Scaling and Root Planning

Professional deep cleaning to treat gum disease and protect long-term oral health.

Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for gum disease, helping restore gum health and prevent further damage to the supporting structures of the teeth. At the Periodontics and Dental Implant Specialist Centre in Hawthorn East, Melbourne, our specialist periodontists provide gentle, evidence-based deep cleaning for patients across Melbourne — and we are currently accepting new patients who require advanced periodontal care.

📞 Call us on (03) 9813 1866 to book your appointment with out periodontal specialists.

Scaling and root planing (often referred to as deep cleaning) is a specialist periodontal procedure used to treat the underlying cause of gum disease by removing plaque, tartar and harmful bacteria from beneath the gum line. While a routine dental clean focuses on the visible surfaces of the teeth, scaling and root planing is designed to reach the deeper periodontal pockets that form when gum disease develops. These pockets create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, leading to inflammation, tissue breakdown and bone loss if left untreated.

By thoroughly cleaning these areas and smoothing the root surfaces, scaling and root planing helps interrupt the disease process and supports the gums in reattaching to the teeth. It is widely recognised as the first-line, gold-standard treatment for early to moderate periodontitis, offering an effective, non-surgical approach to stabilising gum health and preventing the need for more advanced interventions.

Before recommending scaling and root planing, our specialist periodontists carry out a detailed examination of your gums, which may include periodontal charting, pocket depth measurements and diagnostic imaging. Your treatment plan is tailored to the severity of disease, the amount of tartar present and your individual risk factors. Local anaesthetic is often used to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.

During the scaling phase, plaque and calculus are thoroughly removed from the tooth surfaces, especially beneath the gum line where bacteria accumulate. Our clinicians use advanced ultrasonic instruments that vibrate at high frequency, breaking up deposits while flushing the area with irrigants that may include antimicrobial solutions to help reduce bacteria.

Root Planing

Root planing focuses on smoothing the root surfaces to remove infected cementum, toxins and deeply embedded deposits. Using precision hand instruments, our periodontists create a clean, smooth surface that encourages the gums to reattach to the teeth and prevents bacteria from easily recolonising in the future.

Adjunctive Therapies

Where beneficial, antimicrobial rinses, targeted antibiotics or medicated gels may be recommended to support healing and enhance bacterial control following treatment.

If very deep periodontal pockets remain after initial therapy, or if access is limited, periodontal surgery may be required to fully clean the root surfaces and restore gum health. This is only recommended when non-surgical treatment has not achieved sufficient improvement.

Scaling and root planing provides several important benefits for gum and overall health:

• Helps stop the progression of gum disease
• Reduces inflammation, bleeding and tenderness
• Encourages gum reattachment and shallower pocket depths
• Decreases the risk of bone loss and tooth mobility
• Lowers bacterial load, which can reduce systemic health risks
• Improves breath and overall oral comfort
• Removes superficial stains for a cleaner, fresher appearance

Successful deep cleaning is a crucial step in protecting natural teeth and preventing future periodontal breakdown.

At our Hawthorn East clinic, your scaling and root planing treatment is carried out by registered specialist periodontists with advanced training in diagnosing and managing periodontal disease.

Patients across Melbourne, Inner East, Kew, Camberwell, Malvern, Richmond, Balwyn and Greater Melbourne travel to see us for:

• Specialist-led care and precise periodontal assessment
• Modern equipment and gentle techniques
• Evidence-based treatment tailored to your gum health
• Supportive after-care and education to help you maintain long-term gum stability

By offering a full range of dental bone graft procedures in Melbourne, we can ensure your jawbone is strong, healthy, and ready to support implants.

Mild tenderness is normal for one to two days, and gums often feel smoother and healthier soon after. Our team provides detailed home-care instructions, including brushing, interdental cleaning and follow-up scheduling to support optimal healing.

If you’ve been told you have gum disease or periodontal pockets, early treatment can prevent more serious complications. A specialist assessment ensures you receive the right care at the right time.

Schedule an appointment with our specialist periodontists at the Periodontics and Dental Implant Specialist Centre in Hawthorn East, Melbourne.

📞 Call us on (03) 9813 1866 to book your appointment with one of our specialists.