Services
Scaling and Root Planing
Our hygienist gently cleans below the gumline to remove buildup, helping treat gum disease and protect your smile.
Why choose us
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
Treats Gum Disease Early
We clean below the gumline to remove the buildup that drives gum disease.
Healthier, Calmer Gums
Smoothing the root surfaces helps your gums settle back against your teeth.
Protects Your Natural Teeth
Addressing gum disease now helps us preserve the teeth and bone that support your smile.
Fresher Breath
Removing hidden bacteria and tartar can help reduce persistent bad breath.
Ongoing Care Close By
Our dental hygienist and dentists offer periodontal maintenance in our West Palm Beach office.
Maybe you noticed a little pink in the sink after brushing, or your gums have started to look puffy and feel tender along a few teeth. Perhaps your last cleaning ended with a conversation about "pocket depths" and a recommendation for something called scaling and root planing. If any of that sounds familiar, you're not alone. Many adults in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens reach this point. Understanding what the treatment involves can make the next step feel much more manageable.
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning designed for gums that have moved beyond simple surface buildup. During a routine dental cleaning, plaque and tartar are removed from the visible parts of your teeth and just at the gumline. When gum disease takes hold, bacteria and hardened deposits collect deeper, in spaces between the gums and tooth roots called periodontal pockets. A regular cleaning isn't designed to reach those areas thoroughly.
The treatment has two parts. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces above and below the gumline, all the way to the bottom of the pockets. Root planing then smooths the root surfaces, which gives your gums a cleaner surface to heal against. Together, these steps address the buildup that keeps gum tissue inflamed. This is a core part of how we approach gum disease treatment in our office.
Scaling and root planing is often recommended for patients whose exam shows signs that gum disease has progressed below the gumline. During your visit, our team measures the pockets around your teeth and looks at the overall health of your gums. We use what we find to explain whether deep cleaning makes sense for you. Some common signs that lead to this conversation include:
- Gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gum tissue
- Persistent bad breath that doesn't improve with brushing
- Gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth
- Deeper pocket measurements noted during a dental exam
It also helps to know that treatment is often planned in sections rather than all at once, depending on how many areas need attention. Comfort matters to us. If you feel anxious about dental visits, let us know, because we offer oral sedation dentistry and can talk through whether it's appropriate for you. We'll also review your health history and answer your questions before anything begins, so you know what each appointment will cover.
Caring for Your Gums Afterward
Healing continues at home after your appointment. Your gums may feel sensitive for a short time while the tissue settles. Gentle, consistent brushing and cleaning between your teeth are important during this period. We'll give you aftercare guidance tailored to your treatment, and we're happy to answer questions as you recover.
Deep cleaning is often the start of a longer-term approach to gum health rather than a one-time fix. Many patients move on to periodontal maintenance, which means cleanings scheduled to keep bacteria from rebuilding in areas that were treated. At follow-up visits, our hygienist and dentists check how your gums are responding and recommend a schedule that fits your needs. Every mouth is different, so we can't predict exactly how your gums will respond. Staying consistent with home care and follow-up visits gives you the best opportunity to keep your gums healthy.
Coordinated Care Under One Roof
Our practice brings general, cosmetic, and specialty-focused care together, which helps when gum health connects to other treatment. Our periodontic services include gum grafting, crown lengthening, and dental implant placement and maintenance. If your evaluation shows that more than deep cleaning may be helpful, we can discuss those options with you directly. Patients don't need a referral for periodontic care with us.
Led by Michael C. Westcott, DDS, and Sujay Trivedi, DMD, our team practices integrative, multidisciplinary dentistry in a state-of-the-art facility. Coordinated care can also matter if you're planning restorative or cosmetic work, such as crowns, implants, or a smile makeover, because healthy gums provide a stronger foundation for that treatment.
Insurance and Payment Options
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our team can help you understand how your coverage may apply to scaling and root planing. For periodontal services, we file insurance claims as a general practitioner, which is helpful to know when you review your benefits. We also welcome self-pay patients and can talk through costs with you before treatment begins, so there are no surprises.
If you've noticed changes in your gums or were told you may need a deep cleaning, we'd be glad to take a closer look. Contact Family Dental Care in West Palm Beach to schedule a visit. We'll answer your questions and help you take a comfortable, informed step toward healthier gums.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Exam and Evaluation
We examine your teeth and gums to see whether scaling and root planing is right for you.
- 2
Deep Cleaning Treatment
Our team carefully removes plaque and tartar below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots.
- 3
Healing and Maintenance
We guide your home care and schedule follow-up visits to keep your gums on track.