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Scaling & Root Planing in Beverly Hills
Gum health does not receive the attention it deserves, but it should. Strong, healthy gums serve as the foundation for every brilliant smile. At our Beverly Hills dental clinic, we take this very seriously.
If you’ve noticed bleeding when you brush or floss, or your gums feel tender and swollen, it might be time for more than just a routine cleaning. This is when scaling and root planing come in. It’s a deep-cleaning procedure that goes beyond the surface to help stop gum disease in its tracks and give your smile a fresh start.
What is Scaling & Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a treatment that cleans areas where your toothbrush can’t reach. It’s used to treat the early to moderate stages of periodontal disease (gum disease), which happens when plaque and tartar harden under the gumline.
This two-step process works like this:
- Scaling eliminates hardened plaque and tartar from both above and below the gums.
- Root planing smoothes the roots of your teeth, allowing the gums to reconnect and heal spontaneously.
It’s one of the most effective, non-surgical ways to reverse gum inflammation and prevent bone or tooth loss if caught early enough.
Signs You Might Need Scaling and Root Planing
Gum disease often sneaks up without dramatic symptoms, but here are some red flags that shouldn’t be ignored:
- Bleeding in your gums when you either brush or floss
- You’ve noticed a persistent bad taste or bad breath
- Swelling, redness, or soreness in your gums
- Teeth look longer due to receding gums
- Some teeth feel a little loose or seem to have shifted
- There are visible spaces between teeth and gums (pockets)
Even if your mouth feels fine, a deep cleaning could be necessary if your dentist sees signs of early periodontal trouble. An exam and X-rays will help confirm whether scaling and root planing is right for you.
Benefits of Scaling & Root Planing
This treatment goes deeper than your typical cleaning and comes with real, lasting benefits:
Stops the progression of gum disease
Reduces inflammation
Protects your teeth
Freshens your breath
What to Expect During the Procedure
We know “deep cleaning” might sound intimidating, but the process is gentle, comfortable, and highly effective when done with care. Here's how it works in our Beverly Hills office:
1. Full Gum Evaluation
We start with a detailed assessment. Your dentist or hygienist measures your gum pockets and checks for signs of infection, bone loss, or inflammation.
2. Local Anesthesia
To keep you relaxed and pain-free, we’ll numb the area being treated. You’ll feel pressure, not pain.
3. Scaling
Using precise tools (sometimes ultrasonic scalers), we carefully remove hardened plaque and tartar from the teeth and beneath the gums.
4. Root Planing
Next, the tooth roots are gently smoothed to reduce bacteria buildup and give your gums a better chance of reattaching to your teeth.
5. Aftercare & Follow-Up
You’ll receive instructions for home care, including brushing, flossing, and mouth rinses to promote healing. A follow-up visit is typically scheduled to monitor recovery and make sure everything is on track.
Depending on how advanced the gum disease is, the procedure might be done in one visit or spread across a few sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each consultation lasts between 45 minutes and two hours, and therapy usually takes one to four visits. The degree of inflammation of the gum disease and the area of your mouth that needs treatment will determine the course of action.
