A healthy smile isn’t just about bright, white teeth—it also relies on strong, healthy gums. Unfortunately, gum health is something many people overlook. As a result, nearly 47.2% of adults over the age of 30 in the U.S. are affected by gum disease, also known as periodontitis.

Gum disease is a serious infection or inflammation of the tissues that support your teeth. The primary cause is plaque—a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth and becomes harmful when proper oral hygiene is neglected. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed through a visit to the dentist.

In its early stage, called gingivitis, gum disease can often be reversed with a professional cleaning and improved oral care at home. However, if it progresses to periodontitis, the more advanced stage, treatment like scaling and root planing, may be necessary to manage the condition and restore your gum health. Also known as deep cleaning, scaling and root planing, it is widely recognized as the gold standard treatment for patients with gum disease.

Healing your gums is a process that demands expert care, and Foothill Dental Care is your dedicated partner every step of the way. If you’ve been advised that scaling and root planing are the next steps to combat gum disease and restore your long-lasting oral health effectively, here’s what you can expect.

Expert Scaling and Root Planing at Foothill Dental Care

Scaling and root planing is a comprehensive two-part treatment for gum disease. The process begins with scaling, during which plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria are carefully removed from the surfaces of your teeth and beneath the gum line. This step helps eliminate the buildup that contributes to inflammation and infection.

The second part is root planing, where the surfaces of the tooth roots are smoothed to prevent bacteria and debris from easily reattaching. By creating a clean and smooth surface, root planing promotes the healing of your gums and helps them reattach firmly to the teeth, restoring the foundation of a healthy smile.

Depending on how advanced the gum disease is, treatment may require multiple visits. With the use of local anesthesia and our team’s gentle touch, the procedure is typically very comfortable. Some mild soreness afterward is normal, but it usually subsides within a few days to a week.

Restore Gum Health with Scaling and Root Planing in Livermore at Foothill Dental Care

After your scaling and root planing treatment at Foothill Dental Care in Livermore, a follow-up visit is typically recommended to ensure your gums are healing properly and that any periodontal pockets are decreasing in depth. This appointment gives our team the opportunity to monitor your progress and take any necessary steps to keep gum disease under control. To maximize your results, it's important to follow all post-treatment instructions, practice good oral hygiene at home, and attend regular dental check-ups.

While deep cleaning offers immediate benefits—such as fresher breath and cleaner teeth—the long-term advantages are even more significant. Scaling and root planing help preserve your natural teeth, promote gum reattachment, and support lasting oral health.

Preventive care is your strongest defense against the return of gum disease. If you're experiencing symptoms of periodontal disease or have concerns about your gum health, contact us at Foothill Dental Care by calling (925) 961-5484 or schedule your appointment online. We’re here to help you restore your smile and maintain a healthy, confident mouth.

Source:
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/teeth-scaling#benefits
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/what-to-know-about-periodontal-scaling-and-root-planing