing is a reset button, but the long-term success depends on how well you care for your mouth after.

How long does it take for scaling and root planing?

The time required depends on how much buildup you have and how many areas of the mouth are affected.

If only one or two areas are involved, your dentist might complete the procedure in a single visit. But in many cases, the mouth is divided into quadrants (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left), and treatment is done over two to four appointments.

Each visit typically lasts 45 to 90 minutes. Your provider will numb the area being treated that day and focus thoroughly on cleaning and smoothing those roots.

After the final session, you’ll usually have a follow-up appointment a few weeks later. This gives us a chance to check healing, measure your gum pockets again, and see if additional care is needed.

While the procedure takes time, the long-term payoff is worth it. Gum disease can cause permanent damage if left untreated, so scaling and root planing is often your best shot at avoiding more invasive (and more expensive) treatments later.

What Happens if You Skip It?

It’s tempting to put off a deep cleaning if your gums don’t feel bad. But gum disease can be deceptive. In its early stages, it may not cause pain. Instead, it quietly damages the gums and bone that support your teeth.

If ignored, what starts as gingivitis can become periodontitis. At that stage, your gums begin to pull away from the teeth, bone is lost, and infections can set in. Teeth can loosen, and eventually, extraction might be the only option.

Scaling and root planing is a proactive way to stop that cycle before it starts. It removes the source of irritation, gives your gums a chance to heal, and prevents more serious interventions down the line.

Who Typically Needs Scaling and Root Planing?

It’s usually recommended for patients who:

• Have been diagnosed with early to moderate gum disease
• Show signs of gum pocket depth over 3mm
• Have tartar buildup below the gumline
• Are experiencing chronic bad breath
• Have bleeding, swollen, or receding gums

If you’re not sure where your gum health stands, the best thing to do is come in for an exam. We’ll measure your gum pockets, check for inflammation, and let you know if scaling and root planing is the right move.

Can You Prevent the Need for Scaling and Root Planing?

Absolutely. While some people are genetically more prone to gum issues, most cases of gum disease are preventable with good home care and regular dental visits.

Here’s what helps:

• Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Flossing daily, especially under the gumline
• Using an antimicrobial mouth rinse if recommended
• Getting professional cleanings at least twice a year
• Avoiding tobacco products
• Managing chronic conditions like diabetes, which can affect gum health

If you’ve already had scaling and root planing, these habits can help prevent gum disease from coming back. If you haven’t needed it yet, they’re your best bet for keeping it that way.

Let’s Get Your Gums Back on Track

If your gums are tender, swollen, or bleed easily, don’t ignore the signs. Gum disease is common, but it’s also manageable, especially when caught early.

At Hillside Dental Care, we’re here to make the process as easy and comfortable as possible. From your first exam to post-treatment care, you’ll always know what’s happening and why.

Book your appointment today and let’s take the first step toward healthier gums, a cleaner smile, and long-lasting oral health.