Periodontal Procedures
Scaling & Root Planing
in Arlington
Scaling & Root Planing for Arlington residents at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry
Periodontal Procedures
Scaling & Root Planing in Arlington
Residents of Arlington, a dynamic Northern Virginia county just across the Potomac from DC, home to the Pentagon, Arlington Cemetery, and thriving urban villages, now have convenient access to expert scaling & root planing care at Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry in nearby 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.
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. From Arlington, our Washington DC office is approximately 10 minutes away, making it easy to receive scaling & root planing treatment without a long commute.
Why Precision Periodontics
Board-certified periodontists serving Arlington.
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 Arlington patients access to a depth of expertise unmatched in the DC metro area.
Take the first step: contact Precision Periodontics & Implant Dentistry to schedule your scaling & root planing evaluation. Our Washington DC office, about 10 minutes from Arlington, offers a welcoming environment where your questions are answered thoroughly and your comfort is a priority. Call (202) 296-3360 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scaling & Root Planing FAQ for Arlington 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 Arlington to Our Washington, DC Office
Our Washington, DC office is approximately 10 minutes from Arlington, near landmarks such as Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, and Rosslyn-Ballston corridor.
Driving Directions: From Arlington, take I-66 East or Route 50 East across the Roosevelt Bridge into DC. Continue along Constitution Avenue, then turn north on 23rd Street NW and east on M Street. 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.