When gum disease progresses beyond the early stages, a routine cleaning isn’t enough — but surgery usually isn’t necessary either. Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, smooths the root surfaces to prevent bacteria from reattaching, and gives your gums the chance to heal and reattach to your teeth. At Licata Dental in Chesterfield, MO, Dr. Faye Licata, DMD performs scaling and root planing with precision and care — creating a comfortable, thorough experience for every patient.
Gum disease — also known as periodontal disease — is a bacterial infection that attacks the gums and the bone supporting your teeth. It often develops silently: plaque builds up along and below the gumline, bacteria multiply, and gum tissue becomes inflamed. Without treatment, gum disease can lead to gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss.
The good news? When caught early, gum disease is highly treatable — often without surgery.
Common signs of gum disease include:
If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, scaling and root planing may be the next step in your treatment. Dr. Licata typically recommends this procedure when gum pockets — the spaces between your teeth and gums — have deepened to 4 millimeters or more, indicating that plaque and bacteria have spread below the gumline where regular cleanings can’t reach.
You may be a candidate for scaling and root planing if you have:
During your exam, Dr. Faye Licata, DMD will carefully measure your gum pockets, review your x-rays, and recommend the right treatment plan based on your specific condition. Catching gum disease early — and treating it thoroughly — is the best way to protect your teeth, your gums, and your overall health.
At Licata Dental, gum disease treatment is carefully planned to be as comfortable and thorough as possible. Depending on the extent of your condition, scaling and root planing is typically completed over one or two visits — often with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout.
Here’s what to expect:
With proper at-home care and regular specialized cleanings every 3-4 months, scaling and root planing can stop gum disease in its tracks and restore your gums to a healthier state.
Gum Disease TreatmentRecovery from scaling and root planing is usually straightforward. Most patients experience mild tenderness, slight gum soreness, or temporary sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days — similar to how your gums might feel after a thorough cleaning. Over-the-counter pain relievers are typically all that’s needed to stay comfortable.
In the first few days after treatment, we recommend:
Gum disease is a chronic condition, which means that even after successful treatment, ongoing care is essential to prevent it from returning. Most patients transition into regular maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months, where Dr. Licata monitors your gum health, removes any new buildup, and catches small issues before they become serious. With this level of care, many patients keep their gums healthy for life — and protect the teeth they’ve worked hard to save.
Gum Disease TreatmentRecovery from scaling and root planing is usually straightforward. Most patients experience mild tenderness, slight gum soreness, or temporary sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days — similar to how your gums might feel after a thorough cleaning. Over-the-counter pain relievers are typically all that’s needed to stay comfortable.
In the first few days after treatment, we recommend:
Even with good at-home care, gum disease can persist or return. That’s why professional treatment and maintenance are essential for long-term oral health.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease or haven’t had a deep cleaning in a while, contact Licata Dental today to schedule your evaluation.
111 Hilltown Village, Suite 200 Chesterfield, Missouri 63017
(636) 532-2101
(636) 532-2209
Chesterfield Dentist, Dr. Faye Licata, is dedicated to providing you with a pleasant visit and results that you’re proud to show off. Call Faye E. Licata, DMD, PC Phone Number(636) 532-2101 with any questions or to make an appointment.
