Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) is a specialized, non-surgical dental procedure often referred to as a “deep cleaning.” This treatment is the primary method for addressing gum disease that has progressed beyond the initial stage of gingivitis. The goal of SRP is the meticulous removal of bacterial deposits from the tooth surfaces and root structures below the gumline. By eliminating these infectious agents, the treatment aims to reduce gum inflammation, decrease the depth of periodontal pockets, and restore the gums to a healthier state.
Why This Deep Cleaning Is Necessary
The need for SRP arises from periodontitis, which is the advanced stage of gum disease where inflammation begins to damage the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. In a healthy mouth, the space between the tooth and the gum is shallow, but when plaque and its hardened form, calculus (tartar), accumulate, this space deepens to form periodontal pockets. This accumulation of bacteria and calculus below the gumline cannot be removed by routine brushing, flossing, or standard professional cleanings.
A dental professional diagnoses the need for SRP by using a periodontal probe to check the depth of these pockets. Pockets measuring 4 millimeters or more, especially when accompanied by bleeding, indicate that the disease is active and requires treatment. Calculus acts as a rough surface that harbors more bacteria, perpetuating the infection and leading to further loss of the bone that anchors the tooth. The procedure is therapeutic, not preventive, as it actively treats an existing infection.
The Procedure Step by Step
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort, as the work is done below the gumline in areas affected by inflammation. The treatment is divided into two distinct phases: scaling and root planing, which are often completed over one or more appointments depending on the extent of the disease.
Scaling
Scaling involves carefully removing the plaque, calculus, and bacterial toxins from the crown and root surfaces of the teeth. Dental professionals use both ultrasonic devices and specialized hand instruments, such as scalers and curettes, to perform this deep cleaning. Ultrasonic scalers use high-frequency vibrations combined with a water spray to loosen and flush away deposits.
Root Planing
Following scaling, root planing is performed to smooth the tooth root surfaces. The roots of teeth, once exposed by disease, can become rough and contaminated with toxins. Smoothing the root surface removes residual rough spots and contaminated cementum, making it more difficult for bacteria to adhere in the future. This smoother surface encourages the gum tissue to heal and potentially reattach firmly to the tooth.
Recovery and Post-Procedure Care
Immediately after the procedure, patients can expect some temporary side effects, including soreness, mild bleeding, and increased sensitivity in the treated areas. The tenderness and discomfort are usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, and typically subside within a few days. Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures may also occur.
For the first few days, maintain a soft diet and avoid foods that are hard, crunchy, sticky, or spicy, as these can irritate the healing gums. Patients are advised to rinse with warm salt water several times a day, which helps to soothe the tissue and promote healing. Brushing should be gentle, especially near the gumline, and patients must continue to maintain good oral hygiene. A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled within six to eight weeks to evaluate the healing of the gum tissue and measure the new pocket depths.
Maintaining Long-Term Gum Health
Following successful SRP treatment, the focus shifts entirely to preventing the recurrence of periodontitis. Since the patient has a history of gum disease, the standard six-month professional cleaning schedule is usually insufficient to maintain health. Instead, patients transition to a customized, more frequent recall schedule known as Periodontal Maintenance.
This specialized maintenance is often recommended every three to four months. This frequency is necessary because it takes approximately three months for the disease-causing bacteria to mature and re-establish an active infection. These appointments involve thorough cleaning below the gumline to remove any new plaque and calculus accumulation before it can trigger inflammation. The success of long-term gum health is dependent on excellent daily at-home care, including proper brushing technique and consistent flossing.