Scaling and Root Planing
Our Glenroy clinic offers affordable, gentle care with the latest technology for patients of all ages.
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Deep Cleaning Treatment for Gum Disease & Bleeding Gums
Gum disease rarely causes pain in the early stages, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t causing damage. If your gums bleed when brushing, feel tender, or are pulling away from your teeth, you may need scaling and root planing, a professional deep-cleaning treatment designed to prevent periodontal disease from progressing.
At Melbourne Family Dentist, we provide gentle dental scaling and root planing in Melbourne, using modern ultrasonic technology and effective numbing options to ensure your comfort. This non-surgical periodontal treatment removes infection-causing bacteria beneath the gum line and helps your gums heal naturally.
When treated early, scaling and root planing can prevent the need for periodontal surgery and protect your long-term oral health.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
Most patients experience mild swelling or tenderness for a few days.
You can expect:
Stops Gum Disease Progression
Prevents infection from damaging bone and supporting tissues.
Reduces Gum Bleeding & Inflammation
Helps restore healthy pink gum tissue.
Eliminates Bad Breath
Removes bacteria trapped in deep gum pockets.
Prevents Tooth Loss
Protects the foundation of your teeth.
What Is the Scaling and Root Planing Procedure?
Scaling and root planing is a structured, step-by-step deep cleaning treatment designed to remove infection and help your gums heal. Here’s what happens during the procedure:
Step 1: Comprehensive Gum Assessment
Your dentist examines gums, measures periodontal pockets, takes digital X-rays, and assesses plaque, tartar, and bone support levels carefully.
Step 2: Local Anaesthetic for Comfort
A local anaesthetic is applied to numb the treatment area, ensuring minimal discomfort during deep cleaning procedures below.
Step 3: Scaling – Removal of Plaque & Tartar
Special instruments remove plaque and hardened tartar from above and below the gumline, eliminating bacteria causing infection.
Step 4: Root Planing – Smoothing the Tooth Roots
Tooth roots are carefully smoothed to remove toxins and bacteria, helping gums reattach and reducing pocket depth.
Why Early Treatment Matters?
Gum disease does not reverse on its own. Left untreated, bacteria can spread deeper, affecting the bone and increasing the need for surgical procedures.
Scaling and root planing is often the last non-surgical step before advanced periodontal surgery is required.
Early treatment saves:
Teeth
Bone
Long-term complications
Money
We provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing.
Is Deep Cleaning for Gums Painful?
Myth: Scaling and root planing is extremely painful.
Reality: With modern anaesthesia and advanced instruments, the procedure is typically very manageable.
You may feel:
✔ Pressure
✔ Vibration from ultrasonic instruments
✔ Mild soreness afterwards
You should NOT feel:
✖ Sharp ongoing pain
✖ Severe discomfort during treatment
If your gums are very inflamed, treatment may be slightly tender, but treating the infection actually reduces long-term pain.
Scaling and Root Planing vs Regular Scale & Clean
| Regular Scale & Clean | Scaling & Root Planing |
|---|---|
| Preventive cleaning | Treats active gum disease |
| Above the gum line | Below the gum line & roots |
| No anaesthetic needed | Local anaesthetic may be used |
| 30–45 minutes | May require multiple visits |
If you only need routine maintenance, visit our Check-Up and Clean page.
Signs You May Need Scaling and Root Planing
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Swollen or tender gums
- Gums pulling away from teeth
- Deep pockets between teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
If ignored, these signs can lead to bone loss and tooth loss.
Aftercare & Healing
After treatment, you may experience:
- Mild tenderness
- Temporary sensitivity
- Slight gum soreness
We recommend:
- Gentle brushing
- Warm salt rinses
- Avoiding very hard foods for 24–48 hours
During your consultation, we’ll recommend the right option based on whether your goal is structural restoration or cosmetic enhancement.
Scaling and Root Planing Cost in Australia
The cost of scaling and root planing can vary widely depending on the severity of gum disease, the number of areas being treated, and whether local anaesthesia or multiple appointments are required. In Australia, deep cleaning treatments may range from a standard price per quadrant to more extensive care if periodontal pockets are deeper or if your dentist needs to manage a more advanced gum infection.
Because every smile and gum condition is unique, we always recommend a personalised consultation to assess your needs and provide an accurate treatment plan and cost estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Root planing is the process of smoothing tooth roots to remove bacterial toxins and help the gums reattach after deep cleaning.
Yes. General dentists trained in periodontal care can perform scaling and root planing. Severe cases may require referral to a periodontist.
It usually takes 1–2 appointments, depending on the number of areas being treated.
If you have deep gum pockets, bleeding gums, or bone loss, scaling and root planing is recommended rather than a routine cleaning.
Protect Your Gums Before They Become Serious
If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, early treatment can make all the difference.
Our experienced team offers gentle scaling and root planing in Melbourne, tailored to your comfort and long-term oral health.
