Scaling and Root Planing in Boise, ID

Protect Your Gums and Preserve Your Natural Teeth

Bleeding, swollen, or receding gums may indicate that bacteria and tartar have collected beneath your gumline. Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical deep cleaning that removes these deposits and helps your gums begin healing around your teeth.

Dr. Wagner provides scaling and root planing at Kik Dental for patients with gum disease in Boise, ID. Call 208-342-3440 or request an appointment to have your gum health evaluated.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning used to treat periodontal disease. Unlike a routine dental cleaning, which primarily removes plaque and tartar from above the gumline, this treatment cleans the tooth roots beneath the gums.

Scaling removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the teeth and periodontal pockets. Root planing smooths rough areas on the tooth roots, making it more difficult for bacteria to collect and helping the gums fit more closely around the teeth as they heal.

Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing

• Reduces bacteria beneath the gumline
• Helps control bleeding and inflammation
• Cleans periodontal pockets that brushing cannot reach
• Supports healthier gum attachment
• Helps protect the bone supporting your teeth
• May improve persistent bad breath caused by gum disease
• Creates a healthier foundation for periodontal maintenance

Signs You May Need a Deep Cleaning

Gum disease does not always cause pain, especially in its early stages. Dr. Wagner may recommend scaling and root planing after examining your gums, measuring periodontal pockets, and reviewing your dental X-rays.

Possible signs of gum disease include:

• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Gum recession or teeth that appear longer
• Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
• Pus around the gumline
• Tooth sensitivity near exposed roots
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Deep periodontal pockets
• Bone loss visible on dental X-rays

What to Expect During Scaling and Root Planing

Periodontal Evaluation

Dr. Wagner will examine your gums, measure the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums, and review diagnostic images. Healthy gums generally fit closely around the teeth. Deeper pockets may indicate that gum disease has damaged the surrounding tissue or bone.

Keeping You Comfortable

Local anesthesia may be used to numb the treatment area. If several areas require care, treatment may be divided into separate visits so each section can be cleaned thoroughly and comfortably.

Removing Deposits Beneath the Gums

Specialized instruments are used to remove plaque and hardened tartar from beneath the gumline. The root surfaces are then smoothed to remove areas where bacteria can collect.

Evaluating Your Healing

A follow-up visit may be recommended to check your gum tissue and measure periodontal pockets again. Dr. Wagner will determine whether the gums are responding as expected or whether additional treatment is needed.

Recovery After a Deep Cleaning

Your gums may feel tender for several days after scaling and root planing. Temporary tooth sensitivity and minor bleeding can also occur as the tissues heal. These effects usually become less noticeable with time.

Follow the home-care instructions provided by our team. You may be advised to brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, clean between your teeth carefully, and avoid foods that irritate sensitive areas. Contact Kik Dental if discomfort worsens or you have concerns during recovery.

Maintaining Your Results

Scaling and root planing treats the bacterial buildup already present, but it does not permanently eliminate the risk of gum disease. Consistent home care and professional maintenance are essential for keeping the condition under control.

Patients with a history of periodontal disease may need periodontal maintenance visits more frequently than patients receiving routine preventive cleanings. Your recommended schedule will depend on your pocket depths, response to treatment, oral hygiene, and overall risk factors.

If areas of gum disease do not respond sufficiently to deep cleaning, Dr. Wagner can discuss whether another treatment or referral is appropriate. For certain gum concerns, laser gum treatment may also be considered based on your individual needs.

Personalized Gum Disease Care From Dr. Wagner

Dr. Wagner earned his dental degree from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in 2021 and has practiced dentistry since that year. He participates in monthly continuing education and uses modern diagnostic technology to evaluate oral health concerns and explain treatment recommendations clearly.

Dr. Wagner approaches periodontal care with an ethical, proactive philosophy. At Kik Dental, recommendations are based on your examination, periodontal measurements, diagnostic images, symptoms, and long-term oral health needs.