How Often Do You Need Scaling and Root Planing?

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Scaling and root planing is more than just a dental cleaning. It’s a big step in treating gum disease before it causes permanent damage to your teeth and gums.

But how often do you need scaling and root planing?

In this blog, you will learn:

• Why scaling and root planing is needed
• How often you may need it
• What to expect during and after the procedure
• How long recovery takes and how to support healing

Table of Contents

• When and Why You Need Scaling and Root Planing
• How Often Should You Have Scaling and Root Planing?
• What to Expect During the Procedure
• How Long Is Recovery?
• Book a Deep Dental Cleaning in Highlands Ranch, CO
• FAQs

When and Why You Need Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing removes the hardened plaque (tartar) and oral bacteria from below your gum line.

Left untreated, this bacterial infection can destroy the bone that supports your teeth, leading to gum recession, advanced periodontitis, and eventually tooth loss.

We recommend this treatment if:

• You have periodontal pockets: Deeper than 4mm around your teeth
• You show signs of gum disease: Bleeding gums, chronic bad breath, loose teeth, gum recession
• Regular cleanings aren’t enough: Routine dental visits no longer control inflammation or plaque buildup

Once gum disease begins, it doesn’t go away on its own. Scaling and root planing helps stop periodontal disease progression.

How Often Should You Have Scaling and Root Planing?

The frequency depends on your gum health. 

Most periodontal patients only need the full deep cleaning procedure once, followed by regular periodontal maintenance visits every 3–4 months.

Here’s how we guide your treatment:

• Initial therapy: One or more visits for full-mouth scaling and root planing
• Healing phase: 4–6 weeks later, we recheck your gums and measure pocket depths
• Maintenance plan: Based on healing, we place you on a regular schedule for periodontal maintenance, usually every 3–4 months

If you have advanced or chronic gum disease, frequent treatments may be needed. The goal is to catch symptoms of gum disease early so you can avoid future tooth loss.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Our periodontists, Dr. Norouzinia and Dr. Font, begin with a thorough evaluation of your gum tissue and oral health history. We may use ultrasonic instruments and other special tools to ensure complete removal of plaque.

Here’s what happens next:

• Scaling: We remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and below the gumline
• Root planing: We smooth the root surface to discourage bacterial buildup and promote reattachment of the gum tissue
• Irrigation or antibiotic treatment: May be used to target harmful bacteria and improve blood flow during healing

Depending on how much of the mouth needs treatment, we may divide it into quadrants over multiple dental appointments.

How Long Is Recovery?

You can return to your normal routine the same day, but your gums will need time to fully heal.

Here’s what recovery looks like:

• Mild soreness and sensitive teeth
• Gum tenderness or bleeding
• Full healing usually takes 1–2 weeks

To support healing and prevent future dental health issues, we recommend the following:

• Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
• Rinse with salt water or prescribed mouth rinse:
• Avoid spicy, crunchy foods
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol 

If you notice persistent bleeding, swelling, or pain beyond a few days, give us a call. 

Book a Deep Dental Cleaning in Highlands Ranch, CO

Scaling and root planing is a powerful form of gum disease treatment, but it’s not a one-and-done fix. Maintaining your gum health with professional cleanings and preventive care is the best way to stay ahead of chronic periodontitis.

Need scaling and root planing or a maintenance checkup?

To book an appointment at our periodontal clinic in Highlands Ranch, CO, call (303) 683-1144 or visit us at 9090 S Ridgeline Blvd. #225, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129.

FAQs