Scaling and Root Planing in Agoura Hills
If your gums bleed when you brush, feel tender, or seem to be pulling back from your teeth, or if a recent checkup turned up "pockets" around your teeth, you may be wondering what comes next. For many of our Agoura Hills patients, the answer is scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that targets the buildup a regular cleaning can't reach. At 805 Dentistry in nearby Thousand Oaks, we help families from Agoura Hills and the surrounding communities take care of their gum health in one familiar office.
Your first visit starts with a conversation and a careful look at your gums. We'll ask about what you've noticed, such as bleeding, sensitivity, or bad breath that won't go away. Then we'll perform a dental exam that includes measuring the space between your gums and teeth. Healthy gums fit snugly. When gum disease develops, those spaces deepen into pockets that trap plaque and hardened tartar below the gumline.
Depending on what we see, we may also take imaging to get a clearer picture of the teeth and supporting bone. Our office provides 2D and 3D dental imaging, so you won't need a separate trip elsewhere. Once we have the full picture, we'll walk you through what we found in plain language and explain whether a deep cleaning makes sense for you. Because our team includes a board-certified periodontist, a gum specialist, you have specialized periodontal care available under the same roof as your regular dental visits.
Scaling and root planing is usually done in two parts. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces above and below the gumline, reaching down into the pockets where bacteria collect. Root planing then smooths the root surfaces so the gums have a cleaner surface to reattach to, which makes it harder for new buildup to take hold.
We commonly treat one section of the mouth at a time, which can mean more than one appointment. Many Agoura Hills patients find it easy to fit these visits into a regular weekday routine. Before we begin, we numb the area so you can stay comfortable. If dental visits make you nervous, we also offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation, and we have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff. We'll talk through these options with you ahead of time so there are no surprises.
Who needs scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is generally recommended for adults whose exams show signs of gum disease beyond what a routine cleaning can address. You might be a candidate if your gums bleed easily, look red or swollen, or have started to recede, or if we've measured pockets deeper than healthy gums should have.
We see a wide range of situations. Some patients come to us after years without a cleaning and want a fresh start. Others have kept up with regular visits but have noticed changes in their gums. Some are planning other work, such as dental implants or restorative treatment, and need healthy gums first. Whatever brought you in, we'll tailor the plan to what your mouth needs right now.
What should I expect after my deep cleaning?
Mild tenderness and some sensitivity are common for a short time after treatment, and most patients return to their normal routine soon after. We'll give you specific aftercare instructions before you leave, and you're always welcome to call us with questions.
Here's what aftercare typically looks like:
- Brushing gently with a soft toothbrush while your gums settle
- Keeping up with daily flossing or other cleaning between teeth as we show you
- Paying attention to any sensitivity to hot or cold and letting us know if it concerns you
- Returning for a follow-up so we can check how your gums are responding
Long-term care matters just as much as the deep cleaning itself. Many patients move on to periodontal maintenance, cleanings scheduled more often than standard checkups, to help keep pockets under control. If your gums need more support later, our periodontist also provides treatments such as gum grafting and periodontal regeneration.
How do I pay for scaling and root planing?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our team can help you understand how your coverage applies before treatment begins. Because our periodontics care is filed with insurance as specialist care, we'll walk you through what that means for your plan.
If you don't have insurance, we welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available to help spread out the cost. Our goal is to make gum care manageable so cost doesn't keep you from treatment. Led by Dr. Dar Radfar, DDS, our practice aims to be a one-stop shop for the whole family's dental care. When you're ready, reach out to schedule a visit, and we'll help your Agoura Hills household take the next step toward healthier gums.