Deep Teeth Cleaning Washington DC

Scaling & Root Planing Treatment

An animated illustration showing the process of scalingAn animated depiction of a root planing procedure

Although routine cleanings are done to prevent periodontal (gum) disease, scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure done to treat periodontal disease. is considered the “gold standard” of treatment for patients with chronic periodontitis, as stated in the Journal of Evidenced-Based Dental Practice.

Scaling and root planing teeth, provided by either your dentist or dental hygienist, may take more than one appointment to complete. During scaling and root planning your dentist or dental hygienist aims to clean between the gums and the teeth down to the roots. As a result, a local anesthetic is often used to minimize any discomfort.