Scaling and root planing Periodontal treatment
Scaling and root planing (SRP) is a deep cleaning that removes tartar and bacteria from the tooth roots below the gumline, under local anesthetic. It is the first treatment for periodontitis. Pockets usually shrink by 1 to 2 mm over six to eight weeks, and many need no surgery.
Step by step
- The quadrant is numbed.
- Ultrasonic and hand instruments remove tartar from the roots (scaling).
- The root surface is smoothed so the gum can reattach (planing).
- Some offices add a local antibiotic or laser disinfection.
- Pockets are re-measured at six to eight weeks.
What is the difference between a cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline on healthy gums. Scaling and root planing reaches the full depth of periodontal pockets, down the root, and needs anesthetic. It treats disease; a regular cleaning prevents it.
Does scaling and root planing hurt?
The area is numb during treatment. Gums can feel tender and teeth sensitive to cold for several days. A warm salt-water rinse and an over-the-counter pain reliever help. Sensitivity eases as the gums heal.
What happens after scaling and root planing?
At the re-check, pockets of 4 mm or less that do not bleed go to maintenance every three to four months. Pockets of 5 mm or more that still bleed are treated with LANAP or osseous surgery.
Questions
How long does a deep cleaning take?
About 45 to 60 minutes per quadrant. Many offices treat two quadrants per visit.
Can I eat after scaling and root planing?
Wait until the numbness wears off. Eat soft foods for a day or two and avoid very hot or spicy food.
Will my teeth feel loose afterward?
Teeth can feel slightly looser as swollen gums shrink. They usually firm as inflammation settles.
Sources
Scaling and root planing In Florida
Practices whose own website has a page for this treatment. Each name opens the practice record.
Southeast
SFSouth Florida Periodontics and Dental ImplantsMiami · 5.0 stars, 896 reviewsSCStuart Center for Laser Periodontics & ImplantsStuart · 5.0 stars, 580 reviewsGPGallardo Periodontics and Implant DentistryMiami · 4.9 stars, 659 reviewsBDBoca DentalBoca Raton · 4.9 stars, 709 reviewsPBPalm Beach PeriodonticsWest Palm Beach · 4.9 stars, 167 reviewsAGAndre Grenier, DMD, PLLCPlantation · 5.0 stars, 717 reviewsVIVero Implants & PeriodonticsVero Beach · 5.0 stars, 283 reviewsMCMcCawley Center for Laser Periodontics & ImplantsFort Lauderdale · 4.9 stars, 1,531 reviewsBPBoca Perio Implants: Dr. Julian C. Leichter, DMDBoca Raton · 4.9 stars, 194 reviewsJPJupiter PeriodonticsJupiter · 5.0 stars, 415 reviewsNBNorth Broward Center for Laser Periodontics & ImplantsDeerfield Beach · 5.0 stars, 316 reviewsCRCōR PerioNorth Miami Beach · 4.9 stars, 503 reviewsAHAlan H. Bresalier, D.D.S.Weston · 5.0 stars, 295 reviewsCSCoral Springs SmilesCoral Springs · 4.7 stars, 478 reviewsJEDr. Jason Ehrenman D.M.D. M.S.D.North Palm Beach · 5.0 stars, 137 reviewsREDr. Rafael E CorderoPalm Beach Gardens · 4.9 stars, 198 reviewsNANeil A. Friedman, DMD PAKey Biscayne · 5.0 stars, 376 reviewsDBDelray Beach Laser Periodontics and Implants, P.A.Delray Beach · 4.9 stars, 253 reviewsBPBoca PerioBoca Raton · 4.9 stars, 267 reviewsRDRessler Dental: Lawrence Ressler, DMDDelray Beach · 4.7 stars, 127 reviewsSPSapphire Periodontics and Implant Dentistry (formerly Dr. Leiderman)Plantation · 4.9 stars, 147 reviewsMKMiller & Korn Periodontics and Implant Solutions: Robert J Miller DMD, Randi J Korn DMDPlantation · 4.8 stars, 121 reviewsHWHoward W Rosa DMD Dental Implants PeriodontistBoca Raton · 4.9 stars, 58 reviewsPBPalm Beach PeriodonticsBoynton Beach · 4.9 stars, 121 reviewsOPOasis PerioFort Lauderdale · 5.0 stars, 64 reviewsDSDesigner Smiles, FLCoral Springs · 4.5 stars, 65 reviewsPIPeriodontal & Implant ExcellenceWest Palm Beach · 4.8 stars, 39 reviewsMLMiami Lakes Periodontal Associates: Robert A. del Castillo, DMD, PAHialeah · 4.3 stars, 43 reviewsDNDiaz-Norrman Angel DDSMiami · 4.5 stars, 34 reviewsMFDr. Mark ForrestPembroke Pines · 4.6 stars, 25 reviewsBDBGR DentalWest Palm Beach · 4.3 stars, 39 reviewsDDDeLuca DentalCoral Springs · 5.0 stars, 8 reviewsODOzga DentalPompano Beach · 4.7 stars, 14 reviewsVMVITTO MD DentalMiami · 5.0 stars, 3 reviews
Tampa Bay
TBTampa Bay Dental Implants & PeriodonticsSt. Petersburg · 4.9 stars, 463 reviewsRPRubino Periodontics & Implant DentistryLakewood Ranch · 4.9 stars, 615 reviewsECEastman Craighead Periodontics & ImplantsBradenton · 4.9 stars, 815 reviewsPHPeriodontal Health CenterNew Port Richey · 4.9 stars, 522 reviewsRPRubino Periodontics & Implant DentistryBradenton · 4.9 stars, 564 reviewsBPBritten Periodontics & Implant DentistryClearwater · 4.9 stars, 311 reviewsECEastman Craighead Periodontics & ImplantsBradenton · 4.9 stars, 502 reviewsCICrawford Implant Dentistry & Laser PeriodonticsSt. Petersburg · 4.9 stars, 636 reviewsRPRubino Periodontics & Implant DentistryParrish · 4.9 stars, 78 reviewsPHPeriodontal Health CenterTampa · 4.9 stars, 410 reviewsSPSouthbay Periodontics & ImplantologyRiverview · 4.8 stars, 160 reviewsESEdward S Mortellaro Jr DMD PABrandon · 4.9 stars, 192 reviewsCSDr. Carl Steinkamp DDSBrooksville · 4.2 stars, 20 reviewsBLBrandon Lakes Periodontics & Dental ImplantsBrandon · 4.5 stars, 80 reviewsTMTorres Maria DDSTampa · 4.4 stars, 25 reviewsCPChurney PeriodonticsClearwater · 4.4 stars, 21 reviewsTBTampa Bay Dental Implants & PeriodonticsLargo · 5.0 stars, 7 reviewsBABird Alberto M DDSLargo · 4.3 stars, 11 reviews
Southwest
SPSarasota Periodontal AssociatesVenice · 4.9 stars, 270 reviewsNPNaples PeriodontistNaples · 5.0 stars, 691 reviewsPPParadise PeriodonticsSarasota · 4.9 stars, 265 reviewsNDNaples Dental and Wellness CenterNaples · 5.0 stars, 577 reviewsVPVenice Periodontics and Implant DentistryVenice · 4.9 stars, 244 reviewsSPSarasota Periodontal AssociatesSarasota · 4.9 stars, 477 reviewsBPBonita Periodontics & ImplantsBonita Springs · 4.9 stars, 353 reviewsTPTaschner PeriodonticsFort Myers · 4.9 stars, 172 reviewsRCRyan C. Taylor Periodontics & Dental ImplantsSarasota · 4.8 stars, 538 reviewsMCThe McKenzie CenterPort Charlotte · 4.9 stars, 167 reviewsPIPeriodontics and Implant Center of NaplesNaples · 5.0 stars, 144 reviewsPIPeriodontal & Implant SpecialistsFort Myers · 4.9 stars, 115 reviewsRPRusso Periodontics: John Russo, DDS, MHSSarasota · 5.0 stars, 43 reviewsPCParadise Coast PeriodonticsNaples · 5.0 stars, 80 reviewsSPSarasota Periodontal AssociatesLakewood Ranch · 4.8 stars, 200 reviewsONOlde Naples PeriodonticsNaples · 4.9 stars, 49 reviewsPCParadise Coast Periodontics, Scott F. Johnson DMD, MS, LLCBonita Springs · 5.0 stars, 41 reviewsVPViruet Periodontics and Dental ImplantsFort Myers · 4.9 stars, 55 reviews
Central
CFCentral Florida Oral, Facial and Periodontal Surgery and Dental ImplantsThe Villages · 4.8 stars, 331 reviewsCFCentral Florida Periodontics & ImplantologyWinter Park · 5.0 stars, 503 reviewsPPPrecision Periodontics and Dental ImplantsWinter Garden · 4.8 stars, 147 reviewsBPBergens Periodontics & Implant Dentistry of DaytonaDaytona Beach · 4.9 stars, 266 reviewsVPVillage Periodontics & Dental Implant CenterOxford · 4.9 stars, 755 reviewsTPTomoka Periodontics and Implant DentistryOrmond Beach · 4.9 stars, 497 reviewsTPTomoka Periodontics & Implant DentistryDaytona Beach · 5.0 stars, 500 reviewsCPClermont Periodontics and Implant CenterClermont · 4.9 stars, 102 reviewsBQDr. Bryan Quang Phamnguyen, D.D.S., P.A. ~ Family and Cosmetic DentistryOrlando · 4.7 stars, 479 reviewsWPWinter Park Periodontics & Implant DentistryWinter Park · 4.5 stars, 50 reviewsLNLake Nona Dental Implants and Periodontics of OrlandoOrlando · 4.9 stars, 46 reviewsKPKennedy Periodontics, Implant DentistryLake Mary · 3.9 stars, 29 reviewsJKDr. Jeff Kim, DDSPort Orange · 4.9 stars, 19 reviewsPIPeriodontist in VeroMelbourne
North
BPBergens Periodontics & Implant Dentistry of Palm CoastPalm Coast · 4.9 stars, 251 reviewsAIAmelia Island PeriodonticsFernandina Beach · 4.9 stars, 462 reviewsNFNortheast Florida Periodontics & Dental ImplantsJacksonville · 4.9 stars, 229 reviewsPDPremier Dental TeamGainesville · 4.7 stars, 286 reviewsAPAltschuler Periodontic and Implant CenterGainesville · 4.9 stars, 372 reviewsSSStephen Strout, DMD, MS, PASt. Augustine · 3.3 stars, 15 reviewsTPTomoka Periodontics and Implant DentistryPalm Coast · 5.0 stars, 70 reviewsFHFetner & Hartigan, Periodontics and ImplantsJacksonville · 4.8 stars, 81 reviewsLRDr. Leah R. StrangeOcala · 5.0 stars, 29 reviewsFHFetner & Hartigan, Periodontics and ImplantsJacksonville · 4.6 stars, 55 reviewsYKYoung, Kirk H MS DDSOrange Park · 4.1 stars, 9 reviews
Panhandle
PPPensacola Periodontics and Implant DentistryPensacola · 4.9 stars, 309 reviewsPAPeriodontal Associates of North FloridaTallahassee · 4.9 stars, 1,650 reviewsCPCoastal PeriodonticsFort Walton Beach · 4.9 stars, 331 reviewsBIBay Implant, Perio, and EndoLynn Haven · 4.9 stars, 424 reviewsPIPeriodontics & Implant Dentistry of TallahasseeTallahassee · 4.9 stars, 871 reviewsCPCapital Periodontal AssociatesTallahassee · 5.0 stars, 415 reviewsECEmerald Coast PeriodonticsNiceville · 4.9 stars, 39 reviews
Treatments Read next
Laser gum surgeryLaser gum surgery uses light energy in place of a scalpel to remove diseased gum tissue, reduce bacteria and reshape gums.
Gum graftingA gum graft places new tissue over an exposed root or thin gum to stop recession, cover the root and reduce sensitivity.
Pinhole gum rejuvenationThe Pinhole Surgical Technique treats receding gums through a small opening in the gum.Osseous surgeryOsseous surgery, also called pocket reduction or flap surgery, folds back the gum to clean the roots directly and reshape or regenerate the bone around them.
Dental implantsA dental implant is a titanium or zirconia post placed in the jawbone to replace a tooth root.Bone graftingA dental bone graft adds bone or a bone substitute where the jaw is too thin or short for an implant, or fills a socket after extraction to keep its shape.