Root Planing and Scaling Explained: Your Personalized Guide
Gums feel sore or bleed when you brush? Your dentist may suggest root planing and scaling. This “deep cleaning” removes stubborn tartar (hardened plaque) above and below the gums and smooths the root surface so your gums can heal. Here’s a simple, Canadian-focused guide to what it is, why personalization matters, and how to keep your gums healthy for the long run.
What is root planing and scaling (deep cleaning)?
Root planing and scaling is a gum treatment for gingivitis and early periodontal disease. A hygienist scales away plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, then smooths tooth roots (planing) so bacteria are less likely to stick. Healing follows with consistent home care.
Why dentists recommend deep cleaning
When plaque hardens into tartar, your gums react with redness, swelling, and bleeding. If left untreated, pockets can form between the teeth and gums. These pockets trap more bacteria and may lead to bone loss and, over time, loose teeth. Deep cleaning interrupts this cycle by removing the buildup and giving the gums a clean surface to reattach.
Want a detailed walkthrough of the visit? See what to expect during a deep cleaning.
Canada at a glance
The Canadian Dental Association notes that gum disease is very common—many Canadians will experience it at some point. The good news: when caught early, gingivitis (the first stage) is manageable with professional care and solid daily habits.
“Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, is reversible with professional treatment and good oral hygiene.” — Canadian Dental Association
Deep cleaning vs a regular cleaning
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) focuses above the gumline to prevent problems. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is therapeutic and targets areas below the gumline where infection starts. Unsure which you need? Read this clear guide on the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning.
What actually happens during the appointment
Your hygienist or dentist reviews your medical history, checks pocket depths (the space between gums and teeth), and uses local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. They remove tartar above and below the gums and then smooth the root surface. Many clinics treat one half of the mouth per visit (two appointments) or one quadrant at a time (up to four visits), depending on comfort and pocket depth.
Adjunctive therapies you may be offered
• Localized antibiotics placed into deep pockets
• Antibacterial rinses to reduce bacteria
• Laser therapy (where available) to reduce inflammation and help sterilize pockets
Why personalization matters for gum healing
No two mouths—or lives—are the same. Personalized periodontal care improves comfort, healing, and follow-through because it fits your risks and routines. Your plan may include:
• Customized recall intervals (every 3–4 months for higher risk; 6 months for stable gums)
• At-home tools that match your needs (interdental brushes, a water flosser, or soft picks)
• Step-by-step instructions you can actually keep up with
• Support for lifestyle risks like smoking, high-sugar snacks, or dry mouth
Risk factors to flag with your dentist
• Diabetes or prediabetes (can increase gum inflammation)
• Smoking or vaping (slows healing and hides early signs)
• Dry mouth (from medications or sleep apnea) that raises decay and gum risk
• Stress or teeth grinding (bruxism) that can inflame tissues
• Irregular dental visits or trouble with daily flossing
Maria’s story: a real-life turnaround
Maria avoided the dentist for five years. Her gums bled daily and pockets were present. She was anxious and busy, so her team built a plan she could handle: two shorter deep-cleaning appointments, clear photos of her progress, and a simple home kit (electric brush + water flosser). She returned every 3 months at first. Six months later, bleeding reduced, gums were tighter, and brushing felt easier. Personalized steps made it possible—not perfect habits on day one.
Step-by-step: how to prepare and recover
Before your visit
• Share your medical history, including diabetes, heart conditions, and medications.
• Eat a light meal and drink water unless told otherwise.
• Plan your day—lips and gums may feel tender after anesthetic wears off.
After your visit
• Expect mild soreness for a day or two—over-the-counter pain relief usually helps.
• Rinse with warm salt water after the first 24 hours to soothe tissues.
• Choose soft foods the first day (eggs, yogurt, soups). Avoid hard, sharp snacks (chips, nuts) until tenderness settles.
• Keep brushing with a soft-bristled brush; be gentle along the gumline.
• Use the interdental tool your team recommended—consistency beats perfection.
Home care that protects your results
• Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste. Angle bristles toward the gumline and use small circles.
• Clean between teeth daily. If string floss is tough, try interdental brushes or a water flosser.
• Rinse if advised (alcohol-free, gum-friendly rinses are often better for dry mouth).
• Drink more water and build “tooth-friendly” snacks (cheese, nuts, crunchy veggies).
• If you smoke, ask about quit supports. Even cutting down helps gums heal.
Maintenance therapy: your long-term safety net
Deep cleaning is the reset. Maintenance keeps you stable. Most people start with 3–4 month periodontal maintenance visits, then space out to 6 months when pockets shrink and bleeding stops. These visits remove tartar you can’t access at home and catch any flare-ups early.
How to tell if you might need a deep cleaning
Common signs include bleeding when brushing or flossing, puffy or tender gums, bad breath that doesn’t go away, and gums pulling back (recession). Learn how to spot issues sooner in this guided overview of gum disease symptoms and treatment steps.
Adjuncts that can help some Canadians
• Local antibiotics for stubborn pockets (placed right where needed)
• Laser therapy (practice-dependent) to reduce bacteria
• Bite or grinding guard if you clench (protects teeth and gums)
• Saliva support for dry mouth (sugar-free gum, xylitol lozenges, hydration tips)
Simple nutrition tweaks that support gums
• Choose calcium- and vitamin D–rich foods (dairy, fortified milk, leafy greens, fish).
• Add crunchy produce that helps scrub and stimulates saliva (carrots, apples, celery).
• Cut back on frequent sugary or acidic sips (soda, energy drinks, citrus). Rinse with water after.
Conclusion
Root planing and scaling clears the path for your gums to heal. Personalizing your care—visit timing, at-home tools, and lifestyle coaching—helps you keep that healing. Start small, stay consistent, and check in with your dental team. Healthy gums are within reach.
FAQ
Does root planing and scaling hurt?
Your mouth is numbed with local anesthesia. You may feel pressure and some vibration, but not pain. Mild soreness afterward is normal and usually short-lived.
How many visits will I need?
Many patients do two visits (left and right sides). Others need four shorter quadrant visits. Your dentist will plan around pocket depth, comfort, and schedule.
Will my gums grow back?
Inflamed gums can tighten and look healthier after bacteria are removed. But recession (gum loss) doesn’t “grow back.” Your dentist will help prevent further loss and discuss grafting when appropriate.
Do I still need cleanings after a deep cleaning?
Yes. Periodontal maintenance is essential. At first, you may return every 3–4 months; many people shift to 6 months once gums stabilize.
Are lasers or antibiotics always required?
No. They’re helpful add-ons for certain pockets or high-risk cases. Your dentist will recommend them only when they can boost results.
What if I’m busy or anxious?
Tell your team. Shorter, spaced appointments, numbing gels, and simple home routines can make care easier. You can do this—one small step at a time.
