Scaling and Root Planing in Encino

Gum health plays a vital role in maintaining strong, healthy teeth. While routine cleanings help keep your smile bright, sometimes deeper care is necessary, especially when gum disease begins to take hold. At our Encino dental practice, we offer scaling and root planing, a targeted treatment designed to combat gum disease at its source and protect your oral health from long-term damage.

If your gums bleed when brushing or feel swollen or tender, it could be a sign that bacteria have settled beneath the gumline, where standard cleaning can’t reach. Deep cleaning may be the key to stopping the infection and restoring your gum health.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure used to treat early to moderate periodontal disease. The treatment reaches areas below the gums that daily brushing and flossing miss.

The procedure is completed in two steps:

Scaling: This phase removes hardened plaque (tartar) and bacterial buildup both above and beneath the gumline.
Root Planing: The root surfaces are carefully smoothed to reduce inflammation and help the gums reattach to the teeth.

When perform4d early, this nonsurgical treatment can reverse gum disease and help prevent more invasive procedures like surgery or tooth extraction.

Stops Gum Disease Progression

Helps prevent bone loss and further tissue damage.

Reduces Inflammation

Removes irritants that cause redness, swelling, and bleeding.

Preserves Teeth

Strengthens the support structures holding your teeth in place.

Improves Breath

Eliminates deep-seated bacteria that contribute to chronic halitosis.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Here’s what you can expect during your appointment in our Encino office:

1. Periodontal Assessment
We begin with a detailed evaluation of your gum health, including measuring pocket depths around your teeth and checking for bone loss.

2. Local Anesthesia
To keep you comfortable, we numb the area using a local anesthetic before treatment begins.

3. Scaling
Our hygienist uses advanced instruments, both manual and ultrasonic, to remove hardened plaque from tooth surfaces and under the gums.

4. Root Planing
The root surfaces are smoothed to discourage bacterial reattachment and help the gums heal against the teeth.

5. Aftercare Instructions
We’ll walk you through proper brushing and flossing techniques and may recommend a therapeutic mouth rinse. A follow-up appointment ensures your gums are healing as expected.

Depending on how many areas are affected, your treatment may take place in one appointment or be divided across multiple visits.

Is scaling and root planing the same as a regular cleaning?

No. Routine cleanings remove plaque above the gumline, while scaling and root planing target deeper buildup under the gums and address active gum disease.

How soon after treatment can I eat?

Who typically needs deep cleaning?

How effective is this treatment?