Scaling & Root Planing

Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning treatment used to manage gum disease that has progressed beyond what a routine cleaning can address. Scaling removes plaque and calculus from below the gumline, while root planing smooths the tooth root so gum tissue can reattach more easily. Patients are often referred for this treatment after an exam shows bleeding gums, gum recession, tartar buildup below the gumline, or early bone loss around the teeth.

What to Expect

Assessment — Digital X-rays and an intraoral camera let you and your dentist review the areas of concern together before treatment begins.
Treatment — Scaling and planing is typically done in sections of the mouth, focusing on the gumline and root surfaces where buildup has accumulated.
Follow-up — Gum tissue is checked after healing to confirm it has reattached and that pockets around the teeth have improved.

Who Provides This Care

At 1st Family Dental in Chicago, periodontal treatment needs, including scaling and root planing, can be evaluated by our general dentists and, for more advanced periodontal cases, by our periodontists, Dr. Nadia Kawar and Dr. Shahram Raoof, both board certified in periodontics. Our dental hygienists also provide scaling and root planing as part of ongoing periodontal maintenance.