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Scaling & Root Planing

Deep Cleaning to Treat Gum Disease and Restore Oral Health

Scaling and root planing is a cornerstone of non-surgical periodontal therapy. At Perio Implant Harmony, this deep-cleaning procedure is carried out with care, precision, and a focus on patient comfort — helping to stabilise gum disease and protect the foundation of your smile.

What Is Scaling & Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a specialised cleaning procedure used to remove plaque, tartar (calculus), and harmful bacteria from below the gumline — areas that can’t be reached through regular brushing, flossing, or even standard dental cleans.

Scaling

Involves the removal of plaque and tartar deposits from the surfaces of the teeth, especially beneath the gums.

Root planing

Smooths the root surfaces, helping the gums reattach to the teeth and reducing the depth of periodontal pockets where bacteria thrive.

This treatment is typically recommended for patients with periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease, and forms the foundation of stabilising and managing the condition.

Why Is It Necessary?

In periodontal disease, bacteria accumulate deep under the gums, leading to inflammation, bone loss, and potential tooth loss if left untreated. Deep pockets between the teeth and gums are difficult to clean at home and allow harmful bacteria to flourish.

Scaling and root planing addresses this by:

1 . Reducing gum inflammation and bleeding

2 . Halting the progression of bone loss

3 . Encouraging the gums to heal and reattach to the tooth surfaces

4 . Minimising the risk of further damage and infection

It’s an essential first step in restoring gum health and preventing more complex or surgical intervention later.

What to Expect During the Procedure

At Perio Implant Harmony, we take great care to ensure the procedure is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Here’s what your appointment may involve :

1. Initial Assessment

We begin with a comprehensive gum health evaluation, including measuring pocket depths and identifying areas of concern.

2. Local Anaesthesia (if needed)

For your comfort, we may apply local anaesthesia to numb the area being treated — especially in deeper or more inflamed pockets.

3. Deep Cleaning

Using specialised instruments, we gently remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline. Root surfaces are smoothed to discourage future bacterial buildup.

4. Multiple Appointments

Depending on the extent of your gum disease, the procedure may be completed over multiple visits to allow for healing and patient comfort.

5. Aftercare Advice

You’ll receive tailored advice on oral hygiene techniques, diet, and follow-up care. In some cases, we may recommend adjunctive therapies (e.g. antimicrobials or host-modulation treatments).

After Treatment : What Happens Next ?

Some mild discomfort, sensitivity, or gum tenderness may occur after treatment — this is normal and temporary. Good oral hygiene and professional follow-up are critical to success. Following scaling and root planing, you’ll typically enter a periodontal maintenance program, which involves:
1. Periodic deep cleans at shorter intervals (usually every 3–4 months)
2. Ongoing gum health monitoring
3. Coordination with your general dentist for holistic care
This structured maintenance helps prevent recurrence and supports long-term gum stability.

Our Approach : Gentle. Thorough. Personalised.

At Perio Implant Harmony, we treat every patient with respect and provide individualised care. Scaling and root planing is a clinically proven procedure used to manage gum (periodontal) disease and support ongoing oral health when tailored to your specific needs.

Our calming environment, gentle techniques, and evidence-based protocols ensure that you feel informed, supported, and empowered at every step.

Book a Periodontal Consultation

If you’ve been advised to have scaling and root planing, or if you’re experiencing signs of gum disease, we’re here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients tolerate the procedure well, especially with local anaesthesia. Any post-treatment discomfort is usually mild and short-lived.

Standard cleans remove plaque from above the gumline. Scaling and root planing goes much deeper, cleaning below the gums where periodontal bacteria collect and cause damage.

Yes — with effective treatment and good home care, inflamed gums can heal, and pocket depths may reduce. Early treatment often prevents more invasive surgery later.

This depends on the extent of the disease. It’s often performed in quadrants or halves of the mouth over two or more visits.

Yes, which is why ongoing maintenance is essential. Without consistent care and monitoring, gum disease can return or progress.

Yes. We work in collaboration with your general dentist to ensure your overall dental care remains consistent and coordinated.

Perio Implant Harmony provides specialist periodontal and implant care.

Dr Henry Lee is a specialist periodontist trained at the University of Adelaide and the University of Melbourne, supporting patients and referring dentists through clear, professional care.

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