Scaling & Root Planing Palm Desert
Deep Teeth Cleaning in Rancho Mirage, Cathedral City, & Indio
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
The initial stage of treatment for periodontal disease is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling or root planing, also called deep teeth cleaning. The objective of these non-surgical procedures is to remove etiologic agents such as dental plaque and tartar, or calculus, which cause gingival inflammation and disease. Scaling and root planing can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or a preventative measure. They are commonly preformed on cases of gingivitis and moderate to severe periodontal disease.
When was the last time you had a deep teeth cleaning? Scaling & Root Planing is essential to promoting healthy gums and preventative dental care.
Call Periodontist Office in Palm Desert Phone Number 760-568-3421 with any questions or to make an appointment.


When scaling is performed, calculus and plaque that attaches to the tooth surfaces is removed. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root. Scaling is performed with a special dental tool called an ultrasonic scaling tool. The scaling tool usually includes an irrigation process that can be used to deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gums to help reduce oral bacteria.
Root planing is performed in order to remove cementum and surface dentin that is embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins and tartar. The root of the tooth is literally smoothed, which promotes healing, and also helps prevent bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.
What do the procedures entail?
Dr. Lagos will only perform scaling and root planing after a thorough examination of the mouth, which may include taking x-rays and visually examining the mouth. Depending on the condition of the gums, the amount of tartar present, the depth of the pockets, and the progression of periodontitis, Dr. Lagos may recommend scaling and root planing. In some cases, a local anesthesia may be used during the procedure.
Antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbials (chemical agents or mouth rinses) may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, Dr. Lagos may place antibiotic fibers in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planing. This may be done to control infection and to encourage normal healing.
When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult for Dr. Lagos to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and free of plaque. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.
Benefits of Treatment
If treatment is successful, scaling and planing may have many periodontal benefits. One is that it can help prevent disease. Research has proven that bacteria from periodontal infections can travel through the blood stream and affect other areas of the body, sometimes causing heart and respiratory diseases. Scaling and root planing remove bacteria that cause these conditions.
Another benefit of treatment is protecting teeth against tooth loss. When gum pockets exceed 3mm in depth, the risk for periodontal disease increases. As pockets deepen, more bacteria are able to colonize, eventually causing a chronic inflammatory response by the body to destroy gingival and bone tissue. This leads to tooth loss.
Finally, scaling and root planing may make the mouth more aesthetically pleasing, and should reduce bad breath caused from food particles and bacteria in the oral cavity. Superficial stains on the teeth will be removed during scaling and planing, adding an extra bonus to the procedures.
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LAGOS Periodontics & Dental Implants
Patient Testimonial
Been a pleasure being a Patient. Wish I didn't have to go anywhere else for any oral procedure ....
- Marsha Lewis-Fischer L
Patient Testimonial
Everyone here is very professional.
- Dana B
Patient Testimonial
the staff is always pleasant and helpful and courteous
- kerstin a
Patient Testimonial
My husband and I really like our hygienist Katie! We have not met the Doctor yet.
- Susan G
Patient Testimonial
I am very pleased with Selena. I need a lot of help and she uses the proper amount of aggressiveness to get done what needs to be done. I am all the more better off because of that. I feel she gives me an honest evaluation of the condition of me teeth.She gets the job done with excellent results. Selena is personable and respectful. She makes the treatment as pleasant as possible. I would always want her to clean my teeth.
- Steven S
Patient Testimonial
I was nervous since it was my first time having a cleaning but the staff was lovely, kind and very patient. I forgot how nervous I was and was happy with the cleaning results. I already made an appointment for next time and look forward to it.
- Amanda T
Patient Testimonial
I enjoyed the quality of service, comfort, and reassurance I received today.
- Joey V
Patient Testimonial
The service was very friendly and welcoming.
- Jewel V
Patient Testimonial
The Staff and the Doctor are fantastic. I would recommend the Staff and Doctor to any of my friends. I can honestly say that the procurer was with very little discomfort.
- Ruben A
Patient Testimonial
Salina is the best hygienist I have had. I would follow her to the moon..
- Robert L
Patient Testimonial
Everyone here is GREAT!!!
- Rebecca S
Patient Testimonial
everybody is friendly and it's an overall pleasant experience to come to the dentist
- Tom B
Patient Testimonial
The staff are very professional and kind. They have been very helpful and instrumental in helping me understand and maintain oral health.
- Margaret R
Patient Testimonial
I am so happy to have found this dental office......everyone has been very kind and courteous. The professionalism and expertise of the staff is over the top. I will recommend anyone who is looking for a dentist, to call here first.
- maryann h
Patient Testimonial
Excellent care plus friendly staff make periodontal visits pleasant.
- Kathleen D
Patient Testimonial
Friendly, competent staff in a clean, modern facility. Very thorough!
- Barbara T
Patient Testimonial
Look forward to my next appointment!
- Jay D Uhte
Patient Testimonial
I got referred to Dr. Lagos by my Primary Dentist, and I must say that my overall experience was excellent. the staff was very knowledgeable and courteous. I would definitely come back and recommend this Dental Office to my friends and family.
- jesus t
Patient Testimonial
Thanks for help me.
- Guadalupe G
Patient Testimonial
Best dental office, Doctor and staff!
- Kenna B