What Is Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning) and Why Is It Different from a Regular Cleaning?
A standard prophylaxis (routine cleaning) cleans tooth surfaces at and slightly above the gumline — removing plaque and tartar from areas accessible to regular hygiene appointments. It is appropriate for patients with healthy gums or mild gingivitis.
Scaling and root planing goes deeper. When periodontal disease has developed, bacteria form deposits in the pockets beneath the gumline — areas a routine cleaning cannot reach. Scaling removes bacterial deposits, tartar (calculus), and biofilm from the root surfaces below the gumline, deep into the periodontal pockets. Root planing then smooths the root surfaces, eliminating rough areas where bacteria re-colonize and creating a clean surface that allows gum tissue to reattach to the root.
SRP is typically performed one or two quadrants at a time (half of the mouth per visit) under local anesthesia.
Is Scaling & Root Planing right for you? Signs, symptoms & candidacy.
Recognizing the signs early makes treatment simpler. Here’s what we look for — and the surest way to know is a quick exam with a Boca dentist.
Signs You May Need Scaling & Root Planing
- Your dentist or hygienist has measured pocket depths of 4mm or greater (3mm is the upper limit of healthy)
- You have been told you have gum disease or periodontal disease at a recent exam
- Your gums bleed consistently when you brush or floss
- Your gums are receding — pulling away from your teeth
- You have persistent bad breath despite good oral hygiene
- A routine cleaning was recommended to be done in two visits instead of one
- Your dentist found significant calculus (tartar) buildup below your gumline on X-rays
How Scaling and Root Planing Is Performed at Boca Specialty Dental & Braces in Reno
Periodontal Exam & Charting
Complete pocket-depth probing (measuring all six sides of all teeth) and full-mouth X-rays to map the extent of disease.
Treatment Planning
A quadrant-by-quadrant breakdown of what will be treated in each session — typically 1–4 sessions of 45–90 minutes each.
Local Anesthesia
The treatment quadrant is fully numbed. You should feel pressure and vibration but no pain.
Scaling
All bacterial deposits, tartar, and biofilm are removed from root surfaces, often to the base of the periodontal pockets (up to 5–7mm or more in deeper cases).
Root Planing
Root surfaces are smoothed to eliminate irregularities that harbor bacteria and to promote gum tissue reattachment.
Adjunctive Therapy (if indicated)
Local antibiotic therapy (e.g., Arestin) may be placed in deeper pockets to continue fighting infection between visits.
4–6 Week Re-Evaluation
Pocket depths are re-measured to assess healing. Most patients show significant improvement; if pockets remain, additional treatment (laser, surgery referral) is discussed.
Scaling and root planing is typically completed in 1–4 sessions of 45–90 minutes each (one or two quadrants per visit), followed by a re-evaluation 4–6 weeks later.
Benefits of Scaling & Root Planing
Cleans Below the Gumline
Removes bacterial deposits, tartar, and biofilm from deep periodontal pockets a routine cleaning can't reach.
Helps Gums Reattach
Smoothing the root surfaces creates a clean surface that lets gum tissue reattach to the tooth.
Reduces Pocket Depth
Most patients show significantly reduced pocket depths at the 4–6 week re-evaluation.
Less Bleeding
Bleeding when brushing at home typically reduces significantly within two weeks.
Comfortable, Numbed Treatment
Performed under local anesthesia — patients consistently find it less uncomfortable than expected.
Non-Surgical & In-House
A non-surgical treatment performed in-house at all 3 Reno locations — no periodontist referral needed for most cases.
Scaling & Root Planing (SRP) vs. Routine Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
| Factor | Scaling & Root Planing (SRP) | Routine Cleaning (Prophylaxis) |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Periodontitis (gum disease) | Healthy gums or gingivitis |
| Cleaning depth | Below gumline (into pockets) | At/above gumline |
| Anesthesia | Yes — local anesthetic | Not required |
| Frequency | 1–4 quadrant sessions; then maintenance | Every 6 months |
| Goal | Treatment | Prevention |
| Insurance code | D4341/D4342 (SRP per quadrant) | D1110 (prophy) |
Why Reno Patients Choose Boca Dental & Braces for Scaling & Root Planing
What sets us apart
- SRP performed at all 3 Reno locations — no referral to a periodontist needed for most cases
- Local antibiotic therapy (Arestin) available for deep-pocket adjunctive treatment
- Laser gum treatment available for adjunctive or alternative therapy
- Nevada Medicaid and PPO insurance accepted — SRP typically well-covered
- Evening and Saturday hours; bilingual staff
Scaling & Root Planing in Reno — Your Questions, Answered
Everything Reno and Sparks patients ask us most about scaling & root planing — tap any question to read the answer.
How Much Does Scaling & Root Planing Cost in Reno, NV?
At Boca, cost should never stand between you and the care you need. We accept Nevada Medicaid and many major dental plans, verify your benefits at no charge, and offer flexible financing — so you can move forward with confidence.
Find Scaling & Root Planing Near You — 3 Boca Dental & Braces Locations Across Reno
Boca Specialty Dental & Braces provides scaling and root planing at 3 locations across the Reno–Sparks metro area. Nevada Medicaid accepted. Deep cleaning available at your nearest Reno or Sparks location with evening and Saturday hours.
Book Your Scaling & Root Planing Appointment
Choose your nearest Boca location and we'll confirm within one business hour. Same-day and next-day appointments available.