Scaling and Root Planing in Meridian, ID

Deep Cleaning to Restore Your Gum Health

Scaling and Root Planing to treat active gum disease stopping infection, protecting your health, and helping you avoid surgery and in the worst case scenario tooth loss.

Monica our staff member talking with Jake

At Restoration Dentistry, we know that healthy gums are essential to whole-body health, in fact gum inflammation is linked to over 57 different diseases! If you’re experiencing symptoms like consistent bleeding gums, increased space between teeth, chronic bad breath, bad taste in mouth, tender and swollen gums, you may have active periodontal disease a serious condition that requires more than a routine cleaning.

Unlike gingivitis or general inflammation, periodontal disease involves infection below the gumline and bone loss, which can lead to tooth loss and systemic health issues if untreated. That’s where Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) comes in, a one-time, non-surgical procedure designed to halt the disease process and support healing.

Dr. Craig Clayton and his team at Restoration Dentistry practice holistic dentistry, which means we treat the mouth as part of your entire body. We believe in supporting your body’s natural ability to heal.  We combine scaling and root planing with saliva testing on every patient to identify the root cause of the inflammation and guide us in creating custom treatment plans. To learn more about saliva testing, please click here.

What is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and Root Planing is a deep, therapeutic cleaning specifically for patients diagnosed with periodontal disease. It’s designed to remove plaque and tartar that accumulate deep beneath the gum line, places regular cleanings cannot fully reach. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it can irritate the gums and form pockets where bacteria multiply, leading to inflammation and infection.

Scaling and root planing is not meant for healthy gums or even mild gingivitis. We use X-rays and detailed periodontal charting to confirm the presence of bone loss, deep gum pockets, and active bleeding before recommending this procedure.

At Restoration Dentistry, we perform this treatment with Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)—a modern, gentle technique that targets harmful bacteria without aggressive scraping. During SRP, our hygienists carefully remove this tartar and bacteria from above and below the gumline (scaling) and then smooth the roots of the teeth (root planing). This dental smoothing helps the gums reattach to the teeth and prevents future buildup. Why choose SRP? Reduced inflammation, healthier gums, and a lowered risk of tooth loss and systemic health issues.

Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing

Choosing scaling and root planing at Restoration Dentistry offers several benefits, especially when approached from a holistic perspective:

  • Reduces Gum Inflammation: Removing harmful bacteria helps your gums calm down and heal naturally.
  • Protects Teeth: Healthy gums mean your teeth stay firmly rooted.
  • Supports Overall Wellness: Gum disease is linked to 57+ systemic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Treating your gums helps protect your entire body.
  • Avoids Overuse of Antibiotics: We only use medications when absolutely necessary, supporting your natural immune response.
Monica our staff member talking with Jake
Patient Stories
‘‘I have had such an amazing experiences here! I had some fillings done and several teeth cleanings, and it was a phenomenal experience! I have been to lots of dentist and Restoration Dentistry is by far the best. All of there staff are so kind and genuine, it makes the stress of going to the dentist melt away. Thank you all so much for everything you have done for me ❤️’’

-Hailey Wheaton

When Is SRP Needed—and When It’s Not

SRP is appropriate only when periodontal disease is present. For patients with healthy gums or mild inflammation, SRP is not necessary. In fact, our goal is to help you avoid ever needing SRP by focusing on early prevention.

GBT-based dental cleanings, combined with saliva testing, custom treatment plans, and consistent home care help us catch early signs of bacterial overgrowth and inflammation before they escalate into bone loss.

Benefits of SRP (When Truly Needed)

  • Halts progression of gum disease by removing harmful bacteria
  • Reduces pocket depths and promotes gum healing
  • Lowers risk of tooth loss and systemic disease
  • Avoids surgery when caught early
  • Done only once, in most cases, if proper maintenance is followed

How Does the Scaling and Root Planing Procedure Work?

Dr. Craig Clayton and the team at Restoration Dentistry want you to feel comfortable and informed about what to expect during your scaling and root planing procedure:

  • Initial Exam: We start with a careful assessment of your gum health, measuring pocket depths and checking for signs of inflammation.
  • Deep Cleaning: Using specialized ultrasonic instruments and hand scalers, our hygienist removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline using guided biofilm therapy.(link to page)
  • Root Smoothing: The roots of your teeth are gently smoothed to help gums heal and reattach, reducing pockets where bacteria hide.
  • Aftercare Guidance: We provide personalized advice on lifestyle changes, nutrition, oral hygiene, and natural products that support healing and reduce inflammation.

Most patients experience some sensitivity after the procedure, but this usually fades quickly as the gums begin to heal.

Who is a Good Fit for Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing treatment procedure is often recommended for dental patients showing signs of gum disease such as:

  • Bleeding or swollen gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Gum recession or tenderness
  • Pockets forming between teeth and gums

If you’ve been searching for scaling and root planing in Meridian and want a root-cause focused, holistic alternative to traditional aggressive treatments, Dr. Craig Clayton and his team at Restoration Dentistry are here to help.

Why Choose Restoration Dentistry for Your SRP?

Monica our staff member talking with Jake

At Restoration Dentistry, Dr. Craig Clayton and his team provide personalized, holistic care that focuses on healing the whole person. Deep cleanings(also known as scaling and root planing) are an important part of healing from gum inflammation, along with other lifestyle changes we will cover at your visit. Healing gum inflammation prevents bacterial toxins from entering your bloodstream, reducing systemic inflammation,and, thereby protecting your overall health. Patients value our gentle techniques, clear explanations, and commitment to natural healing.

With personalized home care and early intervention through tools like saliva bacteria testing and GBT hygiene cleanings, we help you stay ahead of disease and rotect your long-term oral and systemic health.

If you’re looking for effective and gentle scaling and root planing near me in Meridian, ID, Restoration Dentistry is your holistic dental home. Dr. Craig Clayton is ready to help you restore your gum health and support your overall wellness. Contact us today at (208) 229-1500 or visit our contact form and take the first step toward healthier gums and a healthier you.

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