Why Excel
Late Hours & Open on Saturdays Dental Emergencies Are Welcome We Accept Most Insurances Including Masshealth Locally Owned and Operated No Judgment Ever Top-rated Clinical team Full Service Dentistry Comforting Environment Modern Office $99 New Patient Offer Late Hours & Open on Saturdays Dental Emergencies Are Welcome We Accept Most Insurances Including Masshealth Locally Owned and Operated No Judgment Ever Top-rated Clinical team Full Service Dentistry Comforting Environment Modern Office $99 New Patient Offer Late Hours & Open on Saturdays Dental Emergencies Are Welcome We Accept Most Insurances Including Masshealth

Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and Root Planing Play
Effectively Manage and Reverse Gum Disease

Effectively Manage and Reverse Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a major reason why adults lose their teeth. Swollen or irritated gums can be an early warning that your teeth, the tissues around them, and the bone that supports them might be in danger.

The tiny organisms in dental plaque thrive on the acids in the foods you consume. If not addressed, this can lead to the onset of gum disease.

Regular six-month dental check-ups and professional teeth cleaning play a crucial role in maintaining your oral health. In cases where gum disease is detected, there are additional supportive treatments that may be necessary.

The process involved in your scaling and root planing procedure for addressing gum disease.

To enhance the cleaning process, we employ dental hand tools, an ultrasonic device, or a combination of both. The treatment commences with a thorough examination, after which the ultrasonic device comes into play. This gentle use of sonic vibrations effectively eliminates the plaque and tartar deposits on the surfaces of your teeth and below your gum line.

Root planing is a dental treatment that targets the roots of your teeth. This procedure aims to decrease gum inflammation and remove plaque and bacteria that have accumulated.

 

After completing your scaling and root planing treatment:

  • If you’ve had an anesthetic, wait until the numb feeling disappears before chewing, and be sure to chew on the side of your mouth that doesn’t feel numb.
  • Delay your meal for a couple of hours, then stick to a gentle diet for as long as 72 hours.
  • Until your gums are all better, it’s best to skip alcoholic drinks and stay away from hot or spicy foods.
  • Avoid tobacco use for up to 72 hours, as tobacco slows the healing process.
  • After your treatment, remember to brush and floss your teeth gently in the evening.
  • If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, make sure to take them for the entire duration of the prescription.
  • Feel free to contact our office for any questions or concerns after your procedure. If you notice bleeding, sensitivity, or severe discomfort, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

 

Swift Tooth Replacement with No Long Waits

Caring for your dentures is as simple as caring for your natural teeth.

  • Keep your smile stain-free and your breath fresh.
  • Opt for a gentle toothbrush in your daily oral care routine.
  • Maintain denture appearance: soak to remove stains.
  • Keep them in water when you’re not using them.
  • Ensure good gum health by removing them at night.
  • Maintain a comfortable fit by scheduling a routine Dental checkup.
FAQs

Everything you need to know about dental care

Find quick answers to common questions about our dental services, procedures, and patient care in our FAQ section.

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure specifically designed to treat gum disease (periodontal disease). A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above the gumline only.

Your dentist will recommend this procedure if a routine check-up reveals signs of gum disease.

Key warning signs include:

  • Swollen, red, or bleeding gums — especially when brushing or flossing
  • Persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away
  • Gum pockets deeper than 4mm measured during your exam
  • Visible tartar buildup below the gumline on X-rays
  • Gums pulling away (receding) from your teeth

At Excel Dental, local anesthesia is used to numb the area being treated, so most patients feel minimal discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, you may experience some gum soreness and sensitivity for a few days, which is completely normal.

The process involves a few key steps:

  • A thorough examination to assess the extent of gum disease
  • Application of local anesthetic for comfort
  • Use of dental hand tools, an ultrasonic device, or both to break up and remove deposits from tooth surfaces and below the gumline
  • Root planing to smooth root surfaces and remove embedded bacteria
  • Some cases may require the procedure to be completed in two separate visits—one side of the mouth at a time

Most patients need two appointments — one for each half of the mouth. This allows adequate healing time and keeps each session comfortable. In mild cases, it may be completed in a single visit.

A follow-up appointment is typically scheduled 4–6 weeks later to check how well your gums have responded to treatment.

Following your procedure at Excel Dental, the care instructions are

  • Wait until numbness wears off before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek
  • Eat soft foods for up to 72 hours after treatment
  • Avoid alcohol, hot foods, and spicy foods until gums heal
  • Do not use tobacco for at least 72 hours—nicotine slows healing significantly
  • Brush and floss gently the evening after your procedure
  • Take all prescribed antibiotics for the full course if provided

Most patients recover within 1 to 2 weeks. Mild gum soreness and sensitivity typically resolve within a few days. Your gums will gradually become less inflamed and healthier over the following weeks.

In the early stage (gingivitis), gum disease can be fully reversed with scaling and root planing combined with improved at-home oral hygiene.

In more advanced periodontitis, the procedure effectively manages and controls the disease—stopping its progression and preventing tooth loss—but some damage may be permanent. Early treatment is always the better outcome.

After successful scaling and root planing, maintenance is critical:

  • Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush using proper technique
  • Floss every day to remove plaque from between teeth and at the gumline
  • Use an antimicrobial mouthwash if recommended by your dentist
  • Schedule periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3–4 months
  • Quit smoking—tobacco use is the #1 lifestyle factor that worsens gum disease

Yes, in most cases. Because scaling and root planing is a medically necessary periodontal treatment (not a cosmetic procedure), most dental insurance plans provide coverage for it.

Excel Dental accepts most insurances, including MassHealth.

Here’s what to do:

  • Call your nearest Excel Dental location and provide your insurance details
  • Our team will verify your coverage before your appointment
  • We’ll walk you through what is and isn’t covered under your plan

Don’t have insurance? Excel Dental’s team can also discuss flexible payment options to make your care affordable. Visit ourexceldental.com/patients for more information.

Not until your gum disease is fully treated and controlled. Active gum disease disqualifies patients from implants, veneers, whitening, and most cosmetic procedures. Scaling and root planing at Excel Dental is the essential first step that must be completed before any of these treatments can proceed safely.

Excel Dental treats gum disease at all 9 Massachusetts locations: Lowell, Lowell (Bridge St.), Billerica, Methuen, Haverhill, Everett, Chelsea, Lynn, and Revere. Open late hours and Saturdays for your convenience. Early treatment saves your teeth — don’t wait.