Services
Scaling and Root Planing
Our deep cleaning gently removes plaque and tartar below the gumline to help your gums heal and reattach.
Why choose us
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
Healthier Gums
We clean below the gumline to remove the plaque and tartar that irritate your gums.
Fresher Breath
Clearing away hidden buildup can help reduce the bacteria behind persistent bad breath.
Protect Your Smile
Treating gum disease early helps support the teeth and bone you want to keep.
Comfort-Focused Care
Our team puts your comfort first and uses modern technology throughout your visit.
Flexible Payment Options
We accept major PPO plans and self-pay, and offer CareCredit, iCreditWorks, Sunbit, and membership plans.
You brush twice a day, but lately your gums bleed when you floss, your breath doesn't stay fresh for long, and one tooth feels slightly different when you bite. At your last cleaning, our hygienist mentioned "pocket depths." That combination is very common, and it is often the point where we start talking about scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning designed to treat gum disease below the gumline.
Scaling and root planing is a nonsurgical treatment for gum disease. A routine cleaning focuses on the visible surfaces of the teeth and the area just at the gumline. Scaling and root planing goes deeper. During scaling, we remove hardened plaque (tartar) and bacteria from the pockets that form between inflamed gums and the teeth. During root planing, we smooth the root surfaces so bacteria have fewer rough spots to cling to. This gives the gum tissue a cleaner surface it can heal against.
Bacteria trapped in deep pockets can't be reached with a toothbrush or floss, no matter how diligent you are. That is why we may recommend this care for patients who already have excellent home habits. Our dental hygienist and our dentists, Dr. Thinh Tran and Dr. Jake Ryan, work together to measure your gum pockets, review your exam findings, and decide whether a deep cleaning is the right next step. Sometimes it makes sense to treat specific areas of the mouth rather than the whole mouth at once.
Gum disease can develop at almost any adult age, and it doesn't always hurt. Patients in Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, Beverly Beach, and Painters Hill often come to us for a regular checkup and learn about it for the first time during their dental exam. We may suggest scaling and root planing in situations like these:
- Gums that bleed easily during brushing or flossing
- Gum pockets that measure deeper than healthy tissue should
- Tartar buildup that has extended below the gumline
- Gums that look red, puffy, or appear to be pulling away from teeth
- Persistent bad breath that doesn't improve with good home care
If you are a candidate, you should know a few things before your visit. It helps to share your full health history with us, including medications and any conditions that affect healing. If you have been putting off care because you worry about discomfort, please tell us. Patient comfort is central to how we practice, and we will walk you through each step before we begin.
You also don't need a referral to see us for gum care. Because our office provides periodontal services and general dentistry under one roof, we can often take you from diagnosis to treatment without sending you elsewhere.
Aftercare, Healing, and Keeping Your Gums Healthy
Your gums may feel tender for a short time after a deep cleaning, and your teeth may be a bit sensitive to temperature. We will give you aftercare instructions that fit your situation. These usually include gentle but thorough brushing, careful flossing, and paying attention to how your gums feel as they settle. If something concerns you, call us. Our office also offers emergency dental appointments when an issue can't wait.
Scaling and root planing is often the beginning of ongoing gum care rather than a single fix. After treatment, many patients move to periodontal maintenance, which involves cleanings scheduled to keep bacteria from rebuilding in areas that were once inflamed. At follow-up visits, we recheck your gums and compare them with earlier measurements. That way you and our team can see how your mouth is responding and adjust your care plan as needed. Each person heals differently, so we focus on steady monitoring rather than promises.
Paying for Your Gum Treatment
We know cost matters when you're planning treatment. We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we're happy to help you understand how your coverage may apply. We also welcome self-pay patients, so not having insurance doesn't have to keep you from getting care.
For patients who prefer to spread out payments, we offer financing through CareCredit, iCreditWorks, and Sunbit. Our in-house dental membership plans are another option, at $189 or $240 per year, with a $109 annual plan for veterans. Our team can explain which option may fit your needs best.
If your gums have been bleeding, feeling sore, or just not seeming right, we would be glad to take a closer look. Reach out to Boulder Rock Dental in Palm Coast to schedule a visit. We'll listen, answer your questions in plain language, and help you take the next step toward healthier gums.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Exam and Evaluation
We examine your gums and review your needs to see whether scaling and root planing is right for you.
- 2
Deep Cleaning Treatment
We carefully remove buildup below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces so your gums can heal.
- 3
Ongoing Gum Care
We guide your home care and schedule periodontal maintenance visits to help keep your gums healthy.