Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Work Hours
Monday to Friday: 7AM - 7PM
Weekend: 10AM - 5PM
PERIODONTAL CARE / YORKVILLE + WATERLOO
Scaling &
Root Planing
Deep cleaning for gum health.
WHEN A ROUTINE CLEANING IS NOT ENOUGH
Clean beneath the gumline.
Scaling and root planing, often called a deep cleaning, is a non-surgical periodontal treatment used when plaque, calculus and bacteria have accumulated beneath the gumline.
Unlike a routine cleaning, treatment reaches into periodontal pockets around affected teeth. The goal is to reduce bacterial deposits and inflammation, create a cleaner root surface and support a healthier environment for the gum tissue to heal.
WHY IT MAY BE RECOMMENDED
Periodontal disease can progress quietly
Bleeding, swelling, bad breath, gum recession, deeper pockets, tartar beneath the gumline, bone loss on imaging and tooth mobility can all be signs that deeper periodontal treatment should be considered.
Assessment, scaling and root planing.
01 / ASSESS
Measure the periodontal condition
The team evaluates inflammation, bleeding, pocket depths, recession, tartar accumulation, tooth mobility and bone levels visible on dental imaging.
02 / SCALE
Remove deposits beneath the gums
Ultrasonic and hand instruments are used to remove plaque and hardened calculus from above and below the gumline.
03 / PLANE
Refine the root surface
Root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed to remove deposits and rough areas where plaque can collect.
COMFORT DURING TREATMENT
Treatment can be divided by area when needed.
Scaling and root planing may be completed in one appointment or divided across multiple visits depending on how much of the mouth requires treatment and the extent of periodontal disease.
Because the instruments work below the gumline, local anesthetic may be used to numb the treatment area. The approach is tailored to the tissues being treated and the patient’s comfort needs.
Control inflammation before it compromises support.
CONTROL
Reduce inflammatory burden
Removing plaque, tartar and bacteria from beneath the gumline targets an important source of periodontal inflammation.
HEAL
Support healthier tissues
A cleaner root surface can create a healthier environment for inflamed gum tissue to heal and adapt around the teeth.
PROTECT
Preserve the supporting foundation
Managing periodontal disease helps reduce ongoing damage to the gums and bone that support the teeth.
RECOVERY + HOME CARE
Healing continues after the appointment.
Temporary tenderness, minor swelling, slight bleeding or tooth sensitivity can occur after deep cleaning. These effects generally improve as the tissues settle.
- Brush carefully and thoroughly
- Continue flossing or interdental cleaning as directed
- Follow any rinsing instructions provided by the dental team
- Choose softer foods if the gums are temporarily tender
- Attend recommended periodontal maintenance appointments
Specific aftercare instructions depend on the extent of treatment and your individual periodontal condition.
PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE
The next phase matters
After treatment, the gums may be reassessed and periodontal pocket depths re-measured. Some patients benefit from professional maintenance more frequently than a traditional six-month schedule because periodontal disease can recur if bacterial buildup and inflammation return.
Questions, answered.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A routine cleaning primarily removes plaque and tartar around and above the gumline. Scaling and root planing is used when periodontal pockets, deposits below the gumline or other signs of gum disease require deeper instrumentation.
Is scaling and root planing painful?
Local anesthetic may be used to numb the treatment area. Temporary tenderness or sensitivity can occur afterward and typically improves as the tissues heal.
How long does treatment take?
The duration depends on the extent of periodontal disease and how many areas require treatment. It may be completed in one appointment or divided across multiple visits.
How long do the gums take to heal?
Tenderness and sensitivity often begin improving within several days, while deeper periodontal healing continues over a longer period.
Can scaling and root planing stop gum disease?
It is a primary non-surgical treatment used to control periodontal disease. Long-term stability also depends on home care, risk factors and ongoing periodontal maintenance.
Will I need more frequent cleanings afterward?
Some patients with periodontal disease benefit from more frequent professional maintenance and periodontal monitoring.