Does scaling and root planing hurt?

Scaling and root planing is generally not a painful procedure. Local anaesthesia is typically used to numb the area. However, some discomfort, such as soreness or sensitivity, is common afterwards but it should subside within a few days.

How long does scaling and root planing take?

The procedure takes one to two hours to complete. Your dentist or dental hygienist might do everything in one visit. Or they might clean half your teeth during one appointment and the other half during a second one.

How much does scaling and root planing cost?

The cost of the procedure can vary significantly, potentially ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars per quadrant, depending on factors like the extent of gum disease, the number of teeth treated, and your geographic location. Dental insurance often covers scaling and root planing costs, especially when it's considered medically necessary for gum disease treatment. Coverage may vary depending on your specific plan and the severity of your gum disease. Check with your insurance provider to understand the specific coverage of your plan.

How long after scaling and root planing can I eat?

It is generally recommended to wait at least 2 hours, or until the anesthesia wears off, before eating. This allows the gum tissue to recover and reduces the risk of accidental biting or irritation

Do I need to have scaling and root planing done regularly?

Ideally, you’ll need scaling and root planing only once. After your dentist or dental hygienist removes the tartar and bacteria, regular professional dental cleanings and good oral hygiene should help keep you on track. The goal of scaling and root planing is to improve the health of your gums so you won’t need another deep cleaning.

Should everyone get scaling and root planing?

No. Scaling and root planing is for individuals with gum disease, specifically periodontitis, when pockets between the teeth and gums are too deep to be cleaned with a standard cleaning. It's not necessary for people with healthy gums and teeth.

Scaling and Root Planing: Procedure, Benefits, and Aftercare Tips

Plaque and Tartar

Scaling and Root Planing: Procedure, Benefits, and Aftercare Tips

Last updated 10/26

This blog has been reviewed and approved by Dr Robert Lee, a dental professional of 35 years

Table Of Contents

Key Takeaways

Scaling and Root Planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. It smooths the tooth roots to promote healing. 
The procedure is an effective treatment for gum disease, which helps prevent tooth loss and maintain good oral health. 
Proper aftercare is crucial for healing and includes gentle brushing and using a recommended mouthwash 
Recovery can also be helped by eating soft foods and staying hydrated 
Make sure you attend all follow-up appointments

Close-up of dental tool scaling plaque off the inside of teeth

What Is Scaling and Root Planning?

Scaling and root planing is a two-step dental procedure aimed at treating periodontitis (gum disease), particularly after it has progressed beyond the initial stage of gingivitis.

It’s essentially a deep cleaning that reaches deeper beneath your gums.

Scaling

Involves the removal of plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline
Crucial because plaque and tartar harbor bacteria that can led to gum inflammation and infection
Helps reduce the bacterial load in the mouth

Root Planing

Follows scaling, focuses on the tooth roots
The dentist or dental hygienist smooths the roots to remove any remaining tartar and eliminate rough spots where bacteria can accumulate
Helps the gums reattach more firmly to the teeth and promotes better stability

Why Is Scaling and Root Planning Important?

Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. It begins with gingivitis and causes swollen, bleeding gums. It can progress to periodontitis where gums pull away from the teeth and pockets form that become infected. Left untreated, can lead to bone loss and tooth mobility. Scaling and root planing are effective treatments for gum disease. Thoroughly cleaning the roots helps:

Eliminate infection
Reduce gum inflammation
Promote the healing of gum tissues
Improve oral health
Prevent the progression to more severe forms of gum disease

Close-up of patient getting their teeth examined in a dentist’s office

Scaling and Root Planing Procedure

A topical or local anesthetic is given to numb the area

Plaque and tartar (scale) is scraped from your teeth, both above and below the gumline down to the periodontal pocket

The rough surfaces on the roots of the teeth are smoothed (planing) which helps the gums reattach to the teeth

Antibiotics might be placed directly into the periodontal pockets, and oral antibiotics might be prescribed to take after the procedure.

Aftercare Tips for a Smooth Recovery

Proper aftercare is crucial for effective healing and to maintain the benefits of the procedure.

Follow Proper Oral Hygiene Practices

Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Be gentle around the treated areas to avoid causing further irritation or damage to the gums

Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and along the gumline

Use a Gentle Mouthwash

Use a mild, alcohol-free mouthwash. Gentle, antimicrobial mouthwashes can help reduce bacteria and promote healing

Mouthwashes that contain alcohol can cause dryness and irritation to sensitive gum tissue

Eat Soft Foods

For the first few days following scaling and root planning eat foods that are gentle on the gums

Food like yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs and soups will help to avoid putting pressure on your gums

Avoid hard, crunchy, and spicy foods that can cause discomfort and delay healing

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, which keeps your mouth hydrated and washes away food particles and bacteria

Avoid Irritants

Avoid smoking and alcohol which can irritate the gums and delay healing

Avoid acidic beverages like citrus juices and sodas that can cause discomfort

Manage Sensitivity and Discomfort

To manage sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks, use a desensitizing toothpaste

Avoid consuming extremely hot or cold foods and drinks

Take any medications recommended by your dentist regularly

Avoid Intense Physical Activity

Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours after the procedure

Allow your body to focus on healing and prevents any bleeding or discomfort caused by increased blood flow

Attend Follow-Up Appointments and Routine Checkups

Ensures the scaling and root planning treatment was effective

Allows any complications to be detected and addressed before they become serious

Is a good way to monitor your overall oral health

Risks and Benefits

Like so many things when it comes to oral health, there are both risks and benefits to scaling and root planing. The benefits tend to outweigh any risks.

Benefits

Prevent tooth loss and gum recession
Reduce your risk for advanced gum disease
Gets rid of the oral bacteria that causes halitosis (bad breath)
Improve overall health by reducing harmful bacteria in your mouth that can travel through your bloodstream to other parts of your body

Risks

Bleeding
- Some bleeding is normal after the procedure. Let your dentist or dental hygienist know if you have excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop.
Gum Recession
- If your gums were swollen before your scaling and root planing, they will shrink back once the infection is gone. Because of this, you might see a little more of your teeth roots.
Infection
- Scaling and root planing can introduce harmful bacteria into your bloodstream, which could lead to bacteremia or blood infection. Prescribed antibiotics or mouth rinse can reduce this risk.
Loose Teeth
- Your teeth might feel a little loose immediately after the procedure. This should go away once your gums heal and tighten back up
Teeth Sensitivity
- Removing plaque and tartar can make your teeth more sensitive to heat and cold. This sensitivity should go away in a month or two
Tenderness
- Your gums might feel a little sore for a couple of days. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers can manage discomfort

Summary

Scaling and root planing are a crucial procedure for treating gum disease and preventing more serious dental and health issues. By removing plaque and tartar from under the gums and smoothing tooth roots, this deep cleaning helps gums heal and reattach to teeth.

Starting with a local anaesthetic, the procedure involves scraping plaque and tartar from your teeth both above and below your gums. Rough tooth roots are then smoothed out. The process takes one to two hours to complete and may be done in one appointment, or split into two, with few risks or complications.

Afterwards, the patient may be given prescribed antibiotics to help prevent infection and can use over-the-counter pain medications to help with discomfort. Apart from avoiding strenuous activities for 24 hours and eating soft foods for the first few days, you can return to your daily routine. With proper aftercare, including maintaining routine dental checkups, most patients experience a smooth recovery and improved oral health.

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Good oral hygiene is a vital component of overall health. Oral-B strives to provide high-quality tools that make your daily routine easier and more effective. Our products are engineered to target plaque and help you sustain clean teeth and healthy gums, supporting the foundation of a healthy mouth.

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FAQs

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