Scaling and Root Planing
Root Planing and Scaling for Gum Disease
Periodontal Therapy for Gum Disease
Scaling and root planing, otherwise known as conventional periodontal therapy, non-surgical periodontal therapy, or deep cleaning, is the process of removing or eliminating the etiologic agents – dental plaque, its products, and calculus – which cause inflammation, thus helping to establish a periodontium that is free of disease.
Scaling is a technique used where the plaque, tartar, and biofilm are removed from your teeth just below your gum line. Regular deep cleanings can help reverse and prevent gum disease.
Root Planing immediately follows scaling and is a procedure where your dentist smoothes the root surfaces of your teeth just below your gum line. This makes it much more difficult for biofilm and plaque to accumulate.
Root planing and scaling is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. Root planing and scaling cleans between the gums and the teeth down to the roots. Your dentist may need to use a local anesthetic to numb your gums and the roots of your teeth.
Some dentists and dental hygienists will use an ultrasonic tool for the planing and scaling. This tool is not as uncomfortable as a standard scraping tool, but not all cleanings require this type of tool.
Your dentist may place antibiotic fibers into the pockets between your teeth and gums. The antibiotic will help speed healing and prevent infection. The dentist will remove the fibers about 1 week after the procedure if used.
This is also commonly referred to as “deep cleaning”.

What To Expect After Treatment
If anesthesia is used, your lips and gums may remain numb for a few hours. Planing and scaling causes little or no discomfort.
Why It Is Done
Root planing and scaling is done when gums have either started to pull away from the teeth or the roots of the teeth have hard mineral deposits (tartar) on them.
How Well It Works
If you maintain good dental care after the procedure, the progression of gum disease should stop. And your gums will heal and become firm and pink again.
After your deep cleaning Southridge Dental Dental will schedule you for a follow up appointment to see how your gums are coming along. In most cases, if you have taken care to brush and floss properly, your gums will have begun to heal.
Periodontitis is a gum disease that could have serious complications if left untreated. If you have swollen gums or bleeding after brushing or flossing it is time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Simiper.
- Diana7/01/2022 - GoogleHands down THE BEST dental office I have ever been to! I highly recommend Southridge Dental. From the moment you... read moreHands down THE BEST dental office I have ever been to! I highly recommend Southridge Dental. From the moment you walk in to the moment you walk out, you will be treated so kindly! The receptionist is outgoing and friendly and will offer you treats like coffee, water, tea, juice and other assorted treats. The hygienist will offer you a choice of a warm neck roll, paraffin hand wax treatment, a warm blanket to name a few. Dr Simper will put you at ease and takes a lot in account regarding your individual treatment plan. You can tell that everyone who works here, loves their job! So glad I found a great dentist who is so close to where I live! read lessLisa P.6/29/2022 - GoogleFrom the front office staff, dental assistants, hygienists, and the dentists themselves everyone at Southridge is great! I've been there... read moreFrom the front office staff, dental assistants, hygienists, and the dentists themselves everyone at Southridge is great! I've been there for cleanings, dental work and even used their afterhours emergency line. Hands down the best dentist in TC. Dr Kayla always takes time to chat & remembers me (and my kiddos who she has never met!) from previous visits. They were able to use a pregnancy safe anesthesia when I needed some work done while pregnant as well. read lessKate H.6/28/2022 - GoogleI brought all 3 of my small children in for cleanings and check ups and it was the best experience... read moreI brought all 3 of my small children in for cleanings and check ups and it was the best experience we’ve at at a dentist with the kids! They were so kind, gentle and patient with them. No tears or fear. The dentist even told them drinking juice/soda was bad for their teeth and they haven’t asked for it since, huge win! I’m so happy Jess referred us here, we will definitely return in the future! read less
- Dana K.6/22/2022 - GoogleThis dentist is everything you hear! Amazing experience from the front desk to Sarah my hygienist to Dr Simper. I... read moreThis dentist is everything you hear! Amazing experience from the front desk to Sarah my hygienist to Dr Simper. I will never go anywhere else. They made me feel part of my dental plan, gave me amazing knowledge about my teeth and were positive during my entire time there. Thank you Southridge Dental team! read lessGabrielle T.6/09/2022 - GoogleSouthridge has been the best dentist and dental experience I have had in my entire life. Sarah my hygienist was... read moreSouthridge has been the best dentist and dental experience I have had in my entire life. Sarah my hygienist was kind, thorough, and gentle. Dr. Kayla was very professional and helpful with my future needed treatment and concerns. 10/10 would recommend to all and so happy to call them my new dental office. read lessAmanda R.5/24/2022 - GoogleGreat office with exceptional staff. My babysitter canceled last minute and I was able to bring her with me. They... read moreGreat office with exceptional staff. My babysitter canceled last minute and I was able to bring her with me. They gave her snacks and she was able to pick something out of the toy bin! The coolest thing for a young kid. Jessica is the best! 🤩 read less
- Kendra K.5/19/2022 - GoogleI absolutely love this office. They are friendly and efficient. Dr. Simper gets the job done and his assistants keep... read moreI absolutely love this office. They are friendly and efficient. Dr. Simper gets the job done and his assistants keep things moving right along. Jessica was awesome enough to take a picture with me to be entered in a drawing for an Amazon gift card. Highly recommend this place for all your Dental Needs!!!! Thank you everyone at South ridge Dental! read lessElizabeth P.5/17/2022 - GoogleEach and everyone of the staff members is so friendly and cares about you! Love this place. They pamper you... read moreEach and everyone of the staff members is so friendly and cares about you! Love this place. They pamper you and make you feel at ease. Listening to your concerns and feedback and making the whole experience relaxing and leave you feeling confident in your care. 10/10 recommend. read lessAreli L.4/28/2022 - GoogleI have been going here for the past 5 years! Highly recommend. The front desk is very welcoming! The professionalism... read moreI have been going here for the past 5 years! Highly recommend. The front desk is very welcoming! The professionalism and friendliness of the whole team is outstanding. Always have a great, smooth experience here. Dr. Safford is always attentive and informative. From my cleanings to emergency tooth surgery, I am glad it has been with them. read less