Scaling and Root Planing
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and Root Planing Process: Step-By-Step

1. Local Anesthesia Administration
Scaling and root planing actually need the administration of local anesthesia, which helps to ease the pain.
At first, your dentist injects the drug into your mouth and numbs the treated part. Just after about five minutes, a temporary loss of sensation takes place. You’ll remain awake throughout the whole procedure but will not experience any pain.
2. Scaling
In the second step of the procedure, your dentist will eliminate plaque and calculus present beneath the gums, between the gums, and also on the base of teeth crowns.
Scaling is either performed manually or with the help of an ultrasonic instrument. Both the techniques are effective.
3. Root Planing
Root planing is a process to smooth rough surfaces and eliminate any subgingival bacteria.
During the process, your dentist will clean deep below the gums to eliminate plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth’ roots where the bones are affected because of the infection. Planing includes the entire elimination of cementum – the calcified layer that covers the root of the tooth.
4. Post-Surgery
Once the process is done, your dentist will flush that part to wipe off any remaining bacteria. Then a certain pressure will be applied by the dentist to ensure proper growth of gum tissue.
Patients generally feel very little pain after the process.

How Often Do You Require Scaling and Root Planing?
