Gum disease rarely announces itself with a dramatic flare-up. It usually begins with subtle inflammation, bleeding during brushing, or minor tenderness. Left unchecked, that irritation can advance—wearing away the tissue and bone that keep teeth stable. Scaling and root planing (often called a “deep cleaning”) is the frontline, evidence-based therapy for stopping this destructive cycle and giving gums an opportunity to heal.
At Periodontal Associates of Memphis, Dr. Godat, Dr. King, and Dr. Byakina perform scaling and root planing every day. The procedure is thorough, yet conservative: rather than removing tissue or placing dental implants, it preserves the teeth you already have by eliminating the source of infection.
Understanding Plaque, Calculus, and Biofilm
Before diving into the steps of treatment, it helps to know what we’re up against:
| Term | What It Is | Why It’s Harmful |
|---|---|---|
| Plaque | A soft, sticky film of bacteria and food debris that develops on teeth within hours of brushing | Plaque bacteria release toxins that irritate gums |
| Calculus (Tartar) | Hardened plaque that can no longer be brushed or flossed away | Forms a rough surface where more bacteria cling |
| Biofilm | A complex bacterial community that matures below the gumline | Resilient structure makes it harder for your immune system to fight infection |
Scaling and root planing break up this biofilm, remove calculus, and smooth root surfaces so bacteria have nowhere to hide.
The Two Parts of Deep Cleaning
Scaling
Purpose: Remove plaque and calculus from the crown and root surfaces.
How it’s done: Your periodontist or hygienist uses ultrasonic scalers (vibrating tips that break apart tartar) and fine hand instruments to gently lift deposits away. Water irrigation flushes out debris and helps keep the area clean.
Root Planing
Purpose: Smooth the root after scaling. A polished root surface heals faster and discourages future bacterial attachment.
How it’s done: Using delicate curettes, the clinician glides along the root, planing rough spots created by bacteria or previous tartar. This creates a clean slate for healthy gum tissue to reattach.
What to Expect Before Treatment
- Comprehensive evaluation – We measure pocket depths around each tooth, assess bone levels on digital X-rays, and review your medical history. These findings help determine whether scaling and root planing are appropriate and how many appointments you’ll need.
- Local anesthesia – The gum tissue is numbed so you remain comfortable while the deeper layers are cleaned.
- Treatment planning – Deep cleaning is typically completed in quadrants (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left) over two visits. This allows adequate time to be thorough and lets you speak, chew, and swallow without half your mouth feeling numb.
Step-by-Step: Your Appointment Day
- Numbing the area – A topical gel precedes local anesthesia injections, keeping the process swift and gentle.
- Initial ultrasonic scaling – High-frequency vibrations dislodge heavy calculus while a fine mist of water cools the tip and washes debris away.
- Hand instrumentation – Your periodontist switches to finely crafted tools to target stubborn deposits and refine contours your ultrasonic scaler can’t reach.
- Root planing – With a smooth, glass-like root, the gums have a fresh surface to reattach.
- Site irrigation – Antibacterial rinses further cleanse pockets and reduce the bacterial load.
- Adjunctive therapies (if needed) – In certain cases we may place localized antibiotics, recommend host-modulation agents, or discuss laser gum therapy to enhance healing.
- Post-treatment polish and floss – We finish by removing residual plaque and leaving each tooth feeling clean.
- Review of home care instructions – Our team shows you how to position your toothbrush, angle your interdental cleaners, and consider added aids like a water flosser or antimicrobial rinse.
Healing and After-Care
Immediate sensations
- Mild tenderness: Over-the-counter analgesics and a warm salt-water rinse usually handle discomfort.
- Sensitivity to cold: A desensitizing toothpaste helps while roots recalcify.
First week
- Soft diet for the first 24–48 hours, then gradually resume normal foods.
- Meticulous plaque control is critical—cleaning inflamed gums may cause slight bleeding at first, but gentle brushing is part of healing.
Maintenance phase
- Expect a re-evaluation 4–6 weeks later. We compare pocket depths to baseline records. Healthy pockets shrink as gums tighten around your teeth.
- Most patients transition into periodontal maintenance visits every 3–4 months. Unlike regular cleanings, maintenance focuses on areas historically prone to deeper pockets and incorporates ongoing monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will scaling and root planing loosen my teeth?
Actually, the infection—not the treatment—is what weakens bone and tissue. By removing bacterial toxins, deep cleaning gives supporting structures a chance to reattach and stabilize your teeth.
Is the procedure covered by insurance?
Many dental benefit plans recognize periodontal therapy as essential treatment. Our front-office team can help you understand your specific coverage and file claims on your behalf.
How long will results last?
With diligent home care and regular periodontal maintenance, many patients keep their gums healthy indefinitely. However, lapses in oral hygiene or systemic risk factors (such as uncontrolled diabetes or smoking) can allow bacteria to rebound.
Do I still need routine cleanings afterward?
Periodontal maintenance visits replace “routine cleanings.” They feature deeper instrumentation and closer monitoring than a standard prophylaxis.
The Science Behind the Success
Clinical studies consistently show that scaling and root planing reduce pocket depths, decrease bleeding on probing, and enhance attachment levels. When combined with patient education and risk-factor management, deep cleaning remains a cornerstone therapy for chronic periodontitis—often delaying or preventing the need for surgery.
Your Role in Long-Term Gum Health
Deep cleaning buys crucial healing time, but lasting success depends on daily habits:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle brush for at least two minutes.
- Floss or use interdental aids once a day.
- Rinse with antimicrobial mouthwash if recommended.
- If you smoke, consider cessation programs. Tobacco is a major predictor of periodontal relapse.
- Control systemic conditions such as diabetes by working with your physician.
Ready to Breathe Easy and Smile Confidently?
If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or shifting teeth, it’s best not to wait. Early intervention makes treatment simpler and more predictable. Our team at Periodontal Associates of Memphis is committed to helping you reclaim healthy gums—and by extension, a healthier you. Call or request an appointment today and discover how scaling and root planing can refresh more than just your breath.