Take the next step toward healthier gums with personalized care for buildup below the gumline.
Bleeding, swollen, or receding gums can be signs that plaque and tartar have built up below the gumline. Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical deep cleaning used to manage periodontitis in areas where a routine cleaning may not reach. Wellington Dental Clinic can assess your gums and recommend care based on the depth and extent of the problem.
Scaling and root planing, often called deep cleaning, treats the tooth surfaces above and below the gumline. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and periodontal pockets. Root planing cleans and smooths affected root surfaces so the gums can heal more closely around the teeth.
This treatment is different from a routine dental cleaning. A routine cleaning focuses mainly on deposits around and above the gumline. Scaling and root planing is considered when an examination shows deeper pockets, attachment loss, or other evidence of periodontitis.
A periodontal assessment may be appropriate if you notice:
Gum disease can also progress with few noticeable symptoms. These signs do not confirm a diagnosis on their own, so an examination is needed before treatment is recommended.
Before recommending scaling and root planing, the dental team may:
The clinician uses periodontal instruments to remove deposits from the teeth and root surfaces below the gumline. The affected roots are then cleaned and smoothed. Local anesthetic may be offered or recommended depending on the areas treated, their sensitivity, and your care plan.
Treatment may involve selected teeth, one section of the mouth, or several areas. The number and length of visits depend on the extent of disease, your comfort, and the treatment plan. Your dental team should explain what is planned before treatment begins.
Tender gums, mild bleeding, or temporary tooth sensitivity can occur after treatment. Your experience and recovery time may vary. Follow the clinic's instructions for brushing, interdental cleaning, eating, and any recommended products or medication.
Contact the clinic if pain, swelling, bleeding, or another symptom is severe, worsening, or does not improve as expected. Seek urgent care for trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling, or another serious reaction.
Scaling and root planing removes deposits, but it does not permanently eliminate the risk of gum disease. At a follow-up visit, the dental team may reassess pocket depths, bleeding, inflammation, plaque control, and healing.
Some patients need periodontal maintenance at an individualized interval rather than routine cleaning alone. If deep pockets or active disease remain, additional non-surgical care, specialist referral, or gum surgery may be discussed based on the findings.
Your dental team may recommend that you:
Everything you need to know about your visit to our Guelph clinic.
If your gums bleed, feel swollen, or seem to be receding, book an assessment rather than assuming you need a particular treatment. Wellington Dental Clinic can determine whether you need a routine dental cleaning, scaling and root planing, or another form of periodontal care. Book your appointment online, call 226-314-3614, or contact our Guelph clinic.
