Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical periodontal treatment that is typically recommended when periodontal disease is diagnosed. The general steps of scaling and root planing treatment may include a local anesthetic to numb the areas that will be treated. The treatment often requires hand instruments and an ultrasonic tool to remove the plaque and calculus accumulation. Your doctor or dental hygienist will use the instruments below the gum line to clean the roots of your teeth and smooth any rough surfaces. The goal of this deep cleaning process is to clear away plaque and tartar as well as smooth the surfaces of the teeth to encourage the gum tissues to reattach to the teeth.

Scaling and root planing treatment is most effective in the early stages of gum disease and can help to reduce periodontal pocket depths up to two or three millimeters on average.