^{Scaling and Root Planing in Las Vegas}

Scaling and root planing: what to expect

If you’ve been told you need a deep cleaning, here’s what the procedure involves, why it works, and what recovery looks like.

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Scaling and root planing: what to expect

Done with local anesthetic
Most PPO plans cover SRP
Benefits verified before scheduling

^{How it works}

What scaling and root planing actually does

Often called a “deep cleaning,” SRP is the most effective non-surgical treatment for gum disease. It’s a different procedure for a different condition, not just a more thorough regular cleaning.

Scaling

Removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, where a regular cleaning doesn’t reach and bacteria colonize deeper pockets.

Root planing

Smooths the root surfaces after scaling so bacteria have a harder time reattaching and the gum tissue can heal and reattach.

^{Why a regular cleaning isn’t enough}

A clinical decision, not a sales pitch

A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and just at the gumline. It’s right for healthy gums; our comparison of deep cleaning vs. regular cleaning walks through the difference.

When pockets have deepened to 4mm or more, bacteria sit where a regular cleaning can’t reach. Recommending SRP at that point is based on your pocket measurements, and a regular cleaning won’t resolve the infection.

At a glance

Visits Usually 2, one per side
Time 45–60 minutes per side
Comfort Local anesthetic
Recovery A few days of tenderness

^{The procedure}

What to expect during treatment

Numbing

Local anesthetic keeps you comfortable. You’ll feel pressure and movement, but not pain. Let us know about dental anxiety beforehand.

Scaling and planing

We clean the root surfaces below the gumline, then smooth them. About 45 minutes to an hour per side.

Recovery

Expect some soreness and sensitivity for a few days. Pain relievers and warm salt-water rinses help. Stick to soft, lukewarm foods for a day or two.

Follow-up

Several weeks later, we re-measure your pockets to see how the tissue responded and set your maintenance schedule.

^{After SRP}

What comes after scaling and root planing

Most patients move to periodontal maintenance, professional cleanings every 3–4 months instead of every six. Periodontitis needs ongoing management, and more frequent cleanings keep bacteria from re-colonizing the pockets.

With good home care and consistent visits, many patients see their pocket depths stabilize or improve. For typical fees and insurance, see gum disease treatment cost.

Ongoing care

Maintenance cleanings Every 3–4 months
Pocket measurements Tracked over time
Goal Disease kept under control

^FAQ

Common questions

Does scaling and root planing hurt?

It’s done with local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain, just pressure and movement. Soreness and some sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal, and over-the-counter pain relievers handle it well.

How is a deep cleaning different from a regular cleaning?

A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar above the gumline on healthy gums. A deep cleaning goes below the gumline to remove bacteria from the root surfaces when gum disease has progressed. One is maintenance; the other is treatment.

Does insurance cover scaling and root planing?

Most PPO plans cover SRP when gum disease is diagnosed, because it’s a periodontal treatment rather than a routine cleaning. We verify your benefits and give you your estimated cost up front.

How long does it take?

Typically 45 minutes to an hour per side of the mouth, across two appointments.

How long is recovery?

Most patients feel normal within a few days. Soreness and sensitivity peak in the first 24–48 hours and usually improve significantly by day three or four.

Can gum disease come back after SRP?

Yes. The bacteria are always present in the mouth, so without good home care and regular maintenance visits they can re-colonize. That’s why periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months is part of the plan.