When is Scaling & Root Planing Needed?

If your gums have been bleeding, feeling tender, or your dentist has mentioned “deep pockets,” there’s a good chance scaling and root planing has come up. At Lynn Lane Family Dentistry in Broken Arrow, OK, Dr. Valerie Holleman and her team use this focused gum therapy to address the early to moderate stages of periodontal disease—and help patients avoid more serious complications down the line.

What is Scaling & Root Planing?

Often referred to as a “deep cleaning,” scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment that targets the spaces between your teeth and gums where bacteria can hide and cause damage. When plaque hardens into tartar and builds up below the gumline, your gums can become inflamed and start to pull away from your teeth, creating pockets where more bacteria collect. This procedure helps clean those areas thoroughly and allows the gums to begin healing.

When Might You Need It?

You won’t always feel pain when gum disease begins to take hold, which is why routine dental visits are so important. That said, some early warning signs include:

• Bleeding when you brush or floss
• Persistent bad breath
• Gums that look red or feel tender
• A change in how your teeth fit together

During your exam, we measure the space between your teeth and gums—deep pockets can indicate that bacteria and tartar have reached below the surface, where a regular cleaning can’t reach.

Tartar, or calculus, is especially important to remove. Once it forms, it doesn’t come off with a toothbrush—it requires professional tools and care.

What to Expect During Treatment

At Lynn Lane Family Dentistry, we make the experience as comfortable as possible. The area is numbed before treatment, so you won’t feel discomfort during the cleaning. Your hygienist will then carefully remove the buildup of bacteria and tartar below the gumline, which helps the gums reattach and reduces future buildup.

Depending on how much of your mouth needs treatment, the process might be completed in one visit or divided into two. Afterward, we’ll go over how to care for your gums at home and schedule follow-up care as needed.

Healing and Maintenance

Scaling and root planing is an important step—but long-term gum health depends on ongoing care. After your treatment, you may notice less bleeding and firmer gums within a few weeks. Good brushing and flossing habits will help keep things on track, and we may recommend a more frequent cleaning schedule to support healing and prevent relapse.

Periodontal Therapy at Lynn Lane Family Dentistry in Broken Arrow

Gum disease can sneak up on you—but it doesn’t have to steal your smile. With early intervention and thoughtful care, scaling and root planing can help reverse the damage and restore healthier gums. If you’re noticing signs like bleeding, swelling, or bad breath, Dr. Valerie Holleman and the team at Lynn Lane Family Dentistry are here to help. Let’s take care of your gums—so they can keep taking care of your teeth.

Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Categorised in: Gum Health, Periodontal Therapy