Root Planing and Scaling
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Root planing and scaling is a deep-cleaning treatment that helps remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria beneath the gumline, protecting your gums from disease and keeping your smile strong. At The Smilist, our dentists use gentle, advanced techniques to restore gum health and prevent future problems.
What Is Root Planing and Scaling?
Root planing and scaling is a professional dental cleaning that goes beyond what regular brushing or hygiene visits can reach. It targets hardened plaque and bacterial buildup below the gumline, which can lead to inflammation, gum disease, and tooth loss if untreated. The procedure involves two steps:
- Scaling: removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and beneath the gums.
- Root planing: smoothing the roots of the teeth to help the gums reattach and heal naturally.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
When gums become inflamed, bacteria can damage the supporting bone and tissue around your teeth. Dental treatment for scaling and root planing helps stop this process, reducing your risk of gum disease progression. Benefits include:
- Healthier, stronger gums
- Reduced bleeding and inflammation
- Fresher breath
- Prevention of bone loss
- Protection against future periodontal issues
Addressing gum problems early through scaling and root planing for gingivitis can help you restore gum health and avoid more extensive and costly treatments later on.
How Does Root Planing and Scaling Work?
1. Evaluation
Your dentist will assess your gum health, measure pocket depth, and determine if root planing and scaling are the best treatment option.
2. Deep Cleaning
Using ultrasonic or manual instruments, plaque and tartar are carefully removed from below the gumline.
3. Root Smoothing
The roots of your teeth are gently smoothed to allow the gums to reattach and heal.
Why Choose The Smilist for Root Planing and Scaling
At The Smilist, we make periodontal care easy to understand and stress-free. Our dentists and hygienists use advanced tools and gentle techniques to deliver effective, comfortable results.
- Experienced dentists providing root planing and scaling treatments
- State-of-the-art technology for precise deep cleaning
- Comfortable, patient-first care
- Most dental insurance plans are accepted
- Flexible Membership Plans and Dental Financing available
- Backed by verified patient reviews across The Smilist network
Dental Deals and Promotions
Your gum health deserves care, and The Smilist makes it affordable to get the treatment you need. The Smilist’s current dental deals often include savings on root planing and scaling, periodontal maintenance, and other preventive services to help you manage gum health without financial stress.
For patients without insurance, The Smilist One Membership Plan offers an affordable way to keep up with essential gum and periodontal care. The plan includes routine cleanings, exams, X-rays, and additional discounts on deeper periodontal treatments. If you do have insurance, our team will also help you understand your benefits and verify coverage before treatment begins, so you always know what to expect with no surprises.
We also offer Dental Financing with flexible monthly payments, making it easy to begin treatment right away. Many patients qualify instantly for interest-free plans.
Ask your local office about seasonal promotions, new patient offers, or periodontal treatment bundles that include scaling and root planing as part of ongoing gum maintenance.
Find a Scaling and Root Planing Dentist Near You
The Smilist provides root planing and scaling and other periodontal services across the Northeast, helping patients restore gum health and prevent future issues. Find your nearest periodontics dentist using our Dentist Locations directory.
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Connecticut
- Massachusetts
- Virginia
FAQs
Taking care of your gums is an important part of long-term oral health. Here are answers to the most common questions about root planing and scaling treatment.
The scaling and root planing cost varies based on the extent of cleaning needed and whether one or multiple quadrants are treated. During your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed estimate and information about Dental Financing or Membership Plans.
No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients report only minor sensitivity afterward. Discomfort typically fades within a day or two.
Treatment time depends on how many areas require cleaning. In many cases, root planing and scaling are completed over one or two visits for thorough results.
Brush gently with a soft toothbrush, floss daily, and avoid hard foods for 24 hours after treatment. Attend your follow-up visit as recommended by your dentist to ensure proper healing.
Protect Your Gum Health with The Smilist
If your gums bleed, feel sore, or appear swollen, it may be time for root planing and scaling. The Smilist’s team provides gentle, thorough care to help restore your gum health and keep your smile strong.
Book your appointment online today to schedule your visit.