Gum Disease Reversal: 3 Key Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
Apr 28, 2026
More than 40% of Americans have the same dental condition. Fortunately, it’s one that’s totally treatable. Periodontal (gum) disease might be common, but we know how to reverse it.
Still, it’s important to keep an eye on your gums. If you notice redness, puffiness, or recession, you could be dealing with early-stage gum disease like gingivitis. If you let it continue unchecked, it can progress into periodontitis. At that point, it can cause major issues like tooth loss and jawbone decay.
If you think you’re having problems with your gums, come see Emmanuel Aguilar, DMD, and our team at American Dental Clinic.
As a specialist in periodontal health, Dr. Aguilar can evaluate your gums and determine what kind of care you need. We can usually reverse early-stage gum disease with a professional cleaning followed by diligent at-home oral health habits.
If the problem has progressed to periodontitis, you might need scaling and root planing. We offer this kind of care at our office in San Diego, California. With it, we provide your oral and overall health some notable benefits. Scaling and root planing treatment:
As its name suggests, there are two components to scaling and root planing. We’ll focus on scaling first.
During scaling, Dr. Aguilar uses a specialized tool to remove plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) from your teeth. This differs from traditional professional teeth cleaning in one notable way. During scaling for gum disease, Dr. Aguilar reaches under your gum line to clean there, too.
Why? Because as gum disease progresses, your gums pull away from your teeth. The resulting pockets create the perfect environment for plaque, tartar, and all the bad bacteria they contain to thrive.
Scaling allows Dr. Aguilar to access the plaque and tartar that’s under your gums and is contributing to the disease there. By cleaning the areas your toothbrush can’t reach, he gives your gums the opportunity to heal.
Now, let’s look at the second part: root planing. During this portion of treatment, Dr. Aguilar smooths the roots of your teeth. That smooth surface keeps bacteria, plaque, and tartar from adhering underneath your gum line.
Root planing also allows your gums to heal and reattach firmly to your teeth. Once your gums seal back to the teeth, it eliminates the pocket for bacteria.
If plaque and tartar have the chance to thrive in your mouth, their bacteria can cause serious issues. The bacteria degrade your teeth, eventually contributing to tooth loss. The toxins in the bacteria can also reach your jawbone, causing bone loss there.
On top of all of this, research has linked gum disease to other serious health issues, including heart disease and stroke.
Scaling and root planing treatment gives you a way to take back your oral health and protect your overall health. And if you catch gum disease early enough, you can usually avoid this treatment.
If you think your gums might need some help, don’t wait to see Dr. Aguilar. Call our office or book an appointment online today.