Scaling & Root Planing in Borger, TX

Scaling and root planing — a deep cleaning — is typically the first treatment Dr. Robertson recommends when gum disease shows up on an exam. Done well and followed up properly, it's enough to stop gum disease in its tracks for most patients without needing surgery.

What the two steps actually do

• Scaling removes hardened plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and below the gumline — the buildup that's driving the inflammation
• Root planing smooths the root surfaces themselves so the gum tissue can reattach cleanly and bacteria has fewer places to hide

What the appointment is like

Depending on how much tartar has built up and how tender your gums are, the area is usually numbed so the procedure stays comfortable. If gum disease is widespread, we often split the work across multiple visits — one quadrant or half of the mouth at a time — rather than powering through everything at once. That's easier on you and lets each area heal.

After the cleaning

Some sensitivity and tenderness is normal for a few days. In some cases Dr. Robertson will pair the deep cleaning with an antibiotic rinse or a localized antibiotic placed directly in the pockets. The most important part is what happens after: more frequent maintenance cleanings for a while, careful brushing and flossing at home, and staying on top of checkups so things don't slide back.