Scaling and root planing for patients with gum disease — a thorough cleaning below the gumline that helps stop periodontal problems from progressing.
A deep cleaning, properly called scaling and root planing, goes below the gumline. Where a regular cleaning polishes what you can see, this one clears bacteria and hardened deposits off the roots themselves, then smooths those root surfaces so the gum can reattach.
It is the standard treatment for periodontal disease, and periodontal disease is the leading reason adults lose teeth — usually without much pain to warn them. Bleeding when you brush, persistent bad breath, or gums pulling away from the teeth are the signs worth acting on.
We normally do this over two visits, one side of the mouth at a time, with the area numbed. Afterwards you come back more often than the usual six months while we check the gums are holding.
A regular cleaning works above the gumline. A deep cleaning goes underneath it, onto the roots, and needs numbing because of that.
Gum tissue that has receded does not return on its own. What a deep cleaning does is stop the loss going further, which is why acting early matters so much.
The area can be sore and sensitive for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief is normally enough, and we will tell you what to expect before you leave.
Prevention comes first at Mount Airy Dental Center. Regular visits let us catch small problems before they become big ones.
Routine checkups and professional cleanings (prophylaxis) to remove plaque and tartar and keep your teeth and gums in top condition.
More about exams & cleanings →Oral health and head/neck cancer screenings as part of your regular visit. Early detection makes all the difference.
More about oral cancer screening →Gentle, patient care for our youngest patients — building healthy habits and positive dental experiences from the very first visit.
More about pediatric dentistry →Toothache, chipped tooth, or dental injury? Call us at 301-829-2220 — we'll get you seen and out of pain as quickly as possible. For life-threatening emergencies (difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, serious facial trauma), call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
More about emergency dental care →Tooth-colored fillings that restore decayed or damaged teeth while blending naturally with your smile.
More about dental fillings →Call 301-829-2220 or request your appointment online today.
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