Scaling and Root Planing

Deep Cleaning Treatment for Early to Moderate Gum Disease

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, one of the most effective first steps toward recovery is a procedure called scaling and root planing. Sometimes referred to as a deep cleaning, this specialized periodontal therapy removes bacteria and tartar buildup beneath the gum line — where a regular cleaning can’t reach.

At Dr. Fred Alger Periodontics & Implants in Gahanna, our team provides gentle, evidence-based scaling and root planing treatments to restore your gum health, prevent tooth loss, and support long-term oral health.

At his initial appointment, this patient had bleeding, swelling, pus and a deep gum pocket that harbored bacteria.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical dental procedure designed to treat periodontal disease in its early to moderate stages. It involves two main steps:

• Scaling: The removal of plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria from the teeth and roots of your teeth, including below the gum tissue.
• Root Planing: Smoothing the tooth surfaces to help the gums reattach and make it harder for bacteria to grow in the future.

This deep cleaning procedure goes beyond what’s done at a routine dental visit and is recommended when pocket depth between the teeth and gums measures more than 3 millimeters.

When performed by a specialist like Dr. Alger, scaling and root planing can stop chronic gum disease from progressing and help you maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

Why Scaling and Root Planing Matters

Scaling and root planing was performed by Dr. Alger to resolve infection and reduce gum pockets without surgery

Gum disease is caused by a sticky film of bacteria called plaque, which hardens into tartar if not removed through daily brushing and flossing. Over time, bacteria irritate the gums, causing inflammation, bleeding, and the formation of deep periodontal pockets.

If left untreated, this infection can spread to the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place, leading to bone loss, gum recession, and eventually tooth loss.

The good news is that scaling and root planing can remove the source of infection, allowing your gums to heal and tighten back around the teeth. By reducing bacteria and inflammation, this treatment also supports your overall health, lowering risks linked to heart disease and other systemic conditions.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Many patients are surprised by how comfortable the scaling and root planing process is. Dr. Alger and his skilled team use the latest ultrasonic instruments and handheld tools to clean the teeth thoroughly while minimizing discomfort.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Local Anesthesia for Comfort
   Before the procedure begins, a local anesthetic (similar to Novocain) is applied to numb the area and ensure a pain-free experience.
2. Thorough Removal of Bacteria and Tartar
   Using an ultrasonic scaler, our team gently removes hardened plaque and bacteria below the gum line. The rapid vibrations break up calculus deposits while a fine mist of water flushes away debris.
3. Smoothing the Root Surfaces
   After cleaning, Dr. Alger will smooth rough areas on the roots of the teeth. This step helps the gum tissue reattach to the tooth root and prevents bacteria from returning.
4. Post-Treatment Rinse and Evaluation
   Once the cleaning is complete, the area is rinsed and gently suctioned — just like a standard dental cleaning. You’ll then schedule a follow-up visit in 4–6 weeks to check healing and pocket reduction.

Is Scaling and Root Planing Right for You?

If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or increased teeth sensitivity, you may be showing early signs of periodontal disease. Scaling and root planing is often the first step toward restoring your gum health before surgical treatment becomes necessary.

This treatment is recommended for patients who:

• Have deep gum pockets or large pockets between teeth and gums
• Experience swelling, tenderness, or gum bleeding
• Show signs of tartar buildup along the gum line
• Have been diagnosed with mild to moderate gum disease
• Wish to prevent tooth loss and maintain good oral hygiene

For many patients, scaling and root planing is all that’s needed to stop the progression of disease and protect the supporting structures of the teeth.

Aftercare and Maintenance

Following your deep cleaning, Dr. Alger will provide personalized aftercare instructions to help you maintain your results. You may experience mild gum tenderness or slight teeth sensitivity for a few days — this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and mouth rinses recommended by our team.

To promote healing and prevent reinfection, we encourage patients to:

• Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Floss carefully to remove bacteria along the gum line
• Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse as directed
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins C and E to support tissue healing
• Schedule regular dental cleanings and periodontal maintenance visits

Staying consistent with professional cleanings and proper oral hygiene habits is the best way to maintain your periodontal health long-term.

Scaling and Root Planing vs. Routine Cleaning

While both procedures remove plaque and tartar, scaling and root planing goes much deeper. Routine dental cleanings target surface-level buildup, while scaling and root planing focuses on the root surfaces and periodontal pockets below the gumline.

This difference is crucial for patients with moderate gum disease — removing bacteria and calculus from these deeper areas helps the gums heal and reattach naturally.

The Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing

• Reduces inflammation and pocket depth
• Prevents tooth loss and further bone loss
• Stops progression of chronic periodontitis
• Improves overall oral and systemic health
• Enhances the appearance of healthy gums
• Provides a foundation for other periodontal treatments, if needed

By taking this proactive step, patients can often avoid the need for more complex surgical procedures later on.

Restore Gum Health With Gentle, Effective Care

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Early periodontal treatment through scaling and root planing can stop infection, restore gum health, and protect your smile for years to come.