Scaling and root planing: the basic treatment for gum disease
Our clinic in Jerusalem performs scaling and root planing as part of its periodontal treatment. Treatment is carried out by the clinic team (dentists, the periodontists who treat patients at the clinic and the dental hygienist), with a personal approach and strict standards of hygiene and sterilization.
After a full assessment of your gums and teeth, you receive a personal treatment plan that may include scaling and root planing as part of the overall care. Dr Haim Aseriel explains the findings and the plan in English, so that you know exactly what is proposed and why.
What is scaling and root planing, and when is it needed?
Scaling and root planing is a dental procedure performed to treat advanced gum disease (periodontitis); its aim is to clean and smooth the root surfaces, removing the tartar and bacterial toxins that have built up below the gum line.
It is performed when deep gum pockets have formed because the tissues supporting the tooth have been damaged, and it is a necessary step to stop the disease and restore gum health. Unlike a routine tartar removal, which focuses on the visible parts of the teeth, root planing treats deep areas that a regular cleaning cannot reach.
Scaling and root planing is needed when there are signs of periodontitis, such as bleeding gums, gum recession, gum pockets of 4 mm or more, teeth that shift, or tenderness around the gums. Tartar below the gums is often invisible on simple inspection, which is why a full examination with a periodontal probe is important. The treatment may also be needed before oral surgery, or as maintenance after earlier gum treatment. Without timely treatment, the disease can lead to tooth loss.
Note: scaling and root planing is a treatment for gum disease. It is different from gum contouring, a cosmetic reshaping of the gum line described on our crown lengthening page.
In some cases, when the pulp of the tooth is damaged by deep decay or trauma, root canal treatment may be needed in addition. These are different treatments for different problems: a root canal treats infection inside the tooth, root planing treats the gums around it. Sometimes both are needed to save the tooth; the dentist decides on the right plan.
| Criterion | Scaling and root planing | Root canal treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Treats | Gum disease around the tooth | Infection of the pulp inside the tooth |
| Procedure | Removing tartar and bacterial plaque from the roots, below the gum line | Cleaning and sealing the pulp chamber and root canals |
How is scaling and root planing done? Preparing for treatment
Root planing uses dedicated hand instruments and ultrasonic instruments that reach deep below the gum line to remove tartar and bacterial deposits.
In some cases, complementary treatments can be added, such as an antiseptic or antibiotic product placed locally in the pocket. According to the ADA systematic review, such add-ons improve the result by only 0.2 to 0.6 mm on average compared with scaling and root planing alone, and only some of them are supported by moderate-certainty evidence; the ADA guideline does not recommend lasers as an add-on, and the clinic does not use them. The decision is therefore made case by case.
Before treatment, a full assessment of your gums and teeth is carried out: clinical examination, X-rays when needed and pocket depth measurements. This identifies the problem areas and the extent of treatment. Depending on your health, additional blood tests may be suggested if you have a relevant medical condition.
Scaling and root planing, step by step
Local anesthesia
The area being treated is first numbed with local anesthesia, to limit discomfort during the procedure.
Scaling
Deep tartar deposits are removed systematically with special hand instruments and ultrasonic instruments that reach below the gum line, where a routine cleaning cannot. A gentle, precise technique protects the surrounding tissues while every root surface is cleaned.
Root planing
The root surfaces are then smoothed (root planing) to leave a surface that resists new bacterial build-up and lets the gum reattach to the tooth. The area is rinsed thoroughly, and you receive detailed home-care instructions.
When gum inflammation is widespread, treatment is often split over several visits, each covering a quarter or half of the mouth, which allows a more thorough cleaning and less discomfort. A follow-up visit is then scheduled to assess the result. Regular check-ups and maintenance are essential for long-term success and to prevent gum disease from returning.
Examination, treatment plan and price quote
detailed and personalized
During the consultation, Dr Haim Aseriel examines your teeth, explains all the options and gives you a transparent price quote, with no obligation. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street, Jerusalem.
Side effects after scaling and root planing
It helps to know the possible side effects in advance. The most common is temporary tooth sensitivity, especially to cold, heat or sweet foods. These effects are a normal part of healing and usually fade within days to a few weeks. Many patients also report mild discomfort in the treated area, slight gum bleeding or minor swelling.
Increased sensitivity
Sensitivity can increase where the necks of the teeth are exposed, as the roots react to external stimuli. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth, a fluoride mouthwash or a desensitizing product applied at the clinic can help. In most cases sensitivity decreases markedly over the following weeks, but it can last longer in some situations.
Changes in the gums
The gums may look slightly tighter after treatment, as inflamed tissue and swelling go down. This is an expected result of healing, not a cause for concern. Rarely, patients feel a mild fever or general tiredness for a short time after treatment: contact the clinic if this happens.
Recovery after scaling and root planing
Healing after root planing calls for particular care with oral hygiene. Follow the brushing instructions you are given for the treated area, then go back to gentle brushing with an extra-soft toothbrush. Keep cleaning between your teeth, very gently, to avoid irritating the gums.
In the first days, avoid hard, spicy or very hot food that could irritate the area; soft foods such as soups, mashed potatoes, porridge or yogurt are easier. Avoiding alcohol and cutting down on smoking, or stopping, helps healing. Mouth rinses, such as warm salt water, should only be used if your dentist recommends them, and as instructed.
0.5 mm
Average gain in gum attachment after scaling and root planing (ADA systematic review, 2015)
Scaling and root planing requires follow-up. A re-evaluation visit is scheduled a few weeks after treatment to check pocket depths and how the gums have responded. Full improvement takes time, and further treatment or visits may be recommended when needed.
To keep the results, careful oral hygiene and regular visits for a dental cleaning are essential. Regular maintenance helps preserve what root planing achieved and lowers the risk of gum disease coming back. The frequency of visits depends on the condition of your mouth and your personal risk: for many people every six months, for others more or less often, as recommended by the dentist.
Scaling and root planing cost: what affects the price?
The cost of scaling and root planing depends on several factors that vary with each case. The extent of treatment is one of the main ones: the more areas of the mouth need treatment, the higher the cost. The severity of the gum disease also matters, since advanced cases may need several visits and additional techniques.
The cost of a root canal is set separately, since it is a different treatment. The clinic does not publish a price list: after the examination you receive a detailed written estimate, and after treatment itemized receipts that you can submit to your insurer (coverage depends on your policy).
Book a gum consultation in Jerusalem
Preventing and treating gum disease early is a sound investment in long-term oral health. The first consultation includes an assessment of the severity of gum disease and of the tartar build-up, so that the number of visits and the cost can be estimated accurately. The clinic is at 12 HaTnufa Street in Talpiot, south Jerusalem, open Sun 8:00–19:00 · Mon 9:00–19:00 · Tue–Wed 9:00–21:00 · Thu 8:30–21:00 · Fri 8:00–14:00; call 03-912-1879 or use the contact form.
Scaling and root planing: frequently asked questions
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning below the gum line used to treat gum disease (periodontitis). Tartar and bacterial plaque are removed from the root surfaces (scaling), then the roots are smoothed (root planing) so that the gums can heal and reattach. Unlike a routine cleaning, which focuses on the visible parts of the teeth, it treats deep areas that a regular cleaning cannot reach.
Scaling and root planing is needed when there are signs of periodontitis, such as bleeding gums, gum recession, gum pockets of 4 mm or more, teeth that shift, or tenderness around the gums. Without timely treatment, the disease can lead to tooth loss.
According to a systematic review by the American Dental Association (Smiley et al., 2015), scaling and root planing improves gum attachment by about half a millimeter on average in chronic periodontitis, a moderate benefit that outweighs the risks. Long-term success also depends on daily oral hygiene and regular maintenance visits.
They are different treatments. A root canal treats an infection of the pulp inside the tooth, while root planing treats gum disease around the tooth, from the outside. Some teeth need both treatments.
The cost of scaling and root planing depends on the extent of treatment, the number of teeth or sections of the mouth treated, the severity of the gum disease and any additional treatment needed. The cost is therefore set after an examination, in a detailed written estimate.
Sources
- Smiley CJ et al., Journal of the American Dental Association, 2015 (systematic review) – View the study
- Smiley CJ et al., Journal of the American Dental Association, 2015 (clinical practice guideline) – View the study
- Fee PA et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2020 – View the study
- American Dental Association, Home Oral Care, 2024 – View the source
