Scaling and root planing in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, is a non-surgical periodontal therapy used to treat gum disease below the gumline. At Southridge Dental, patients receive a careful evaluation and a clear plan so treatment is comfortable, effective, and focused on lasting gum health.
About Scaling and Root Planing Therapy
Gum disease develops when sticky plaque and hardened tartar collect around teeth and under the gums. These deposits irritate the tissues and create periodontal pockets where bacteria thrive. Routine dental cleanings remove buildup above the gums, but pocketing requires a deeper approach. Scaling and root planing, often called a deep cleaning, removes bacteria and calculus from the tooth roots and smooths the root surfaces. Smoother roots make it harder for plaque to attach and allow the gums to reattach more snugly to the teeth. This treatment can be completed on one quadrant at a time or across the full mouth, depending on pocket depth, bleeding, and inflammation. It is a cornerstone of gum disease treatment and is frequently combined with improved home care and periodic periodontal maintenance to stabilize oral health.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
- Reduces bleeding, swelling, and tenderness associated with inflamed gums.
- Decreases periodontal pocket depths and supports gum reattachment to teeth.
- Helps control infection and lowers bacterial load below the gumline.
- Improves breath by removing odor-causing plaque and tartar.
- May lessen the need for surgical periodontal procedures when addressed early.
- Protects supporting bone and reduces the risk of tooth mobility and tooth loss.
How Scaling and Root Planing Works: Assessment And Diagnosis
The appointment starts with a periodontal charting to measure pocket depths and evaluate gum bleeding. X-rays may be taken to assess bone levels and detect tartar below the gums. These findings guide which areas need deep cleaning and help set expectations for healing.
Treatment Steps
Local anesthesia is used to keep the area comfortable. Ultrasonic instruments and fine hand scalers remove plaque and tartar from below the gums. Root planing then smooths the root surfaces to discourage future buildup and promote gum reattachment. In some cases, an antimicrobial rinse or localized antibiotic may be placed to reduce bacteria in deeper sites.
Follow-Up And Maintenance
Gums are typically re-evaluated in about 4–8 weeks. If pocketing improves and bleeding decreases, patients transition to a periodontal maintenance schedule. These visits, usually every 3–4 months at first, help keep bacteria in check and protect the gains made during treatment.
What To Expect Before And After Treatment
Before your visit, share your medical history and medications, especially if you take blood thinners or have conditions that affect healing. Eat a light meal, since your mouth may be numb for a few hours after the procedure. Results are best when home care is consistent. Daily brushing, interdental cleaning, and regular periodontal maintenance visits support long-term stability. If certain areas remain deep or inflamed, additional localized therapy may be advised.
- You may experience mild soreness and gum sensitivity for a day or two.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage tenderness as directed.
- Teeth may feel sensitive to cold; sensitivity usually improves as gums heal.
- Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and floss carefully to remove soft plaque.
- An antimicrobial mouthrinse or warm saltwater rinses may be recommended.
- Choose soft foods while numb and avoid chewing on the treated side until feeling returns.
- Avoid tobacco use, which can slow healing and increase gum disease risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scaling And Root Planing The Same As A Regular Cleaning?
No. A routine cleaning focuses on the tooth surfaces above the gums. Scaling and root planing removes bacteria and tartar from below the gums and smooths the roots to help gums reattach.
Does Scaling And Root Planing Hurt?
Local anesthesia keeps the procedure comfortable. Some soreness or sensitivity may follow, but it is usually mild and improves within a few days.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Time varies with pocket depth and the number of areas treated. Many patients complete therapy over one to four appointments, often treating one quadrant per visit.
Will My Gums Grow Back?
Gums do not grow back in the way hair or nails do, but inflammation can resolve and tissues can reattach more closely to the tooth. This often reduces pocket depths and improves support.
What Are The Risks Or Side Effects?
Temporary tenderness and cold sensitivity are the most common effects. Rarely, gums may recede slightly as swelling resolves, revealing more of the tooth surface.
How Do I Keep My Gums Healthy Afterward?
Brush twice daily with a soft brush, clean between teeth daily, and follow your periodontal maintenance schedule. A low-sugar diet and tobacco avoidance also support gum health. Have questions about scaling and root planing in Inver Grove Heights, MN? Contact Southridge Dental at 651-451-1884 to schedule an evaluation with our experienced dentist, Dr. Worke.
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