Scaling and Root Planing: What a Deep Dental Cleaning Is, What to Expect and How Fast You Recover

Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: October 2026 · How we review

Quick Answer: What is scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing is a deep dental cleaning that removes plaque, tartar and bacteria from above and below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots. It is the usual first, nonsurgical treatment for mild to moderate gum disease, takes one to two hours under local numbing, and most people return to normal routines the same day. [1]

What the research says

• Deep cleaning measurably improves gum attachment. A review of 72 articles reporting randomized trials found that scaling and root planing improved clinical attachment level by about 0.5 mm on average, and adding certain adjunct treatments gave a further 0.2 to 0.6 mm. (Smiley et al., J Am Dent Assoc, 2015) [2]

• Home care after the cleaning changes the result. In a 24-week trial that randomized 328 adults with Stage I or II periodontitis who all had scaling and root planing, the powered-toothbrush group cut its bleeding-on-probing score by 0.24 versus 0.02 with a manual brush. (Jenkins et al., Int J Dent Hyg, 2024) [3]

• A local antibiotic can add benefit in deep pockets. In a trial of 70 adults with Stage II to IV periodontitis, placing minocycline microspheres in pockets 5 mm or deeper after the cleaning and again at the 3-month maintenance visit gave greater pocket improvement and attachment gains at 6 months than the cleaning alone. (Arnett et al., J Periodontol, 2023) [4]

Key takeaways

• Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning that reaches further under the gums than a regular cleaning. [1]

• It is nonsurgical and is usually the first treatment for mild to moderate gum disease. [1]

• It takes one to two hours, in one visit or split across two. [1]

• Side effects such as sore gums and tooth sensitivity are common and short-lived; serious complications are rare. [1]

• Ideally, you need it only once, if regular cleanings and good home care follow. [1]

What is the difference between tooth scaling and root planing?

Tooth scaling removes plaque and tartar from the teeth, while root planing smooths the tooth roots so plaque and tartar are less likely to reattach. [1]

Together, the two steps clear out disease-causing bacteria that a toothbrush cannot reach. That is why dentists describe the pair as one treatment: a deep dental cleaning. [1]

	Scaling	Root planing
What it targets	Plaque and tartar on the teeth	The surface of the tooth roots
Where it works	Above and below the gumline	Below the gumline
Main goal	Remove buildup and bacteria	Smooth roots so buildup is less likely to return

Who needs scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing is for people with periodontitis, and it is usually the first line of treatment for mild to moderate gum disease. [1]

Signs that may point to periodontitis include:

• Swollen gums

• Bleeding gums

For gum inflammation at an earlier stage, see our guide to gingivitis.

Three types of dental professionals can perform a deep cleaning: dental hygienists, dentists and periodontists (gum specialists). [1]

Is a deep dental cleaning really necessary?

A deep dental cleaning is the only way to remove plaque and bacteria from deep under the gums. [1]

Brushing and flossing help, but a toothbrush cannot reach all the way down to the tooth roots. Healthy gums need both professional cleanings and good daily habits. [1]

What happens during scaling and root planing?

During scaling and root planing, the dentist or hygienist numbs the gums, removes plaque and tartar, then smooths the roots. [1]

1. Numbing. A local anesthetic numbs the gums.

2. Scaling. Plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth, both above and below the gums.

3. Root planing. The tooth roots are smoothed.

Your provider may use hand scalers or ultrasonic instruments. They may also place antibiotics around the tooth roots or prescribe antibiotic pills to take afterward. [1]

How long does scaling and root planing take?

Scaling and root planing takes one to two hours to complete. [1]

Question	Answer
Total time	1 to 2 hours
Number of visits	1, or 2 (half the mouth each visit)
What decides the plan	Your situation, your preferences and your dental insurance
Type of procedure	Nonsurgical, under local anesthesia

How often do you need scaling and root planing?

Ideally, you need scaling and root planing only once. [1]

After the tartar and bacteria are removed, regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene should keep your gums healthy. The goal is gums healthy enough that you never need another deep cleaning. [1]

What are the benefits of scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing removes harmful mouth bacteria, which can ease bad breath, protect your teeth and lower the chance of gum disease getting worse. [1]

Benefit	Why it happens
Fresher breath	Removes the mouth bacteria that cause bad breath
Better oral and overall health	Fewer harmful bacteria that could travel through the bloodstream
Lower risk of tooth loss and gum recession	Treating gum disease early helps you avoid both
Lower risk of advanced gum disease	The longer treatment waits, the more bacteria can grow

What are the risks and side effects of scaling and root planing?

Serious complications of scaling and root planing are rare, but some short-term side effects are common. [1]

Side effect	What to expect	What helps
Bleeding	Some bleeding is normal	Tell your dentist if it is heavy or won't stop
Sore gums	Tenderness for a couple of days	Over-the-counter pain relievers
Tooth sensitivity	Sensitivity to hot and cold	Should go away in a month or two
Slightly loose teeth	Teeth may feel wiggly right after	Settles as the gums tighten
Gum recession	Swollen gums shrink back as infection clears, showing a little more root	Expected as gums heal
Infection	Possible but rare	Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to lower the risk

What is recovery like after scaling and root planing?

Most people can return to their normal routine the same day after scaling and root planing. [1]

There are no cuts or stitches, so it is much less invasive than surgical gum treatments. You can eat and drink whatever you like, as long as it doesn't hurt. [1]

Your dentist will give you instructions for your situation. Following them helps you recover quickly, so ask about anything that isn't clear before you leave. [1]

When should you call a dentist after scaling and root planing?

Call your dentist after scaling and root planing if you have bleeding that won't stop, pain that medicine doesn't relieve, or severe swelling. [1]

• Bleeding that doesn't stop

• Pain that doesn't improve with medication

• Severe swelling

How can you keep gum disease from coming back after a deep cleaning?

Keeping gum disease from returning after a deep cleaning depends on daily brushing and flossing plus regular professional cleanings. [1]

Only a dental professional can remove the tartar that drives gum disease, but your home routine keeps new buildup in check. Ask your provider to show you how to brush and floss properly. [1] A trial that followed people for 24 weeks after their deep cleaning found better gum bleeding scores with a powered toothbrush than a manual one. [3]

For a broader public health overview, see the About Periodontal (Gum) Disease page. To understand the structures being treated, see our guide to teeth anatomy.

Conclusion

Scaling and root planing is a simple, nonsurgical way to treat mild to moderate gum disease before it costs you teeth. It takes one to two hours, side effects are short-lived, and most people are back to normal the same day. After that, regular cleanings and steady home care do the work of keeping your gums healthy. [1]

If your gums are swollen or bleeding, book a dental exam and ask whether a deep cleaning is right for you. Want to understand what's behind the symptoms first? Start with our complete guide to periodontitis.

FAQ

What is scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing is a deep dental cleaning that removes plaque, tartar and bacteria from around the tooth roots. It reaches further below the gums than a regular cleaning and is a common treatment for gum disease.

Is scaling and root planing painful?

Scaling and root planing is done under local anesthesia, which numbs the gums. Afterward, gums may feel sore for a couple of days, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help.

How long does a deep dental cleaning take?

A deep dental cleaning takes one to two hours. It may be done in one visit or split into two, with half the mouth cleaned at each appointment.

How long does it take to recover from scaling and root planing?

Most people return to their normal routine the same day after scaling and root planing. Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold can last longer but should go away within a month or two.

Can I eat after scaling and root planing?

You can eat and drink whatever you like after scaling and root planing, as long as it doesn't hurt. Follow any specific instructions your dentist gives you.

How often will I need scaling and root planing?

Ideally, scaling and root planing is needed only once. Regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene afterward help keep gums healthy so another deep cleaning isn't needed.

Is a deep dental cleaning really necessary?

A deep dental cleaning is the only way to remove plaque and bacteria from deep under the gums. A toothbrush cannot reach all the way down to the tooth roots.

When should I call my dentist after a deep cleaning?

Call your dentist after a deep cleaning if you have bleeding that won't stop, pain that doesn't improve with medication, or severe swelling.

Will my gums bleed after scaling and root planing?

Mild gum bleeding, soreness and tooth sensitivity are common for a few days after a deep cleaning. Call your dentist if bleeding is heavy or does not stop with gentle pressure.

Can scaling and root planing reverse gum disease?

It can stop mild to moderate gum disease and help the gums heal against the teeth. Bone that has already been lost does not grow back on its own, so daily brushing, flossing and regular dental visits are key to keeping results.

Related Reading

Dental Cleaning: Types, What to Expect and How Often explains what happens during a professional dental cleaning.

References

1. Cleveland Clinic. Dental Deep Cleaning: What It Is & What To Expect. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated December 2, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23983-tooth-scaling-and-root-planing

2. Smiley CJ, Tracy SL, Abt E, et al. Systematic review and meta-analysis on the nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis by means of scaling and root planing with or without adjuncts. J Am Dent Assoc. 2015;146(7):508-524.e5. PMID 26113099. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2015.01.028

3. Jenkins W, Starke EM, Nelson M, et al. The effects of scaling and root planing plus home oral hygiene maintenance in Stage I/II periodontitis population: A 24-week randomized clinical trial. Int J Dent Hyg. 2024;22(3):727-735. PMID 38289823. https://doi.org/10.1111/idh.12783

4. Arnett MC, Chanthavisouk P, Costalonga M, et al. Effect of scaling and root planing with and without minocycline HCl microspheres on periodontal pathogens and clinical outcomes: A randomized clinical trial. J Periodontol. 2023;94(9):1133-1145. PMID 37191955. https://doi.org/10.1002/JPER.23-0002

Medical disclaimer

This article is for general education and does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a qualified dentist or healthcare professional. Always ask your dental provider about your own symptoms and treatment options.