Preventive & Family
Scaling & Root Planing
A thorough deep cleaning that treats gum disease below the gumline before it progresses.
When plaque and tartar build up below the gumline, a routine cleaning isn't enough. Scaling and root planing — often called a 'deep cleaning' — removes buildup from tooth roots and smooths them to help gums reattach and heal.
Treating gum disease early protects the bone and tissue that support your teeth long-term.
Understanding gum disease
Gum disease starts as gingivitis, an inflammation caused by plaque along the gumline. It's reversible with a professional cleaning and better home care. If it's left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where infection affects the bone and tissue that support your teeth. That's when a deeper cleaning becomes important.
Signs you may need a deep cleaning
Only an exam can tell, but these are common signs.
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums that are pulling away from your teeth
- Teeth that feel loose or look longer than before
What scaling and root planing involves
We measure the pockets between your teeth and gums to see how far the disease has progressed. After numbing the area, we remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and roots below the gumline (scaling), then smooth the root surfaces (planing) so gums can heal and reattach more easily. Depending on your case, treatment may be done in sections over more than one visit.
After treatment
Your gums may be tender and your teeth a little sensitive for a few days. Gentle, consistent brushing and cleaning between teeth are essential while they heal. We'll check your progress at a follow-up visit, and many patients then move to more frequent maintenance cleanings to keep the disease under control.
Why not wait
Bone lost to gum disease doesn't fully grow back. The good news is that treating it early can protect the bone you still have and keep your natural teeth for the long term.
Deep cleaning in Altamonte Springs
We welcome patients from Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Winter Park, Maitland, and Casselberry. Call (407) 774-4433 if your gums bleed or feel sore.
Benefits
Why patients choose this
- Treats gum disease before it progresses
- Helps gums reattach to tooth roots
- Reduces bleeding, swelling, and bad breath
- Protects the bone structure supporting your teeth
Is This Right For You?
Signs to look for
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession or teeth that look longer
- A diagnosis of gingivitis or early periodontal disease
What to Expect
Your visit, step by step
A periodontal evaluation to measure gum health
Numbing the area for comfort
Scaling to remove buildup, and root planing to smooth the roots
A follow-up to check healing and gum response
Questions
Common questions about scaling & root planing
We numb the treatment area beforehand, so most patients find the procedure comfortable, with mild sensitivity for a day or two afterward.
A regular cleaning addresses the tooth surface above the gumline. Scaling and root planing treats buildup below the gumline, where gum disease begins.
Gingivitis can be reversed. Periodontitis can be controlled and stabilized with treatment and ongoing maintenance, but bone that's already been lost doesn't fully return.
It depends on how much of your mouth is affected. Some patients are treated in one visit and others in sections over two or more visits.
Often, yes. Many patients benefit from more frequent maintenance cleanings to keep gum disease in check.
Many plans cover part of it when it's medically necessary, though coverage varies. We can verify your benefits and give you a written estimate.