Gum disease is a serious condition that affects the tissues supporting your teeth. At Silver Creek Family Dentistry in Butte, MT, we offer scaling and root planing–also known as deep cleaning–to treat early and moderate stages of periodontal disease before more advanced surgical intervention is needed.
This nonsurgical treatment removes harmful plaque, tartar, and bacteria from deep below the gumline, helping to stop disease progression and restore healthier gums.
If you have signs of gum disease, scaling and root planing may be the first critical step toward reclaiming your oral health.
John J.I’m really Happy to leave a review. I’m 65 years old. I’ve had my teeth cleaned many times throughout my years and the technician that did my teeth was so dedicated to getting them clean and thorough. She talk to me through everything. She told me what was happening at each step. When she numbed my gums, I hardly felt a thing. She first use Q-tips with a numbing solution, and then she use the needle. I’ve never been more satisfied going to the dentist in my life. Thank you Silver Creek dentistry.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a two-part deep cleaning procedure:
- Scaling: Thorough removal of plaque and calculus (tartar) from above and below the gumline, especially in deep periodontal pockets
- Root Planing: Smoothing of the tooth root surfaces to eliminate bacterial toxins and encourage healthy gum tissue reattachment
This treatment is sometimes referred to as subgingival debridement and root surface decontamination, aimed at reducing inflammation, halting bone loss, and preventing future disease progression.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of American adults suffer from some degree of periodontal disease, making early intervention with scaling and root planing essential for long-term dental health.
Signs You May Need Deep Cleaning Treatment
You may be a candidate for scaling and root planing if you experience:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession exposing tooth roots
- Deep periodontal pockets measuring more than 4 millimeters
- Early signs of bone loss on dental x-rays
If left untreated, these symptoms can worsen and lead to tooth loss and systemic health complications. Our Butte team is committed to helping you intervene early with effective nonsurgical care.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing provide significant oral health benefits:
Reduces Periodontal Pocket Depth
Makes it easier to clean around the teeth and gums at home
Stops Progression of Gum Disease
Helps avoid the need for more invasive surgical treatments later
Prevents Tooth Loss
Strengthens the foundation of your teeth by stabilizing gum and bone support
Improves Overall Health
Lower gum inflammation can reduce systemic inflammation, benefiting heart health and diabetes.
A clinical review in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology shows that scaling and root planing significantly improves periodontal health outcomes and reduces inflammation markers in patients.
What to Expect During Scaling and Root Planing
At Silver Creek Family Dentistry, scaling and root planing is performed with your comfort in mind:
- Local anesthesia may be used to ensure a pain-free experience
- Specialized ultrasonic and hand instruments gently remove plaque and tartar
- The tooth roots are meticulously planed to eliminate toxins and rough spots
- In some cases, localized antibiotic therapy may be applied to assist healing
Following treatment, it is normal to experience mild gum tenderness or sensitivity, which typically resolves within a few days.
Periodontal Maintenance After Deep Cleaning
Scaling and root planing is often followed by a periodontal maintenance program, which includes:
- Professional cleanings every 3-4 months instead of twice per year
- Regular monitoring of periodontal pocket depths
- Ongoing reinforcement of proper home care techniques
As the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) states, “After scaling and root planing, supportive periodontal therapy is essential to control infection and maintain health over the long term.”
Our Butte team will work with you to create a customized maintenance schedule that supports lasting gum health.
Restore Gum Health with Scaling and Root Planing in Butte, MT
If you are experiencing signs of gum disease, don’t wait for symptoms to worsen.
Silver Creek Family Dentistry in Butte, MT offers expert scaling and root planing to stop gum disease in its tracks and restore your smile’s foundation.
Contact us today to schedule a periodontal evaluation and start your journey toward healthier, stronger gums.
