Scaling and Root Planing Guide | Tomlinson Dental, Tampa

What is scaling and root planing?

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease. It removes plaque and tartar from affected areas below the gumline and cleans the root surfaces. The aim is to reduce inflammation and help the gums heal.

At Tomlinson Dental, the recommendation is based on gum measurements and the condition of the supporting tissues. Ask us to show you which areas need treatment and explain the findings.

Sources: ADA: Scaling and root planing

What happens during a deep cleaning?

Confirm the areas

We discuss the periodontal findings, the sites to treat, and the expected number of appointments.

Keep you comfortable

Local anesthesia may be used. Let the team know about sensitivity or anxiety before the appointment.

Clean below the gumline

Instruments remove deposits from the affected tooth and root surfaces. Instructions for home care support healing.

Review the response

Follow-up measurements help determine whether the gums have improved and what maintenance or further treatment is needed.

Sources: ADA: Scaling and root planing

Routine cleaning, deep cleaning, and maintenance

Care	Purpose	Planning
Routine cleaning	Preventive cleaning for the mouth’s current needs	Based on the examination
Scaling and root planing	Treats affected areas below the gumline	Based on periodontal disease findings
Periodontal maintenance	Ongoing care after periodontal treatment	Frequency tailored to risk and stability

A deep cleaning is a treatment recommendation, not simply a more thorough version of a routine visit. Ask what diagnosis makes it appropriate.

Sources: ADA: Scaling and root planing · AAP: Non-surgical treatment

What should I expect afterward?

Early healing

Tenderness and temperature sensitivity can occur. Follow the instructions for cleaning, eating, and any prescribed products. Contact us if pain worsens or you have concerns about healing.

Long-term care

Daily plaque removal and scheduled maintenance are important. Smoking and health conditions can affect the response. Some sites need further treatment even after a careful deep cleaning.

Sources: ADA: Scaling and root planing · AAP: Non-surgical treatment

What affects deep-cleaning costs?

The number and extent of areas needing treatment affect the fee. The plan may be organized by sections of the mouth, and reassessment or maintenance may be charged separately.

Ask which areas are included and what follow-up schedule is recommended.

Payment and dental benefits

We accept cash and cards. Third-party financing is available, subject to approval.

Although we are not contracted with any dental insurance company, we gladly help submit claims so your provider can reimburse you directly. Payment is due in full at the time of service; we do not provide insurance estimates.

Review insurance and payment options

Scaling and root planing questions

That depends on the areas involved, comfort needs, and appointment length. We’ll explain the proposed schedule before treatment.

A rinse does not remove hardened deposits below the gums. Use prescribed products as directed alongside the recommended treatment and daily cleaning.

Sources: ADA: Scaling and root planing

Deep cleaning aims to control inflammation; it does not replace lost bone. Reassessment determines whether additional periodontal treatment is needed.

Sources: AAP: Non-surgical treatment

Some deep pockets or other defects do not respond sufficiently to non-surgical care. Further treatment is based on the remaining findings, not assumed before reassessment.

Sources: AAP: Non-surgical treatment