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Is Scaling and Root Planing the Best Treatment for Periodontitis?

Author : Riverplace Periodontics | Published On : 10 Oct 2025

Periodontitis, commonly known as gum disease, is a chronic infection that destroys the supporting structures of the teeth — including the gums, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. It often starts as gingivitis, a mild inflammation caused by plaque buildup. If left untreated, the bacterial infection progresses deeper beneath the gumline, triggering immune responses that damage connective tissue and bone.

The result?

  • Gum recession

  • Tooth mobility

  • Bone loss

  • Eventually, tooth loss

This is why early intervention through treatments like Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) is essential. SRP effectively removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from beneath the gumline, helping to halt disease progression, promote healing, and preserve the natural structures that support the teeth.

 

What Is Scaling and Root Planing (SRP)?

Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), often referred to as deep cleaning, is a non-surgical periodontal therapy aimed at removing plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins that cause inflammation.

  • Scaling: The dentist or hygienist uses ultrasonic or manual instruments to remove hardened deposits (calculus) from tooth surfaces, both above and below the gumline.

  • Root Planing: The rough root surfaces are smoothed to eliminate bacterial toxins and allow gum tissue to reattach more firmly to the roots.
     

SRP is usually performed under local anesthesia to ensure comfort. Depending on the severity of the disease, the procedure may be done in one visit or divided into quadrants over multiple sessions.

 

How SRP Works: The Science Behind the Clean

The success of SRP lies in its ability to disrupt and eliminate bacterial biofilm — the sticky microbial layer that forms on teeth and root surfaces. Biofilm is highly resistant to normal brushing and mouth rinses, making professional intervention essential.

By thoroughly cleaning these surfaces, SRP:

  • Reduces periodontal pocket depths

  • Promotes gum reattachment to the teeth

  • Decreases bleeding and inflammation

  • Improves overall oral health and breath freshness
     

Clinical studies have shown that SRP can reduce bacterial load and inflammatory markers in the gums within just a few weeks.

 

When Scaling and Root Planing Is Most Effective

SRP is particularly effective in cases of mild to moderate periodontitis, where bone loss is limited and periodontal pockets are between 4–6 mm deep.
In these cases, SRP can:

  • Stop disease progression

  • Encourage natural healing

  • Eliminate the need for surgical procedures

However, for advanced periodontitis — where pockets exceed 6 mm and bone destruction is severe — SRP alone might not be sufficient.

 

Beyond SRP: Advanced and Adjunctive Periodontal Therapies

While SRP is often the first-line treatment, modern dentistry recognizes that it works best when combined with other evidence-based approaches, especially for more severe cases. These may include:

1. Local Antimicrobial Therapy

Localized antibiotics such as Arestin® (minocycline microspheres), PerioChip® (chlorhexidine chip), or Atridox® (doxycycline gel) can be applied directly into periodontal pockets after SRP.
They deliver targeted bacterial control and enhance healing without systemic side effects.

2. Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT)

Dental lasers are increasingly used to sterilize pockets and stimulate tissue regeneration. Laser energy can remove diseased epithelium, reduce bacteria, and promote collagen production — often improving outcomes when used alongside SRP.

3. Host Modulation Therapy

Because periodontitis involves an exaggerated immune response, controlling inflammation is key.
Medications like low-dose doxycycline (Periostat®) can help inhibit destructive enzymes (MMPs) and promote tissue stability.

4. Surgical Options

When nonsurgical methods are insufficient, flap surgery, bone grafting, or guided tissue regeneration may be necessary to repair bone defects and restore lost support.

So, Is Scaling and Root Planing the Best Treatment for Periodontitis?

In summary:

  • For early and moderate disease, SRP remains the most effective, evidence-based nonsurgical treatment.

  • For advanced cases, SRP serves as the essential foundation — but must be combined with additional therapies for optimal results.
     

Think of SRP as the cornerstone of periodontal therapy — the first and most important step toward healing, upon which all other treatments build.

 

Final Takeaway

At Riverplace Periodontics, we believe that periodontal health is a lifelong partnership. Our team is dedicated to helping every patient achieve and maintain healthy gums through advanced treatments, customized care plans, and compassionate support.

Healthy gums are not achieved by a single treatment — they’re maintained by a lifetime of care, prevention, and teamwork between you and your periodontal specialists at Riverplace Periodontics.