Services
Scaling and Root Planing
Our gentle deep cleaning removes buildup below the gumline and smooths tooth roots to support healthier gums.
Why choose us
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
Cleans Below Gumline
We gently remove plaque and tartar from below the gums, where brushing and flossing can't reach.
Supports Healthier Gums
Smoothing the root surfaces helps your gums heal and may reduce swelling and bleeding.
Fresher Breath
Clearing away buildup and bacteria can help ease bad breath linked to gum problems.
Protects Your Smile
Addressing gum disease helps protect the teeth and bone that hold your smile in place.
Care Explained Clearly
Our team walks you through each step so you know what to expect and can ask questions.
You brush twice a day, but lately your gums bleed when you floss, your breath doesn't stay fresh for long, and your last cleaning came with a mention of "deeper pockets" around a few teeth. That is a common situation, and it often points to gum disease that a routine cleaning can't fully address. Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning that reaches below the gumline to clear away buildup and help your gums heal. At Maple Dental Care, a family practice in Austin, our team uses this treatment to help patients protect the foundation of their smile.
Scaling and root planing is a two-part deep cleaning. Scaling removes plaque and hardened tartar from the tooth surfaces above and below the gumline, including inside the pockets that form when gums pull away from the teeth. Root planing then smooths the root surfaces so the gums have a cleaner surface to reattach to and bacteria have fewer places to collect.
A regular cleaning focuses mostly on the visible parts of your teeth and just under the gum edge. When gum disease has started, bacteria and tartar settle deeper, where a toothbrush and floss can't reach. Our dental hygienist works carefully in these areas, often one section of the mouth at a time, so that each area gets thorough attention.
This treatment is often recommended for adults and teens whose gums show signs of periodontal (gum) disease. These signs can include gums that bleed easily, look red or swollen, or seem to be pulling back from the teeth. Other signs include bad breath that doesn't go away and pocket measurements that are deeper than healthy gums usually show. Some patients notice these changes themselves, while others learn about them during a checkup.
The range of situations is wide. One patient may have tartar buildup after a long gap between dental visits. Another may have early gum inflammation that is starting to progress, and another may be managing gum health alongside other dental work. Because our practice welcomes patients aged 6 and older, we can also help families stay aware of gum health across different ages, though deep cleanings are most often needed for adults.
Who is a good candidate for scaling and root planing?
A good candidate is someone whose exam shows gum pockets or buildup that a standard cleaning can't fully treat. We decide this based on your individual exam, not on a one-size-fits-all rule. During your visit, we look at your gums, measure the spaces around your teeth, and talk with you about what we find.
We believe in transparent communication and individualized treatment plans. That means we'll explain why we're recommending a deep cleaning, which areas need attention, and how it fits into your overall care. Your comfort is our priority. We take time to explain treatment options, answer your questions, and help you feel confident about your dental care.
What should I expect after treatment, and how do I care for my gums?
After treatment, it's common for gums to feel tender for a short time while they begin to heal. Our team will give you aftercare guidance based on your visit. Good habits at home also make a real difference in how your gums respond.
Helpful steps often include:
- Brushing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, especially around treated areas
- Flossing daily, or using the cleaning aids your hygienist recommends
- Paying attention to any lingering bleeding or sensitivity and letting us know
- Keeping follow-up appointments so we can check how your gums are healing
Results vary from person to person. We can't promise a specific outcome, but many patients find that a deep cleaning is an important step toward healthier gums. Because gum disease can return, we often recommend periodontal maintenance afterward. These are cleanings scheduled at intervals suited to your needs, which help keep pockets clean and let us monitor changes over time. Depending on your situation, we may also discuss whether laser dentistry could be part of your care.
Will my insurance help cover scaling and root planing?
Many dental plans include some coverage for gum treatment, but benefits differ from plan to plan. We accept most dental insurance plans and help patients understand their available benefits. Please contact our office to verify your specific coverage before scheduling treatment.
Our team is happy to walk through your treatment plan with you so you understand what's recommended and why before you decide. Our goal is to make quality care feel approachable and clear, without surprises.
How do I get started?
Getting started begins with an exam so we can see how your gums are doing and whether a deep cleaning is right for you. If you've noticed bleeding, tenderness, or other changes, or if it's simply been a while since your last visit, now is a good time to check in.
Our Austin team combines modern dental technology with a personal, unhurried approach, and we're glad to answer your questions along the way. Ready to take the next step toward a healthier smile? Contact Maple Dental Care to schedule your appointment today. Appointment requests can be made through our official booking page.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Gum Health Evaluation
We check your gums and measure any pockets to see whether a deep cleaning is right for you.
- 2
Deep Cleaning Visit
Our team removes buildup below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots so your gums can begin to heal.
- 3
Ongoing Gum Care
We schedule follow-up visits and periodontal maintenance cleanings to help keep your gums healthy over time.
Questions
Scaling and Root Planing FAQs
Will my dental insurance help cover scaling and root planing?
We accept most dental insurance plans and help patients understand their available benefits. Please contact our office to verify your specific coverage before scheduling treatment.
Does scaling and root planing hurt?
Comfort varies from person to person, and some patients notice tenderness or sensitivity in their gums for a short time afterward. Your comfort is our priority. We take time to explain treatment options, answer your questions, and help you feel confident about your dental care.
How long does scaling and root planing take?
The length of treatment depends on how many areas of your mouth need care, and it may be completed in one visit or spread across more than one. After we examine your teeth and gums, we will walk you through what your treatment plan looks like so you know what to expect.
How long do the results of scaling and root planing last?
There is no set timeline, because how well your gums stay healthy depends on your daily brushing and flossing and on keeping up with follow-up care. Many patients continue with periodontal maintenance visits with our team after treatment to help keep their gums on track.
How do I know if I need scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is often recommended for patients whose gums show signs of gum disease, such as bleeding, swelling, or buildup below the gumline, but only an exam can tell for sure. Our dental team will look at your gums and let you know whether this treatment or another option, such as a routine cleaning, is the right fit. Ready to take the next step toward a healthier smile? Contact Maple Dental Care to schedule your appointment today.