Scaling and Root Planing in San Francisco
When gum disease reaches below the gumline, a routine cleaning isn’t enough. At Financial District Dentistry, we offer scaling and root planing — a deep cleaning treatment — for patients throughout San Francisco, CA dealing with early to moderate gum disease.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing, often called a deep cleaning, has two parts: scaling removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, while root planing smooths the tooth root to help gums reattach and prevent bacteria from collecting there again.
Why Do I Need a Deep Cleaning?
This treatment is typically recommended if you have periodontal pockets deeper than what a routine cleaning can reach, bleeding or inflamed gums, or early signs of bone loss around your teeth — all signals that plaque and tartar have spread below the gumline.
Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning
A routine cleaning addresses plaque and tartar above the gumline. Scaling and root planing goes further, cleaning below the gumline where a standard cleaning can’t reach — necessary once gum disease has progressed beyond the earliest stage.
Signs Gum Disease May Be Progressing
Schedule a periodontal evaluation if you notice increasingly red or swollen gums, bleeding when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, or teeth that feel loose or shifted.
What to Expect During Treatment
Scaling and root planing is typically performed with local anesthetic for comfort and may be completed over one or more visits, depending on how many areas need treatment. Most patients tolerate the procedure well.
Recovery and Aftercare
Your gums may feel tender for a few days afterward. Stick to soft foods initially, avoid very hot or spicy items, and follow any specific home care instructions your dentist provides to support healing.
Why Follow-Up Maintenance Matters
After scaling and root planing, ongoing periodontal maintenance is important to keep gum disease from returning. Most patients benefit from maintenance visits every three to four months.
Can This Treatment Cure Gum Disease?
Scaling and root planing can effectively treat early to moderate gum disease, but ongoing home care and maintenance are essential to keep it from progressing or returning.
Cost of Scaling and Root Planing
The cost depends on how many areas of your mouth need treatment. Visit our Financial Information page for details, or call (415) 399-9999 for a personalized estimate.
Schedule Your Deep Cleaning Consultation
If you’ve noticed signs of gum disease, don’t wait. Contact us at (415) 399-9999 or request an appointment today.
Scaling and Root Planing FAQs
Does scaling and root planing hurt?
The treatment is typically performed with local anesthetic, so it shouldn’t be painful, though gums may feel tender for a few days afterward.
How long does scaling and root planing take?
Treatment time varies based on how many areas need care, and it may be completed over one or more visits.
Can scaling and root planing cure gum disease?
It can effectively treat early to moderate gum disease, though ongoing maintenance and home care are important to prevent it from returning.
What’s the difference between this and a regular cleaning?
A regular cleaning addresses plaque above the gumline, while scaling and root planing treats buildup below the gumline.
How long is recovery?
Most patients feel back to normal within a few days, though full gum healing can take a few weeks.
Do I need maintenance visits afterward?
Yes, most patients benefit from periodontal maintenance every three to four months following treatment.
Treat Gum Disease at the Source
Contact us at (415) 399-9999 to schedule your deep cleaning consultation.