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mujer en el dentista con la boca abierta, le observan las muelas

Gum treatment (root planing)

It is possible to stop the progression of periodontitis — and even improve it — when detected early

When gingivitis is ignored and left untreated, bacteria and tartar can penetrate below the gums, causing periodontal disease. Without treatment, gum inflammation or infection progresses towards the tooth-supporting structures. If periodontitis (also known as pyorrhoea) continues unchecked, it can cause irreversible damage to the supporting tissues, eventually leading to tooth loss.

The good news is that it is possible to stop and even reverse periodontitis when detected early. To halt the progression of gum disease, root planing (also called curettage or deep cleaning) is recommended to remove supra- and subgingival tartar and create the right conditions for healing.

What does gum treatment (root planing) involve?

Root planing, also known as scaling and root debridement, removes bacterial plaque and tartar deposits beneath the gum line in patients with periodontitis.

This is not a standard dental cleaning that only removes surface tartar; it goes much deeper.
The procedure involves cleaning and smoothing the tooth roots using specialized instruments called curettes to remove impurities and promote gum reattachment.

If periodontal pockets are deep and significant tartar accumulation exists, treatment is divided into quadrants. In this case, one quadrant is treated per session under local anaesthesia.

Dividing the mouth into quadrants makes each session shorter and more comfortable for the patient than performing the entire mouth at once.

Benefits of gum treatment (root planing)

  • Cleans and restores gum health by removing supra- and subgingival tartar — above and below the gum line.
  • Prevents bone loss and halts the progression of periodontal disease.
  • Simple, effective and well-tolerated treatment.
  • Visible improvement from the very first session.

Treatments

Frequently asked questions about gum treatments (root planing)

Root planing, also known as scaling and root debridement, is a periodontal treatment designed to remove tartar and bacteria that accumulate beneath the gums, along the roots of the teeth.
Unlike routine cleaning, root planing targets deeper areas, helping to restore gum health, reduce inflammation and stop the progression of periodontitis.
It is an essential technique for preserving natural teeth and preventing bone loss.
Professional dental cleaning focuses on removing visible tartar and stains from the tooth surface and along the gum line.
Root planing, on the other hand, is performed below the gum line, where bacteria and tartar adhere to the tooth roots.
It is particularly recommended for patients with periodontal pockets or symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding, inflammation, bad breath or tooth mobility.
Both treatments clean the mouth, but root planing is deeper and more therapeutic—it’s a more extensive cleaning.
No. Root planing is performed under local anaesthesia, so the patient feels no pain during the procedure.
After the session, slight sensitivity or temporary discomfort may appear, but it disappears within a few days.
At Clínica Dental Art, we apply minimally invasive techniques and a gentle approach to guarantee a safe, comfortable and painless treatment.
The price depends on the extent of gum involvement and the number of quadrants that need to be treated.
At Clínica Dental Art, we provide transparent, personalised quotes following a complete clinical evaluation.
We also offer flexible financing options to make treatment accessible and prioritize our patients’ periodontal health.
At Clínica Dental Art, located at C/ Gran Vía 13–15 (El Toro, Calviá), we are specialized in gum treatments, root planing and advanced periodontics.
Our team includes periodontal health experts and modern diagnostic technology to effectively treat gingivitis and periodontitis.
We also serve patients from Santa Ponsa, Son Ferrer, Palmanova and Magaluf, offering a caring, honest and personalized approach in every treatment.