Scaling and root planing: Costs, Recovery, Stats & What to Expect — A Periodontics Guide
November 9, 2025 · by the Help Me Find A Doctor editorial team
Everything patients ask about scaling and root planing — how it works, who it's for, typical recovery, costs, risks, and how to choose the right periodontics specialist. Deep cleaning for moderate periodontitis; combined with adjunctive antimicrobials.
Gum disease, soft-tissue grafting, and implant site preparation. Below: the procedures patients ask about most, the numbers that put the field in context, and the questions worth raising at a first consultation with a periodontics specialist.
Top procedures & treatments
Scaling and root planing
Deep cleaning for moderate periodontitis; combined with adjunctive antimicrobials.
Gum graft (connective tissue or AlloDerm)
Covers recession and reinforces thin gum tissue.
Crown lengthening
Functional and esthetic reshaping to expose more tooth structure.
LANAP laser periodontal therapy
FDA-cleared minimally-invasive alternative to flap surgery.
Implant placement and peri-implantitis treatment
Periodontists place ~50% of U.S. dental implants and manage failing implants.
By the numbers
- ~47% of U.S. adults over 30 have some form of periodontitis (CDC).
- Untreated gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.
- Gum disease is linked to a 2–3× increased risk of cardiovascular events.
How to choose the right specialist
Verify board certification, ask how many of your specific procedure the clinician performs each year, and review patient outcomes — not just star ratings. A periodontics provider who clearly explains your options, the evidence, and the realistic recovery timeline is worth more than the most heavily advertised name.
Use our directory to filter periodontics specialists by city, then bring this article (and the FAQ below) to your consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Will my gums grow back?
Gum tissue does not regenerate spontaneously, but gum grafts can durably cover exposed roots.
Do I need surgery for gum disease?
Mild cases respond to deep cleanings; moderate-to-severe disease often benefits from regenerative or LANAP procedures.
Topics covered