Periodontal Procedures
Scaling & Root Planing
in Adams Morgan
Scaling & Root Planing for Adams Morgan residents at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
Periodontal Procedures
Scaling & Root Planing in Adams Morgan
Adams Morgan is an eclectic and diverse DC neighborhood famous for its nightlife, international restaurants, and colorful murals along 18th Street, and when it comes to scaling & root planing, the community trusts the team of periodontists at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in Washington DC. Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from below the gum line and smooths the tooth root surfaces to promote gum reattachment.
The short 12-minute drive from Adams Morgan to our Washington DC office is well worth it for the level of specialized scaling & root planing care our periodontists deliver. This is often the first line of treatment for periodontal disease. By thoroughly cleaning the root surfaces, scaling and root planing allows the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the teeth, reducing pocket depths.
Why Precision Periodontics
Board-certified periodontists serving Adams Morgan.
Our periodontal team uses ultrasonic instruments and hand scalers to meticulously clean each tooth surface. Local anesthesia ensures comfort, and follow-up visits confirm healing and determine if additional treatment is needed. Our team includes six board-certified periodontists — Drs. Zalewsky, Alani, Artis, Daru, Lakkis, and Ganesh — giving Adams Morgan patients access to a depth of expertise unmatched in the DC metro area.
Your journey to improved periodontal health starts with a single call. Adams Morgan residents can reach our Washington DC office at (202) 296-3360 or request a consultation online. Our 12-minute proximity from Adams Morgan makes expert scaling & root planing care genuinely accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scaling & Root Planing FAQ for Adams Morgan Patients
What is scaling and root planing and how is it different from a regular cleaning?
Scaling and root planing (also called deep cleaning) is a non-surgical periodontal therapy that goes below the gumline to remove tartar (calculus) and bacterial toxins from root surfaces. It also smooths rough root surfaces to help gums reattach to the teeth. A regular cleaning only addresses deposits above and slightly below the gumline.
Is scaling and root planing painful?
Local anesthesia is used to ensure comfort during the procedure. Most patients feel pressure but no pain during treatment. Mild sensitivity and soreness in the gums is common for a few days afterward. Over-the-counter pain relievers and warm salt-water rinses help manage post-treatment discomfort.
How many appointments does scaling and root planing require?
Treatment is typically completed in two visits, with one half of the mouth treated per appointment. Each visit takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. A follow-up evaluation four to six weeks later assesses tissue healing, pocket depth improvement, and whether additional treatment such as periodontal surgery is needed.
Can scaling and root planing reverse gum disease?
When combined with excellent home care, scaling and root planing can successfully treat early to moderate periodontitis by reducing pocket depths and bacterial load. While it cannot regenerate lost bone, it creates conditions for the gums to tighten around teeth and halt disease progression. Regular periodontal maintenance is essential to maintain these results.
Getting Here
Directions from Adams Morgan to Our Washington, DC Office
Our Washington, DC office is approximately 8 minutes from Adams Morgan, near landmarks such as 18th Street corridor, Kalorama Park, and Columbia Road.
Driving Directions: Head south on 18th Street NW toward Columbia Road, then continue south through U Street to M Street NW. Turn left and our office is at 2311 M Street NW, Suite 500.
Washington, DC: 2311 M Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 296-3360Request An Appointment
Let us help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
Contact us with any questions or to schedule a scaling & root planing consultation at our Washington, DC office. We look forward to welcoming you.