Root Scaling and Planing Deerfield Beach, FL
Root scaling and planing remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria to improve gum health. Many patients think of gum disease as a minor nuisance. However, untreated gum infections can put your health at risk. Fortunately, a root scaling and planing treatment can help.
Root scaling and root planing are available at Dentistry of South Florida Family & Emergency Dentists in Deerfield Beach and the surrounding area. Our team provides in-depth dental cleanings to freshen your mouth. We offer the care patients need to combat stubborn gum disease. Call us at (954) 569-8989 to learn more.
Understanding Root Scaling and Planing
Scaling and planing help restore a patient's teeth and gums. The dental team removes sticky plaque and tartar from the surface of teeth. During a traditional dental cleaning, the team removes debris above the gum line, but the team goes one step further with root scaling. Dental providers remove plaque and tartar. below the gumline and along the root of the tooth.
Scaling can clear up advanced gum disease, sometimes known as periodontitis. This condition occurs when bacteria become trapped along the gumline. Patients with periodontitis may develop sore, inflamed, and infected gums. Those who do not receive treatment for gum disease may develop long-term health problems. Researchers have linked gum disease to heart disease, dementia, and some forms of cancer. Fortunately, root scaling and planing resolve gum disease. This procedure can heal the gums and improve the patient's health.
“Patients with periodontitis may develop sore, inflamed, and infected gums.”
When To Receive Root Scaling and Planing
We recommend root scaling and root planing to combat chronic periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Patients with receding gums can also benefit from this treatment. During a routine dental examination, we will assess the patient's gum line and periodontal pockets. Deep pockets may indicate signs of periodontal disease and necessitate root scaling or planing.
Without root scaling or root planing treatment, people with periodontal disease can suffer additional oral and overall health problems. Eventually, the bacteria from diseased gums can lead to receding gums, tooth loss, bone loss, or loose teeth. Root scaling and planing can help repair some of the damage and prevent further gum damage. Additional treatments may be necessary in cases where the periodontal pockets have become deeper.
“Without root scaling or root planing treatment, people with periodontal disease can suffer additional oral and overall health problems.”
A Breakdown of the Procedure
Depending on the severity of the situation, root scaling and planing treatments may be broken up into multiple appointments. These procedures are done on an outpatient basis. Patients may or may not need a local anesthetic to numb the treatment site. We may focus on certain parts of the mouth during each appointment instead of treating the entire area in one visit.
Root scaling occurs before root planing. We will scrape plaque deposits from the teeth and in the large pockets between the gums during root scaling. During root planing, we will go deeper into the gum line to remove bacteria and plaque. We will smooth out the roots deep within the gum line, clearing off tartar build-up and bacteria. At the end of the procedure, the gums and mouth are flushed with water to remove any remaining loose residue or bacteria.
“Depending on the severity of the situation, root scaling and planing treatments may be broken up into multiple appointments.”
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Benefits and Drawbacks of Root Scaling Treatment
One of the biggest benefits of root scaling and root planing is that it helps prevent further gum disease. After treatment, patients will have cleaner mouths with fewer gum problems and cavities. Healthier gums feel less tender and will not bleed while flossing or brushing.
Root scaling and planing may not be the best treatment option for everyone. Patients who do not commit to excellent oral hygiene habits may not see as many benefits in the future. Additionally, immunocompromised individuals or patients with severely receding gums may not be candidates for the treatment.
“One of the biggest benefits of root scaling and root planing is that it helps prevent further gum disease.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. When are root scaling and root planing necessary?
Q. What happens during a typical root scaling and root planing procedure?
Q. What are the benefits and drawbacks of root scaling?
Q. What are the keys to understanding root scaling and planing?
Q. What aftercare should occur after treatment?
People Also Ask
Q. Is increased sensitivity to temperature a sign that endodontic surgery is necessary?
Q. Am I at high risk for developing oral cancer?
Q. What are some common signs of receding gums?
Q. Are pain and tenderness when touching the teeth or chewing a sign of a problem?
Procedure Aftercare
After root scaling and planing, patients may experience:
- Gum bleeding
- Irritated gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Soreness or aching
These side effects usually disappear within a few days. Patients can speed their recovery by following the team's aftercare instructions. During recovery, patients may need to avoid certain foods. Patients may also receive instructions about their at-home oral care. Thorough brushing and flossing help prevent gum disease from returning. However, patients may need to delay flossing a few days to allow the gums time to heal. The dental team can provide more information about when patients can resume their regular activities.
Many patients with periodontal disease need ongoing care. They may benefit from annual scaling and planing procedures. These procedures can overlap with the patient's regular exams and dental cleanings. Our team can help patients develop a plan for their future dental care.
“Many patients with periodontal disease need ongoing care.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is root scaling and planing painful?
A. Dental providers use numbing medication to prevent patients from feeling discomfort during treatment. Afterward, patients may experience sore or tender gums. However, these side effects usually disappear within a few days.
Q. How long will it take for my gums to recover?
A. Most patients make a full recovery within 1-2 weeks. Keep in mind that some patients may need frequent scaling and planing. Annual or biannual procedures can prevent gum disease from returning. Our team can determine whether you need ongoing treatment.
Q. How long does the procedure last?
A. Root scaling and planing usually take 1-2 hours. The dental provider may perform the treatment in one visit, or they may split the procedure into two stages. Our team can determine the right treatment schedule for you.
Q. What are the risks of root scaling and planing?
A. Most patients are eligible for root scaling and planing procedures. However, this treatment may not be right for patients with bleeding disorders or compromised immune systems. Patients with severe tooth decay or oral infections may benefit from a different treatment. Our team can determine whether you are a candidate for root scaling and planing.
Q. How can I know if I need this procedure?
A. Root scaling and planing can treat an advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis. Periodontitis symptoms may include:
- Swollen gums
- Red or purplish gums
- Gum bleeding
- Bad breath
- Visible pus along the gumline
Untreated periodontitis can result in tooth loss, receding gums, and widespread infection. Researchers have also found that patients with periodontitis are at a higher risk for heart disease and dementia. Treatment helps patients resolve gum disease and other issues that may occur from gum disease.
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Periodontic Terminology
Call Us Today
If you have gum disease, root scaling and planing can help reverse this issue. Our team at Dentistry of South Florida Family & Emergency Dentists can help. Call us today at 954-569-8989 to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
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