Scaling and Root Planing in West Hills
You brush every morning, you floss when you remember, and yet your gums bleed a little when you rinse. Maybe your hygienist mentioned "pockets" at your last cleaning, or your breath stays stale no matter what you try. These are some of the most common reasons patients from West Hills come to see us at 805 Dentistry. Very often, the next step we recommend is a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. It is one of the most effective ways to address gum disease before it affects the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place.
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning that reaches below the gumline. A routine cleaning focuses on the visible surfaces of your teeth. When gum disease develops, though, bacteria and hardened deposits called tartar collect in spaces between the gums and the tooth roots. A toothbrush, floss, or a standard cleaning cannot reach those spaces.
The treatment has two parts. During scaling, we carefully remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and from inside the gum pockets. During root planing, we smooth the root surfaces so bacteria have a harder time reattaching and the gum tissue has a cleaner surface to heal against. Together, these steps help calm inflammation and give your gums the chance to recover.
Patients from West Hills come to us for this treatment for several different reasons. Some notice warning signs on their own, such as tender or puffy gums, bleeding during brushing, persistent bad breath, or teeth that look longer because the gums have pulled back. Others feel completely fine but learn during a dental exam that their gum pockets measure deeper than they should.
Other patients are managing broader treatment plans. Someone preparing for dental implants, a bridge, or other restorative work may need healthy gums first. Someone who has gone several years between dental visits may have enough buildup that a standard cleaning will not be enough. Because we see children and adults of all ages, we can also help families keep an eye on gum health across generations. We can explain which approach fits your situation after we examine your gums.
What happens during a scaling and root planing appointment?
The appointment is a careful, methodical cleaning, and we keep you comfortable throughout. We start by examining your gums and measuring pocket depths. When more detail is helpful, we take digital imaging, and our office offers 2D and 3D dental imaging. Depending on how many areas need attention, we may treat your whole mouth in one visit or divide treatment into sections across more than one appointment.
We numb the area before we begin, so most patients feel pressure rather than discomfort. If dental visits make you anxious, let us know. Our practice has a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff, and we offer sedation options that include nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. Here is what you can generally expect:
- A review of your gum measurements and any imaging
- Local anesthetic to numb the treatment area
- Removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
- Smoothing of the root surfaces
- Personalized home-care instructions before you leave
How do I care for my gums afterward?
Gentle, consistent home care is the most important part of recovery. Your gums may feel tender and your teeth may be somewhat sensitive to temperature for a short time. We will give you specific instructions for brushing, flossing, and keeping the treated areas clean while the tissue heals.
Follow-up care matters too. We will schedule a visit to check how your gums are responding. Many patients then move to periodontal maintenance, a type of cleaning designed for people with a history of gum disease. If an area needs more advanced care, our team includes a board-certified periodontist. Our periodontal services include gum grafting, periodontal regeneration, and periodontal surgery, so you can continue care with a team that already knows your history.
How can I pay for scaling and root planing?
We offer several ways to make treatment manageable. We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we will help you understand how your coverage applies before treatment begins. We also welcome self-pay patients.
Financing is available for patients who prefer to spread out the cost. When you call or visit, our team will go over your options so you can make a comfortable decision. Patients throughout West Hills and the surrounding communities rely on 805 Dentistry, led by Dr. Dar Radfar, DDS, as a one-stop shop for their family's dental care. If your gums have been bleeding or feeling tender, we are glad to take a closer look.