Scaling and Root Planing in Kokomo, IN
Gum disease rarely announces itself with pain. It works quietly in the background, showing up as a little blood on the toothbrush or gums that feel puffier than usual. By the time it’s noticeable, plaque and tartar have often settled in below the gumline, out of reach of a regular cleaning. That’s where scaling and root planing come in, a non-surgical deep teeth cleaning that targets that hidden buildup before it damages the gums, teeth, and supporting bone. We offer scaling and root planing in Kokomo, IN. Call our clinic today to book your visit.
Request An Appointment
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is often called a deep dental cleaning, working differently from the cleaning most patients know. A routine cleaning polishes the surface and clears plaque above the gumline. Scaling and root planing goes further, reaching below the gumline where periodontal disease develops.
Scaling removes plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, while root planing smooths the tooth roots so irritated gums can heal and reattach. We often use local anesthesia to keep patients comfortable, and we recommend this treatment for periodontal disease rather than routine gingivitis.
Signs You May Need Scaling and Root Planing
Gum disease can progress with few obvious symptoms until it reaches a more advanced stage. Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing are often one of the earliest signs, along with constant bad breath, swelling, or redness along the gumline.
Some patients notice gums pulling back or teeth becoming loose, and a dentist may find tartar buildup below the gumline during an exam. If your dentist has already diagnosed periodontal disease, scaling and root planing is typically the next recommended step.
What to Expect During Your Deep Teeth Cleaning
Every deep teeth cleaning at our clinic in Kokomo starts with a periodontal evaluation, including a full exam, gum measurements known as periodontal charting, and digital X-rays when needed. From there, we build a treatment plan based on what we find.
Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable throughout, and treatment is often split across two visits so one side of the mouth is done at a time.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
This treatment helps reduce the harmful bacteria driving gum disease and can reduce inflammation and pocket depths over time. Many patients notice fresher breath once the buildup clears, along with a lower risk of losing teeth or bone down the road.
Why Choose Our Clinic for Scaling and Root Planing in Kokomo, IN
Gum disease can be confusing to hear about for the first time, and a lot of patients leave other offices with more questions than answers. That is not how our team operates.
Dr. Sruthi Sasi Prakash, known to patients as Dr. S, brings a periodontal background from her Perio-interest group leadership at UNC, which comes through in how she breaks down a gum health diagnosis. Dr. Srinivas Durshanapalli and Dr. Irfan Shaik each bring over 15 years of dental experience to the practice, and both keep treatment plans clear from the first exam onward.
Patients leave Kokomo Dental Center understanding their own mouths, not just their appointment cards.
Kind Words From Our Community
See Why Kokomo Families Trust Our Dental Team
~ Jeannie Vondersaar
~ Ron
I had extraction done it's no pain Dr. S did great job and patient. Divya assisted, she is good and had good experience overall.
~ Michael Little
Very nice and polite, Divya and Dr. S were very communicative and frequently checked in on how I was doing for fillings.
~ Derek Irick
Always a very high anxiety visit to dentist since I was a small child. Dr was very caring and eased my fears.
~ Connie Shirley
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scaling and Root Planing Painful?
Not usually. Our team numbs the area with local anesthesia before starting, so most patients feel pressure at most, not pain. If any sensitivity shows up afterward, it is typically mild and settles within a few days.
How Long Does a Deep Teeth Cleaning Take?
It depends on how much of your mouth needs treatment. Our team often splits care into two appointments, working one side of the mouth at a time so you are never in the chair longer than needed.
Will My Gums Grow Back After Treatment?
Root planing gives your gums a smooth surface to heal against, giving them a better chance to reattach closer to the tooth. Any recession that already happened before treatment will not reverse, but our team focuses on stopping further damage from that point forward.
Book Your Appointment!
Bleeding gums and bad breath are easy to brush off, but they are often early signals worth attention. Getting ahead of gum disease now can spare your gums, teeth, and smile from bigger problems later. Schedule scaling and root planing in Kokomo, IN, with our team today. Call us at (765) 455-1971.