Scaling & Root Planing in Thousand Oaks
Your gums are the foundation of your smile, and like any good foundation, they need consistent care. While most people focus on their teeth, gum health plays an equally important role in maintaining long-term oral wellness. At our Thousand Oaks dental office, we prioritize gum care with advanced treatments like scaling and root planing.
If your gums bleed when you brush, feel swollen, or are tender to the touch, it may indicate more than just poor brushing technique. These could be early warning signs of periodontal disease, which often requires more than a basic cleaning. That’s where our deep cleaning treatment comes in.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
The procedure involves two essential steps:
- Scaling: We remove hardened plaque (tartar) and bacteria from the tooth surface, especially beneath the gumline.
- Root Planing: The roots of your teeth are smoothed out to help the gums reattach properly and heal.
This method is non-surgical and highly effective in stopping the advancement of gum disease before it leads to serious complications like tooth loss or bone deterioration.
Common Symptoms That May Call for Deep Cleaning
Gum disease often develops gradually and without pain, but your mouth may still be sending signals that something’s wrong. You may need a scaling and root planing treatment if you notice:
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Bad breath that lingers despite brushing
- Puffy, red, or tender gums
- Teeth that seem longer due to receding gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Deep pockets between your teeth and gums
Even if you're not experiencing discomfort, these signs can indicate a developing infection. During your dental exam, we may recommend this procedure based on your gum pocket measurements or X-ray results.
Why Deep Cleaning Matters
When left untreated, gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth, it can impact your entire body. Deep cleanings offer several powerful advantages over routine dental cleanings:
Stops Gum Disease Early
Scaling and root planing halt disease progression and can often reverse early stages of infection.
Reduces Inflammation
Preserves Your Smile
Freshens Breath
What Happens During the Appointment?
- Detailed Gum Evaluation
We’ll measure the depth of your gum pockets and check for signs of infection, inflammation, or bone loss. - Local Anesthetic
To make the process painless, we numb the affected areas before starting the treatment. - Tartar and Plaque Removal
Using ultrasonic and hand instruments, we clean the root surfaces and remove harmful buildup under the gums. - Root Smoothing
Smoothing out the roots helps eliminate bacteria and makes it easier for the gums to reattach. - Post-Treatment Care
You’ll receive home care tips, including brushing techniques, flossing guidance, and rinse recommendations, to support healing. A follow-up visit may be scheduled to assess your progress.
Depending on how much of your mouth needs treatment, we may complete the process in one visit or divide it into multiple sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. This treatment reaches deeper areas beneath the gumline that standard cleanings can’t touch. It’s designed for patients with signs of gum disease or deep tartar buildup.
Yes, in 85–90% of cases, it effectively halts the progression of gum disease, improves gum health, and allows the tissue to heal.
