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Los Angeles213-380-1996
Downey562-803-9999

Scaling and Root Planing in Los Angeles and Downey, CA

Deep Cleaning to Protect Your Gums and Teeth

When plaque and tartar collect beneath the gumline, routine cleaning may not be enough. Scaling and root planing removes these deposits and smooths the tooth roots to help control periodontal disease.

Dr. Won Jung Jeong and Dr. Debora Jeong provide scaling and root planing at Mission Dental Group in Los Angeles and Downey, CA.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical periodontal treatment commonly called a deep cleaning.

Scaling removes plaque, tartar and bacterial deposits from the tooth surfaces above and below the gumline. Root planing smooths contaminated areas of the tooth roots, making them easier to keep clean and helping the gums heal.

How Is Deep Cleaning Different From a Regular Cleaning?

A routine preventive cleaning removes buildup from teeth when the gums are generally healthy. Scaling and root planing treats deposits below the gumline in patients with periodontal pockets, inflammation or bone loss.

A periodontal evaluation is needed to determine which type of cleaning is appropriate. Scaling and root planing should not be performed simply as a substitute for routine preventive care.

Signs You May Need Scaling and Root Planing

Your dentist may recommend treatment if you have:

  • Bleeding, swollen or tender gums
  • Periodontal pockets around the teeth
  • Tartar beneath the gumline
  • Gum recession
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Early bone loss around the teeth
  • Loose or shifting teeth
  • A diagnosis of periodontitis

Gum disease may progress without causing significant pain. Periodontal measurements and dental imaging help determine the extent of the condition. Learn more about gum disease treatment.

Experienced Periodontal Care

Dr. Won Jung Jeong has practiced dentistry since 1993 and provides comprehensive periodontal and restorative care. His experience helps him evaluate gum disease within the context of the patient’s teeth, bite and broader treatment needs.

Dr. Debora Jeong has practiced since 2023 and has completed approximately 3,000 periodontal cases. Both dentists provide nonsurgical gum disease treatment and ongoing periodontal evaluations.

What to Expect During Treatment

Periodontal Examination

Your dentist examines the gums, measures periodontal pockets and reviews dental imaging when needed. These findings help identify which areas require treatment.

Numbing the Treatment Area

The treatment area may be numbed to help keep you comfortable while deposits are removed from below the gumline.

Scaling Below the Gumline

Specialized instruments are used to remove plaque and hardened tartar from the teeth and periodontal pockets.

Smoothing the Tooth Roots

Rough or contaminated root surfaces are smoothed to make them easier to maintain and support gum healing.

Completing Treatment by Area

Treatment may be completed in one visit or divided into sections over multiple appointments. The schedule depends on the number of areas involved and the severity of the gum disease.

ARESTIN With Scaling and Root Planing

ARESTIN is a localized antibiotic that may be placed into selected periodontal pockets after scaling and root planing. It provides additional treatment directly within the pocket.

ARESTIN is not appropriate for every patient and does not replace deep cleaning, daily oral hygiene or periodontal maintenance.

What to Expect After Deep Cleaning

Temporary gum tenderness, tooth sensitivity or minor bleeding may occur after scaling and root planing. These symptoms generally improve as the tissues heal.

Follow the home-care instructions provided by our team. Contact the office if discomfort worsens, swelling increases or you develop other concerning symptoms.

Your dentist will reevaluate the gums after healing to determine how the periodontal pockets responded and whether additional care is needed.

Periodontal Maintenance After Treatment

Scaling and root planing controls bacterial buildup but does not permanently eliminate the risk of gum disease. Periodontal maintenance visits help remove new deposits and monitor pocket depth, bleeding and tooth stability.

These visits are often recommended more frequently than standard preventive cleanings. Your schedule will be based on the severity of the disease and your response to treatment.

Supporting Healing at Home

To help maintain the results of treatment:

  • Brush twice daily using the technique recommended by your dentist
  • Clean between your teeth every day
  • Use any prescribed or recommended products as directed
  • Avoid tobacco use
  • Attend periodontal maintenance visits
  • Report renewed bleeding, swelling or tooth movement

Consistent home care is essential because bacteria can begin accumulating again after treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Request a Periodontal Evaluation

If you have bleeding gums, periodontal pockets or tartar below the gumline, scaling and root planing may help control the infection. Contact Mission Dental Group at our Los Angeles or Downey office.

Los Angeles Office
936 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90006
213-380-1996

Downey Office
9434 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241
562-803-9999