Scaling & Root Planing in Washington, PA
Scaling and root planing — also called a deep cleaning — is the gold standard non-surgical treatment for gum disease. Enhanced Wellness offers scaling and root planing in Washington, PA to stop gum disease in its tracks, reduce pocket depths, and protect your teeth and jawbone before the damage becomes irreversible.
Enhanced Wellness · 620 N Main St, Washington, PA 15301 · (724) 225-5070
What Is Scaling & Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that goes well below the gumline — where a regular cleaning cannot reach. When gum disease develops, bacteria, plaque, and tartar accumulate in the pockets between your teeth and gums. Over time this causes the pockets to deepen, leading to bone loss, gum recession, and eventually tooth loss.
Scaling removes the built-up tartar and bacteria from the tooth surfaces and root areas below the gumline. Root planing then smooths the rough surfaces of the roots, making it harder for bacteria to reattach and helping the gum tissue heal and reattach to the tooth. The result: shallower pockets, reduced inflammation, and a healthier foundation for your teeth.
It is considered the gold standard first-line treatment for moderate to advanced gum disease — and when done early enough, it can often eliminate the need for surgery.
Why gum disease affects more than your mouth
Gum disease bacteria can enter the bloodstream and has been linked to heart disease and stroke
Advanced periodontitis is associated with poorly controlled diabetes
Research links gum disease to increased risk of respiratory infections
Pregnant women with gum disease have higher rates of preterm birth and low birth weight
Chronic gum inflammation is connected to rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups
Treating gum disease has been shown to improve blood sugar control in diabetic patients
Signs You May Need a Deep Cleaning
Many people with gum disease have no pain — which is why it so often goes untreated until significant damage has occurred. Watch for these warning signs:
Bleeding Gums
Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing are never normal. This is one of the earliest and most reliable signs of gum disease.
Gum Recession
If your teeth look longer than they used to, or you can see the root surfaces, your gums may be pulling away due to disease.
Persistent Bad Breath
Chronic bad breath that doesn't resolve with brushing is often caused by bacteria living in deep gum pockets.
Swollen or Red Gums
Healthy gums are pink and firm. Puffy, red, or tender gums signal active infection and inflammation below the surface.
Loose Teeth
Teeth that feel loose or have shifted position indicate bone loss from advanced gum disease — a serious warning sign.
Pockets Deeper Than 4mm
At your checkup, if Dr. Wakim measures periodontal pocket depths of 4mm or greater, a deep cleaning is typically recommended.
Regular Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning — What's the Difference?
| Regular Cleaning | Scaling & Root Planing | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Preventive maintenance | Treat active gum disease |
| Where it cleans | Above & slightly below gumline | Deep below the gumline, along roots |
| Anesthesia | Not needed | Local anesthesia typically used |
| Number of visits | 1 visit | Usually 2 visits (one side at a time) |
| Follow-up | Every 6 months | Periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months |
| Insurance coverage | Typically 100% | Usually 50–80% covered |
What to Expect at Enhanced Wellness
Scaling and root planing at Enhanced Wellness is typically completed over two appointments — one side of the mouth per visit — so you're never numb on both sides at once.
1
Periodontal Evaluation
Dr. Wakim measures your gum pocket depths, checks for bone loss on X-rays, and assesses the extent of the disease. This determines whether a regular cleaning or deep cleaning is appropriate and how many quadrants need treatment.
~20 minutes2
Local Anesthesia
The treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia so the procedure is comfortable. You may feel pressure but should not feel pain. We take your comfort seriously — let us know at any point if you need more anesthetic.
~5 minutes3
Scaling
Using both hand instruments and an ultrasonic scaler, we thoroughly remove all plaque, tartar, and bacterial deposits from the tooth surfaces down to the base of each pocket. The ultrasonic scaler also irrigates the pocket with an antimicrobial rinse.
~30–45 minutes per side4
Root Planing
The root surfaces are smoothed to remove any remaining bacteria and create a clean surface that gum tissue can reattach to. Smooth roots are significantly harder for bacteria to colonize going forward.
Included in same visit5
Follow-Up & Periodontal Maintenance
4–6 weeks after your deep cleaning, we re-evaluate your pocket depths to measure improvement. From there, most patients transition to periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3–4 months to keep gum disease from recurring.
Ongoing every 3–4 monthsAftercare — What to Do After Your Deep Cleaning
Most patients return to normal activities the same day. Some soreness and sensitivity for a few days is normal. Here's what helps:
✓ Keep brushing and flossing
Be gentle around treated areas for the first few days. Your gums will be more sensitive — a soft-bristled brush helps.
✓ Use a saltwater rinse
Rinse gently with warm saltwater 2–3 times a day to reduce inflammation and promote healing in the first week.
✓ Take OTC pain relief if needed
Ibuprofen helps manage soreness and has anti-inflammatory benefits. Take as directed unless your doctor advises otherwise.
✓ Avoid smoking
Smoking significantly impairs gum healing after scaling and root planing and increases the risk of treatment failure.
✓ Eat soft foods initially
Stick to soft foods for the first 24–48 hours. Avoid anything very hot, cold, hard, or crunchy until sensitivity settles.
✓ Keep your follow-up appointment
Your 4–6 week re-evaluation is essential to measure whether the treatment worked and determine your ongoing care plan.
Trusted by Washington, PA for 15+ Years
Dr. Elizabeth Wakim has been treating gum disease and helping patients protect their natural teeth across Washington County for over 15 years. She takes a conservative approach — scaling and root planing first, surgery only if necessary — and follows every deep cleaning with a clear maintenance plan to keep gum disease from coming back.
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Successful Procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia so you won't feel pain during treatment. You may feel pressure and vibration from the instruments. After the anesthesia wears off, some soreness and sensitivity is normal for a few days and is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Most patients complete scaling and root planing in two appointments — one per side of the mouth, typically a week or two apart. This keeps you from being numb on both sides simultaneously and allows each side to begin healing before the other is treated.
Yes — most dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing as a medically necessary periodontal treatment, typically at 50–80% after your deductible. Coverage varies by plan and how recently you may have had a previous deep cleaning. Our team will verify your benefits and provide a clear cost estimate before treatment.
Ideally, just once — if you follow up with consistent periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months. Gum disease is a chronic condition and the bacteria that cause it are always present in the mouth. Regular maintenance cleanings keep pockets clean and prevent the disease from advancing again. Patients who skip maintenance are much more likely to need repeat deep cleaning or surgery.
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline and is a preventive service for healthy mouths. Scaling and root planing is a therapeutic treatment for active gum disease — it cleans much deeper below the gumline and involves smoothing the root surfaces. The two are very different procedures billed and coded differently by insurance.
Yes — which is why periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months is critical after deep cleaning. Scaling and root planing treats the disease but doesn't cure it. The bacteria that cause gum disease are always present in the mouth. Regular maintenance keeps them from recolonizing deep pockets and prevents the disease from progressing again.
Treat Gum Disease Before It Gets Worse
Scaling and root planing stops gum disease in its tracks. The sooner it's treated, the better the outcome — and the less likely you'll need surgery down the road.
Enhanced Wellness · 620 N Main St, Washington, PA 15301 · Dr. Elizabeth Wakim, DDS