Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing are better known as a deep cleaning. It involves two separate treatments to remove harmful buildup near the gum line. This eliminates the infection from the gum tissue and prevents future tartar accumulations to keep your smile healthy.
Why Do I Need Treatment?
It can also affect your general health as the bacteria responsible for the infection enter your bloodstream. Scaling and root planning are the first steps to stopping the damage caused by gum disease.
What is the Process of Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling is performed first, which uses a special dental instrument to remove any areas of tartar above and below the gum line. After cleaning the gingival pockets, root planing is performed. The roots of your teeth are smoothed to allow your gum tissue to reattach. This helps seal out future buildup to keep your smile healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar above and just at the gumline in healthy mouths. Scaling and root planing (SRP) is a deep cleaning that removes bacterial deposits from below the gumline (scaling) and smooths the root surface (planning) to discourage bacterial reattachment - used to treat active gum disease.
SRP is performed under local anesthesia so the procedure itself is comfortable. You may experience gum soreness, sensitivity, and minor bleeding for 3–7 days afterward, managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and salt-water rinses. The discomfort resolves quickly as gum health improves.
SRP is typically divided into two appointments - one per half of the mouth - spaced one week apart. This allows treatment of the entire mouth while keeping each appointment to 60–90 minutes with effective anesthesia. A re-evaluation appointment follows 4–6 weeks later.
SRP is highly effective at controlling gum disease (periodontitis) and halting its progression, but gum disease cannot be 'cured' - it is managed. After SRP, more frequent maintenance cleanings (every 3–4 months) replace regular 6-month cleanings to keep the condition stable.
Untreated periodontitis progressively destroys the bone and gum tissue supporting your teeth. Teeth loosen, shift, and are ultimately lost. Research also links gum disease to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and adverse pregnancy outcomes - making treatment critical for overall health, not just oral health.
Flexible Financing & Insurance options
We strive to make dental care affordable and accessible for all our patients. That's why we accept most major insurances, and will work with you to help you understand your plan and maximize your benefits. If you have questions about insurance, or anything at all, give us a call to speak with one of our friendly insurance experts. Don't see your insurance listed? Give us a call on (508) 290-8714, and we'll walk you through all your options!
No Insurance? No Problem.
Flexible financing & membership plans available
We offer Quality Membership Plans along with flexible financing options through LendingClub, Sunbit, and CareCredit. Quality dental care is an investment in your health and happiness and we believe the cost of treatment should never stand in the way of your ideal smile. That's why we partner with trusted healthcare lenders, allowing you to create personalized payment plans that fit your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Dr. Aditya Mehta – Compassionate Cosmetic & General Dentist
Dr. Mehta, inspired by a family legacy of 15 doctors, brings a deep-rooted passion for healthcare to his work at Oxford Smiles in Marlborough. With a commitment to excellence, he combines advanced dentistry with a warm, personalized approach to ensure every patient feels valued and cared for.
He specializes in cosmetic and general dentistry. Dr. Mehta focuses on creating natural-looking smiles, offering comfortable, anxiety-free visits, and staying at the forefront of dental innovation through continuous education. Trusted for both his gentle care and expertise, Dr. Mehta helps patients achieve lasting oral health with a strong emphasis on transparency and trust.
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We take great pride in extending our exceptional care to patients not only within Marlborough but also from diverse locations, ensuring that our commitment to service reaches beyond boundaries.
What Our Patients Are Saying…
We take great pride in extending our exceptional care to patients not only within Marlborough but also from diverse locations, ensuring that our commitment to service reaches beyond boundaries.
One Location, Countless Smiles
We take great pride in extending our exceptional care to patients not only
within Marlborough
but also from diverse locations, ensuring that our
commitment to service reaches beyond boundaries.
- Marlborough
- Auburn
- Maynard
- Bolton
- Hudson
- Framingham
- Westborough
- Shrewsbury
- Northborough
- Southborough
- Hopkinton
- Ashland