Scaling and Root Planing in Simi Valley
If your gums bleed when you brush, your breath stays stale no matter what you try, or a hygienist has mentioned "deep pockets" at a recent cleaning, you may be wondering what comes next. For many of our Simi Valley patients, the answer is scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning designed to address gum disease below the gumline. At 805 Dentistry, we walk you through every step so you know exactly what is happening and why.
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical gum disease treatment that goes further than a routine dental cleaning. During scaling, we remove plaque and hardened tartar from the tooth surfaces above the gums and down into the pockets that form between the gums and teeth. During root planing, we smooth the root surfaces so the gum tissue has a cleaner surface to reattach to and bacteria have fewer rough spots to cling to.
A regular cleaning focuses mostly on the visible parts of the teeth and just under the gumline. When gum disease has created deeper pockets, a toothbrush, floss, and a standard cleaning cannot reach the buildup inside them. A deep cleaning targets those areas directly, which is why it is often one of the first steps in treating gum disease.
Patients from Simi Valley and across the surrounding communities come to our office in Thousand Oaks because we bring many types of care under one roof. Our practice includes a board-certified periodontist on staff, a specialist focused on the gums and the structures that support the teeth. That means gum care is handled by a team with deep experience in this area of dentistry.
If your gum health calls for more than a deep cleaning, we can often continue your care in the same office. We also provide gum grafting, periodontal regeneration, periodontal surgery, and ongoing periodontal maintenance. For families, it helps that we see children and adults of all ages, so you can coordinate visits for several people rather than juggling multiple offices.
Do I need scaling and root planing?
You may need scaling and root planing if an exam shows signs of gum disease, such as pockets deeper than healthy gum tissue typically has or tartar buildup below the gumline. The only way to know for sure is a dental exam, where we check your gums, measure pocket depths, and review any imaging needed to understand what is going on.
Common reasons patients schedule an evaluation include:
- Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gum tissue
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
- Gums that look like they are pulling away from the teeth
- Teeth that feel loose or look like they have shifted
- A recommendation from a previous dentist to have a deep cleaning
Some people notice none of these signs at all, which is one reason regular exams matter. If it has been a while since your last visit, a dental exam and cleaning is a practical place to start.
What happens during the appointment, and is it uncomfortable?
Most patients find the appointment manageable, and we offer options to help you stay comfortable. Depending on how many areas need treatment, we may work on one section of your mouth at a time or treat larger areas in a single visit. We will explain the plan before we begin so there are no surprises.
If dental visits make you anxious, let us know. Our office has a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff, and we offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. We will talk through which option, if any, makes sense for you.
How should I care for my gums afterward?
After scaling and root planing, the most important things you can do are keep up with gentle, thorough home care and return for your follow-up visits. Your gums may feel tender for a short time, and we will give you specific instructions based on the treatment you received.
Gum disease needs ongoing attention, so many patients transition to a periodontal maintenance schedule after a deep cleaning. These visits let us monitor your pocket depths, clean areas that are hard to reach at home, and catch changes early. We will recommend a schedule that fits your needs.
How can I pay for scaling and root planing?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we welcome self-pay patients as well. Our team can help you understand your coverage before treatment begins so you have a clear picture of what to expect.
For patients who want to spread out the cost, financing is available. Whether you live in Simi Valley or elsewhere in the region, reach out to our office to schedule an exam, ask about your coverage, or learn more about your options for healthier gums.