Why Do I Need It?

Scaling is when your dentist removes all the plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) above and below the gumline, making sure to clean all the way down to the bottom of the pocket. Your dentist will then begin root planing, smoothing out your teeth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth.

Is scaling and root planing painful?

During the teeth scaling process, your dentist or dental hygienist will numb the gums and tooth roots with a local anesthesia,but teeth scaling and root planing cause very little discomfort. ... After a scaling and planing, you can expect that your gums will be numb fromthe anesthesia and then possibly a little tender.