October 15, 2025

Key Takeaways You notice your gums bleed a bit when you brush. Maybe they feel puffy or tender. And, honestly, you’ve been ignoring it because life is busy, right? Well, that’s exactly when dental scaling and root planing comes in handy. Don’t panic, it’s not scary, and it’s actually one of the best ways to protect your teeth before gum disease gets serious. Dental scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar below the gum line, helping gums heal and reattach. At Clove Dental Beverly Hills, we make sure it’s as comfortable as possible and guide patients every step of the way. What Dental Scaling and Root Planing Really Is Most people think “deep cleaning” is just a more thorough brushing, but it’s not. Scaling scrapes away hardened plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing smooths the roots so your gums can reattach properly. Imagine clearing out the gunk so your gums can settle back into their natural position, that’s basically it. I remember a patient, Jenna, who came in worried because her gums had been bleeding on and off for months. She said, “I brush twice a day, I floss sometimes, why is this happening?” After her first session, she called back, laughing, “Wow, my gums feel… normal. I didn’t even know normal gums could feel like this.” That’s exactly what scaling and root planing does. When Do You Actually Need It? Not everyone does, but here’s the thing, gum disease can sneak up without much notice. We usually recommend this procedure when gingivitis has progressed into periodontitis. How do you know? Bleeding gums, tenderness, pockets forming around teeth, or tartar that keeps building up despite brushing. Sometimes, X-rays show bone loss before you even feel symptoms. And here’s the kicker: treating it early can save teeth. Later-stage gum disease often requires surgery, but scaling and root planing can stop progression before it gets that far. What Happens During the Appointment Alright, so here’s what you can expect. Usually, it takes one or two visits depending on how much cleaning is needed. Most patients are surprised, one joked, “I thought it would hurt like crazy, but honestly, it felt kind of like a deep gum massage.” A little tenderness afterward is normal, but it’s nothing like a root canal. Aftercare After the procedure, your gums might feel a little tender for a few days. Some minor bleeding is normal. We usually recommend gentle brushing, flossing carefully, and maybe an antimicrobial rinse. Most people notice healthier gums and fresher breath within a week. Follow-ups are important. Scaling and root planing works best when combined with regular maintenance. Many patients in Beverly Hills come back every three to four months for periodontal cleanings to keep everything in check. Why It Matters Cleaning, scaling, and root planing are important for oral health. Beverly Hills Lifestyle and Oral Health Living in Beverly Hills comes with a lot of social eating, coffee, wine, and busy schedules. Sometimes oral health gets pushed to the back burner. Deep cleaning is a great way to reset. It protects your smile, your gums, and saves stress for the future. Final Thoughts Dental scaling and root planing are safe treatments. They are important steps to keep your teeth, gums, and overall oral health healthy. If you notice bleeding, tenderness, or swelling, act quickly.At Clove Dental Beverly Hills, we combine experience, gentle technique, and patient guidance to make it easy. Early action now can save teeth and improve your confidence in your smile. Your gums, and your future self will thank you.