Introduction

Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. But when plaque and tartar build up beneath the gumline, they can trigger inflammation, infection, and even bone loss. This is where scaling and root planning—also known as deep cleaning—comes in.

Unlike a routine dental cleaning that focuses on the visible surfaces of your teeth, scaling and root planning targets the deeper pockets below the gums where bacteria thrive. It’s one of the most effective ways to control gum disease (periodontitis) and prevent tooth loss.

At Hernandez Dental & Implant Center in San Antonio, we perform this gentle yet powerful treatment to restore gum health and help patients maintain a strong foundation for their teeth.

Why Deep Cleaning May Be Necessary

When bacteria, plaque, and tartar accumulate under the gumline, they irritate the surrounding tissues and cause gingivitis—the earliest stage of gum disease. Left untreated, this inflammation can progress to periodontitis, which damages the bone supporting your teeth.

Common Signs You May Need Deep Cleaning

• Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing

• Red, swollen, or tender gums

• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth

• Gum recession (teeth appearing longer)

• Loose or shifting teeth

If these symptoms sound familiar, scaling and root planing can help reverse or control the infection before it worsens.

Why Removing Plaque Below the Gumline Matters

Plaque contains bacteria that release toxins, damaging gum tissue and bone. Regular brushing and flossing can’t always reach below the gumline, especially when pockets form between the teeth and gums.

Scaling and root planning removes these deep deposits, stops the infection from spreading, and allows the gums to reattach to the teeth—protecting against tooth loss.

The Procedure Explained

Scaling and root planning is a non-surgical periodontal treatment performed in stages, usually divided into quadrants of your mouth. The process is thorough but comfortable, especially with modern anesthetic and ultrasonic tools.

1. Scaling

During scaling, your dentist or hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces above and below the gumline.
We use ultrasonic instruments that emit gentle vibrations to break apart hardened deposits, followed by hand instruments to fine-tune cleaning in deeper areas.

2. Root Planing

Once scaling is complete, the roots of your teeth are smoothed (planed) to remove bacteria and rough spots where plaque can re-form. This step helps gums heal and reattach to clean root surfaces.

3. Local Anesthesia for Comfort

To ensure a pain-free experience, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the treated area. Most patients describe the sensation as mild pressure rather than pain.

4. Duration and Visits

Depending on the extent of buildup and pocket depth, the full procedure may take one or two appointments. Afterward, the dentist evaluates healing and gum response during follow-up visits.

Aftercare Tips: Healing After Deep Cleaning

Proper aftercare is essential for restoring gum health and ensuring long-term success.

1. Expect Mild Sensitivity

It’s normal to experience slight gum tenderness or temperature sensitivity for a few days after the procedure. This happens as the tissues heal and tighten around the teeth.
Tips:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

• Brush gently in circular motions.

• Rinse with warm salt water to soothe inflammation.

• Avoid extremely hot or cold foods for 24–48 hours.

2. Eat Soft, Nutritious Foods

Stick to soft foods like soups, yogurt, eggs, and mashed vegetables while your gums recover. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or acidic foods that can irritate healing tissues.

3. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Brush twice daily, floss carefully, and consider using an antibacterial mouthwash if recommended by your dentist. Good hygiene prevents bacteria from recolonizing the cleaned areas.

4. Follow-Up Appointments

Attend your maintenance checkups every few months to monitor healing and prevent tartar buildup. Consistency is key to keeping gums healthy long-term.

How Often Should Scaling and Root Planing Be Done?

The frequency of deep cleaning depends on your gum health, pocket depth, and response to previous treatment.

Personalized Maintenance Schedule

• Mild cases of gum disease: Deep cleaning may be needed once, followed by maintenance cleanings every 4–6 months.

• Moderate to advanced cases: Some patients may need scaling and root planing every 6–12 months, depending on how well the gums heal.

• High-risk patients: Smokers, diabetics, or those with a history of gum disease may need more frequent visits.

Why Regular Maintenance Matters

Even after treatment, gum disease can return if plaque is allowed to rebuild under the gumline. Routine periodontal maintenance cleanings keep bacteria under control and preserve the results of deep cleaning.

Home Care Plays a Big Role

• Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste.

• Floss daily to clean between teeth and under gums.

• Use an electric toothbrush for more efficient plaque removal.

• Avoid tobacco, which increases gum inflammation.

Your dentist will design a maintenance plan tailored to your oral condition and lifestyle.

Benefits of Early Treatment

Scaling and root planing isn’t just about cleaning your teeth—it’s about protecting your entire smile.

1. Stops Disease Progression

By removing deep bacteria, you halt the infection before it reaches the bone. This prevents permanent damage and tooth loss.

2. Reduces Gum Inflammation

You’ll notice less bleeding and swelling within a few weeks, with gums appearing healthier and pinker.

3. Freshens Breath

Eliminating trapped bacteria beneath the gums significantly improves breath and overall oral freshness.

4. Saves Money Long-Term

Early treatment prevents the need for more expensive periodontal surgery or tooth replacement in the future.

5. Supports Overall Health

Studies link gum disease to systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Managing gum health can improve your overall well-being.

Scaling & Root Planing at Hernandez Dental

At Hernandez Dental & Implant Center in San Antonio, our team is experienced in identifying and treating all stages of gum disease. We combine technology with a gentle touch to make every patient comfortable.

Our Periodontal Approach

• Comprehensive evaluation: Digital X-rays and gum probing measure pocket depths and identify infection.

• Customized treatment plan: We tailor scaling and root planing based on your gum health and comfort level.

• Comfort options: Local anesthesia and sedation available for sensitive patients.

• Ongoing maintenance: Regular checkups ensure long-term gum stability.

Our goal is to restore your gums to health and give you the tools to keep them that way.

Conclusion

Scaling and root planning is one of the most effective ways to combat gum disease and protect your smile for life. Whether you’ve noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum tenderness, early action makes a big difference.

At Hernandez Dental & Implant Center, we’re committed to helping San Antonio patients achieve healthy gums through personalized care and advanced periodontal treatments.

👉 If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, schedule an evaluation today—your gums (and your smile) will thank you.