Deep Cleaning / Scaling & Root Planing
Stop gum disease before it costs you teeth.
Deep cleaning removes infection under the gums, helping them heal and reattach to your teeth.
What is deep cleaning / scaling & root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning that removes tartar and bacteria from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces. It treats periodontitis, which causes gum pockets and bone loss. It's usually done by quadrant with numbing. Its main limitation: it controls, rather than cures, gum disease and requires maintenance.
Who is a candidate?
Often a good fit
- Gum pockets 4mm or deeper
- Bleeding gums
- Bone loss on X-rays
- Bad breath from gum disease
Needs extra care or planning
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Smoking
- Blood thinners
- Advanced disease (may need specialist)
When an exam is needed: Gum pocket measurements and X-rays.
Problems it can address
Limitations: Lost bone doesn't grow back on its own.
Benefits and disadvantages
Benefits
- Stops progression
- Saves teeth
- Improves breath
- Non-surgical
Disadvantages
- Requires numbing
- Temporary sensitivity
- Ongoing maintenance
- Gums may recede slightly
The treatment process
- 1
Measurements
Gum pockets charted.
- 2
Numbing
Local anesthetic.
- 3
Scaling
Tartar removed below gums.
- 4
Root planing
Roots smoothed.
- 5
Re-evaluation
Check healing in 4–6 weeks.
Timeline: 1–2 visits, with re-evaluation after 4–6 weeks.
Recovery and aftercare
What to expect
Discomfort: Gum soreness and sensitivity for a few days.
Downtime: None.
Aftercare
- Warm salt-water rinses
- Gentle brushing
- Floss daily
- Keep maintenance visits
Call us right away if you notice
- Swelling
- Fever
- Severe pain
Longevity and outcomes
Results last with regular periodontal maintenance.
What affects your result
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Home care
Possible complications
- Recurrence
- Sensitivity
- Recession
Cost and payment options
Priced per quadrant; often covered by insurance.
What affects the price
- Number of quadrants
- Localized antibiotics
- Insurance
- Severity
Insurance & financing
We accept most PPO plans and offer financing through CareCredit, Sunbit and others.
Comparison with alternatives
Gum surgery
For advanced cases.
Laser therapy
Adjunct option.
No treatment
Not recommended; disease progresses.
Clinical case examples
Real, patient-authorized cases for this treatment are being added soon, with diagnosis, reasoning and results.
View our Before & After Gallery →Why choose Neo Dental?
Patient reviews
Read what our patients say, in their own words, on independent review sites.
Frequently asked questions
Does it hurt?+
Not during, with numbing; mild soreness after.
Why do I need it?+
To treat infection below the gums.
How many visits?+
Usually 1–2.
Will my gums heal?+
Inflammation usually improves greatly.
Is it covered?+
Often.
What happens after?+
Periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months.
Your care team & booking
Dr. Sol Shahri
General and cosmetic dentist leading every treatment plan at Neo Dental. This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Sol Shahri.
Meet the team →References
Related treatments
Not sure if you need deep cleaning / scaling & root planing?
Book an exam and we'll explain every option, including the most conservative one.
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