Scaling and Root Planing

Restoring Gum Health with Precision Care

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health conditions adults face, and without the right treatment, it can quietly progress until it threatens the very foundation of your smile. At French Smiles, Dr. Robert French and offers scaling and root planing, a proven, non-surgical treatment designed to stop gum disease in its tracks and give your gums the opportunity to heal.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that targets the areas of your mouth a routine cleaning simply cannot reach. While a standard prophylaxis cleaning addresses the visible surfaces of your teeth and just at or above the gumline, scaling and root planing goes further, clearing bacteria, tartar, and plaque buildup from the roots of your teeth and from the pockets that form between your teeth and gums when gum disease takes hold.

The procedure has two distinct phases. During scaling, your provider carefully removes hardened deposits from both above and below the gumline. Root planing follows, smoothing the root surfaces so that gum tissue can reattach and bacteria have fewer rough surfaces to cling to. The result is a cleaner, healthier mouth that gives your gums a real chance to recover.

Who Needs This Treatment?

Scaling and root planing is typically recommended for patients who have been diagnosed with periodontitis, the more advanced stage of gum disease. You may be a candidate if your provider notices pockets measuring 4 millimeters or deeper around your teeth, signs of bone loss, or significant tartar buildup below the gumline that cannot be addressed with a standard cleaning.

Many patients show early warning signs of gum disease without realizing it. Bleeding when you brush or floss, gums that appear red or swollen, persistent bad breath, or teeth that feel sensitive near the gumline can all point to a developing problem. Catching and treating gum disease early gives you the best possible outcome, and scaling and root planing is often the first line of defense against it becoming more serious.

What to Expect at French Smiles

Your comfort is a priority throughout the process. Local anesthesia may be used to numb the treatment area so that you feel at ease during the procedure. Depending on the extent of the gum disease, treatment may be completed in a single visit or divided into two appointments, with each appointment focusing on one side of the mouth.

After scaling and root planing, some tenderness and mild sensitivity is completely normal and typically resolves within a few days. Your provider will give you specific aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up visit to evaluate how your gums are responding and healing.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scaling and Root Planing

Is scaling and root planing painful?

Most patients tolerate the procedure very well. Any post-treatment soreness is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and fades within a few days.

How is scaling and root planing different from a regular cleaning?

A routine cleaning focuses on the surfaces of your teeth above the gumline. Scaling and root planing is a therapeutic treatment that addresses gum disease by reaching below the gumline to remove buildup from the root surfaces and clean out periodontal pockets.

Will I need additional treatment after scaling and root planing?

Many patients with mild to moderate gum disease respond very well to this treatment and maintain their results with diligent home care and regular periodontal maintenance visits. More advanced cases may require additional support from your dental team.

How long does it take to see results?

Gum tissue typically begins to show signs of improvement within a few weeks. Your follow-up appointment will allow the dentist to assess your healing and determine whether any additional steps are needed.

The Best Time to Fight Back Against Gum Disease Is Now!

Gum disease does not have to define your oral health story. Scaling and root planing at French Smiles gives patients in Snellville, Grayson, Loganville, Monroe, and Lawrenceville access to the thorough, compassionate care needed to turn things around. If you have questions or are ready to get started, call our office or request an appointment online. We are here to help you protect your smile for many years to come.