Scaling & Root Planing In San Jose, CA

Scaling and root planing in San Jose, CA, is a proven nonsurgical periodontal therapy used to treat gum disease. At My AZ Dental, patients receive a careful evaluation and a personalized plan for this deep dental cleaning so gums can heal and teeth remain stable.

Scaling And Root Planing Explained

Gum disease starts when plaque and tartar build up along and beneath the gumline. Bacteria trigger inflammation, causing gums to bleed, recede, and form pockets around teeth. When these pockets become deeper, routine cleanings cannot reach the hardened deposits. Scaling and root planing removes these deposits below the gums and smooths the root surfaces to make it harder for bacteria to reattach.

This treatment is often recommended when signs such as bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or bone loss appear. It is a targeted periodontal disease treatment that helps reduce pocket depth and supports gum reattachment.

How Scaling And Root Planing Can Help You

• Reduces gum inflammation and bleeding by removing plaque and tartar below the gumline.
• Helps shrink periodontal pockets and supports tighter gum attachment to teeth.
• Lowers bacterial load to slow or stop gum disease progression.
• Improves breath by addressing the source of odor-causing bacteria.
• May prevent tooth mobility and tooth loss associated with advanced gum disease.
• Creates a smoother root surface that is easier to keep clean at home.

The Scaling And Root Planing Process

• Assessment And Planning: A periodontal exam and imaging help identify pocket depths and areas of concern. A plan may include one quadrant at a time or multiple areas in a visit.
• Comfort Measures: Local anesthesia numbs the treated areas. Topical gel or sedation options may be discussed as needed.
• Scaling: Special instruments and ultrasonic devices break up and remove plaque and tartar beneath the gums.
• Root Planing: Root surfaces are smoothed to remove bacterial toxins and help gums reattach.
• Antimicrobial Support: In some cases, an antimicrobial rinse or localized antibiotic may be placed to reduce bacteria.
• Reevaluation: Gums are typically reassessed in four to six weeks to measure healing and pocket depth changes.

What To Expect Before And After Treatment

Before treatment, expect a periodontal charting to record pocket depths and a discussion of your goals. Plan for one or more appointments depending on the number of areas treated.

After treatment, mild soreness, slight bleeding, and temperature sensitivity are common for a few days. Most patients feel notably better within one week as inflammation subsides. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss gently, and consider desensitizing toothpaste if needed. Avoid smoking, as it slows healing. Rinsing with a warm saltwater solution can soothe the gums.

Initial improvements often appear within one to two weeks, with full evaluation around four to six weeks. Long-term success depends on daily home care and regular periodontal maintenance cleanings to keep bacteria from re-accumulating.

Home Care Tips For Lasting Results

• Brush twice daily with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste, focusing along the gumline.
• Clean between teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes to disrupt plaque.
• Follow any recommended antimicrobial rinse instructions.
• Schedule periodontal maintenance at intervals advised after scaling and root planing.
• Maintain a balanced diet and limit sugary snacks that fuel plaque formation.

Simple Next Steps

Patients in San Jose, California can contact My AZ Dental with questions or to schedule a periodontal evaluation. Call 408-295-1100 for helpful guidance on your next steps.