Gum disease, a prevalent condition affecting individuals worldwide, is a primary cause of tooth loss among adults. It begins with the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth. When plaque is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which can lead to gingivitis — the earliest stage of gum disease characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. This stage involves the destruction of the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss and can contribute to systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease.
Understanding the importance of early intervention and treatment, such as scaling and root planing, is crucial in preventing these complications and maintaining overall oral health. These procedures address the immediate symptoms of gum disease and protect against its long-term impacts. This blog post delves into the benefits of scaling and root planing for optimal gum health.
What are scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing are deep cleaning procedures that target the removal of plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line, areas that are not reachable with regular brushing or flossing. Scaling involves scraping away these deposits from the tooth and root surfaces, while root planing smooths out the roots to help the gums reattach to the teeth, promoting healing and preventing further buildup of harmful bacteria.
Key benefits of scaling and root planing
1. Prevents Disease Progression
The primary benefit of scaling and root planing is its ability to halt the progression of gum disease. By removing plaque and tartar from beneath the gums, these procedures directly address the cause of inflammation and infection, thereby preventing them from advancing to more severe stages.
2. Reduces gum inflammation and bleeding
Patients often experience a significant reduction in gum inflammation and bleeding after undergoing scaling and root planing. This is because the removal of irritants allows the gums to heal and regain their healthy state.
3. Eliminates Bad Breath
Chronic bad breath (halitosis) is commonly linked to gum disease. The bacteria trapped in tartar and plaque emit foul-smelling compounds. By cleaning these deposits, scaling and root planing can significantly improve breath quality.
4. Prevents Tooth Loss
Advanced gum disease can lead to tooth loss due to the destruction of the supporting tissue and bone. Early intervention with scaling and root planing can save teeth by preventing the condition from reaching a stage where tooth extraction is the only option.
5. Improves Overall Health
Research has shown a link between gum disease and other health complications, such as heart disease and diabetes. Maintaining gum health through procedures like scaling and root planing can contribute to overall health and well-being.
When is scaling and root planing recommended?
- Deep gum pockets: Normal gum pockets are usually between 1 to 3 millimeters deep. If pockets exceed this range, it indicates that plaque and tartar are accumulating beneath the gum line, requiring scaling and root planing for thorough cleaning.
- Signs of infection: Symptoms such as persistent bad breath, red, swollen, or tender gums, bleeding during brushing or flossing, and receding gums are indicators of gum infection that may be addressed with this treatment.
- Preventing progression of gum disease: For patients diagnosed with early stages of periodontitis, scaling and root planing can prevent the disease from advancing to more severe levels that could result in tooth loss or require more invasive treatments.
- As part of a periodontal maintenance program: For patients who have previously been treated for periodontal disease, scaling and root planing may be part of a regular maintenance regimen to keep the disease at bay.
What to expect during scaling and root planing
Understanding the scaling and root planing process can help ease any apprehensions you may have about the treatment. Here’s what typically happens during these procedures:
1. Before the Procedure
Your periodontist at Atlanta Center for Advanced Periodontics will start with a thorough examination of your mouth, which may include X-rays to determine the extent of the gum disease and the condition of the teeth and bones. This step is crucial for planning your treatment effectively.
2. During the Procedure
- Anesthesia: To ensure your comfort, a local anesthetic may be applied to numb the area being treated. This helps minimize any discomfort during the scaling and root planing process.
- Scaling: Your periodontist will use specialized tools, such as an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments, to meticulously remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line and on the tooth and root surfaces.
- Root planing: After scaling, the roots of the teeth are smoothed out with the same or similar instruments to remove any remaining bacteria and toxins. This smoothing process helps the gums reattach to the teeth more effectively.
- Antibiotics or antimicrobial agents: In some cases, your dentist may apply antibiotics or antimicrobial agents to the gums to help eliminate any lingering bacteria and support the healing process.
3. After the Procedure
- Recovery: Post-treatment, you may experience some tenderness and swelling in the gum area, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and by following your periodontist care instructions.
- Follow-up care: Your periodontist will likely schedule a follow-up visit to check on your healing progress and ensure that the gums are reattaching properly to the teeth. They may also provide additional care instructions or treatments based on your specific needs.
- Home care: Proper oral hygiene at home is crucial for healing and preventing future gum disease. This includes regular brushing, flossing, and sometimes using a prescribed mouthwash.
4. Managing Sensitivity
It’s common to experience some sensitivity to temperature and pressure after scaling and root planing. This sensitivity usually diminishes over time as your gums heal and reattach to your teeth.
Ready to take the first step towards healthier gums?

Scaling and root planing are essential procedures for anyone looking to maintain or restore gum health, especially for those at risk or suffering from gum disease. These treatments address immediate issues like inflammation and bleeding and offer long-term benefits by preventing disease progression and associated health problems. Regular dental check-ups, combined with proper oral hygiene practices, are key to ensuring the lasting effectiveness of scaling and root planing.
Don’t let gum disease compromise your smile and overall health. If you’re experiencing symptoms like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum sensitivity, it’s time to act. Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation.
At Atlanta Center for Advanced Periodontics, our team is dedicated to providing personalized care, including scaling and root planing treatments if necessary, to help restore your gum health and prevent further complications. Remember, early intervention is key to combating gum disease effectively. Take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile. Call our Midtown Atlanta office at (404) 876-4867 or our Roswell office at (770) 442-1010.