Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical deep cleaning that treats gum disease by removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, then smoothing the tooth roots so the gums can reattach. At Periovital Clinic in Tijuana, periodontist Dr. Ilse Lugo uses this treatment as a first-line therapy for gingivitis and periodontitis, helping cross-border patients from San Diego protect their natural teeth before the disease advances.
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing, often called a deep cleaning, is a two-part periodontal procedure. Scaling removes the hardened plaque and tartar that collect on the tooth surface and inside the pockets beneath the gumline, where a routine cleaning cannot reach. Root planing then smooths the exposed root surfaces, which discourages bacteria from re-collecting and allows inflamed gum tissue to heal and tighten back against the teeth.
It is the standard treatment when gum disease has progressed past the earliest stage and pockets have begun to form. By halting that progression early, scaling and root planing in Tijuana can spare patients from more invasive surgery later.
The Scaling and Root Planing procedure: what to expect
Your visit begins with a full periodontal evaluation, where Dr. Lugo measures pocket depths and confirms how much of the mouth needs treatment. The treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia so the cleaning is comfortable, then specialized instruments are used to clear plaque and tartar from the crowns, root surfaces, and pockets, and to plane the roots smooth. Depending on the extent of disease, the work may be completed in one appointment or divided across sessions. You leave with clear, personalized aftercare instructions.
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
- Protects your teeth: treating active gum disease helps preserve your natural teeth and avoid eventual tooth loss.
- Healthier gums: it reduces inflammation, bleeding, and pocket depth so the gums can heal and reattach.
- Easier hygiene: clearing plaque and tartar makes daily brushing and flossing more effective at home.
- Non-surgical: it controls disease without incisions, often preventing the need for more invasive surgery.
- Better overall health: healthier gums are associated with lower risk of systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Am I a candidate for Scaling and Root Planing?
You may be a good candidate if you have signs of gum disease such as bleeding, swollen, or receding gums, persistent bad breath, or pockets that have started to form between your gums and teeth. The right time for treatment is before bone loss becomes severe. At your free consultation, Dr. Ilse Lugo measures your pockets and reviews your 3D CBCT scan to confirm whether scaling and root planing is the appropriate step or whether your case calls for additional periodontal care.
Recovery and aftercare
Recovery from scaling and root planing is straightforward, and most patients return to their normal routine quickly. Some tenderness or sensitivity in the treated areas is normal as the gums heal. To support healing, keep up gentle but thorough brushing and daily flossing, use an antibacterial mouthwash if recommended, and avoid smoking, which slows the gums down. Follow-up visits let Dr. Lugo confirm the gums are tightening and the pockets are shrinking as expected.
How much does Scaling and Root Planing cost in Tijuana?
Scaling and root planing in Tijuana costs well below typical prices in the US and Canada, and most patients save 50 to 70% compared with care at home. Because the exact fee depends on how many areas of the mouth need treatment, Dr. Lugo provides an itemized written quote at your free consultation, with no obligation and no upsell. Periovital also provides itemized receipts you can submit for FSA or HSA reimbursement.
Why choose Periovital for Scaling and Root Planing?
At Periovital, your deep cleaning is planned and performed by Dr. Ilse Lugo, a board-trained periodontist with two decades of focused surgical experience, not handed off to a general provider. Treatment is guided by digital diagnostics and supported by an in-house dental lab, and the clinic is built for dental tourism Mexico patients: a free shuttle from San Diego, a bilingual English and Spanish coordinator, and a location minutes from the border make cross-border periodontal care near San Diego simple and stress-free.