Root Planning
What Is Root Planing?
Root planing is a preventive and restorative procedure that supports both oral and overall health.
Root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that helps treat gum disease (periodontitis). This helps your gums heal, reduces inflammation, and prevents further damage to your teeth and gums.
Root planning is done below the gum line to clean the roots of your teeth. Over time, plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) can build up on the root surfaces of your teeth, causing inflammation of the gums and even bone loss.
The goal of root planing is to:
Remove bacteria and toxins from the root surfaces
Smooth the root surfaces so the gums can reattach to the teeth
Stop the progression of gum disease and promote healing
How is it done?
Special instruments—either manual tools or ultrasonic scalers are being used to:
Gently go below the gum line
Remove tartar and bacterial toxins
Smooth out rough spots on the roots (this helps gums heal and reattach)
The procedure can be done without local anesthesia, but to make it more comfortable, many times we recommend to have the treatment under local anesthesia. Depending on the extent of the cleaning needed, treatment may be done in one or more visits, sometimes one half of the mouth at a time.
What to Expect After Root Planing
Right after treatment:
You might feel some soreness or sensitivity, especially to cold or hot foods.
Your gums may bleed slightly and feel tender for a day or two.
Any swelling or minor discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and a gentle saltwater rinse.
Healing and improvement:
After a few days, you should notice that your gums feel healthier and may stop bleeding when you brush.
Over the following weeks, the gums should tighten around the teeth, reducing pocket depths and halting further damage.
Home care is essential after root planing:
Brush gently but thoroughly at least twice a day
Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth
Use a mouth rinse if recommended
Attend follow-up visits and maintenance cleanings
Why Is It Important?
If gum disease isn’t treated, it can lead to:
Gum recession
Loose teeth
Tooth loss
Systemic health problems (e.g., heart disease, diabetes complications)
Root planing is a preventive and restorative procedure that supports both oral and overall health.