What is Root Planing in Dentistry? Complete Singapore Guide

Root planing is a dental procedure that cleans the roots of your teeth below the gum line to treat gum disease. This treatment removes harmful bacteria, smooths tooth roots, and reduces inflammation, helping gums reattach and promoting healing. Root planing is ideal for people with signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, loose teeth, or persistent bad breath. Clinics like EZ Dental Care in Bedok North and Geylang Bahru provide comfortable root planing services for residents in Singapore.

Key Takeaways

• Root planing targets bacteria and tartar below the gum line, beyond standard dental scaling.

• It is a core part of deep cleaning, recommended when gum pockets form due to gum disease.

• Smoothing the roots helps gums heal, reduces inflammation, and prevents tartar buildup.

• Untreated gum disease can lead to receding gums, bone loss, loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss.

• EZ Dental Care offers root planing at $218 per quadrant

  
  

Root planing is a deep cleaning treatment that removes plaque and tartar from tooth roots below the gum line. It helps reduce gum inflammation, shrink periodontal pockets, and restore gum attachment. EZ Dental Care offers this service at Bedok North and Geylang Bahru clinics, providing accessible, patient-friendly care.

How Root Planing Helps Gum Health?

 

Root planing is a method of treating severe gum disease. When gum tissues are inflamed, they separate from the tooth roots, creating spaces called periodontal pockets. These pockets trap bacteria and are difficult to clean with normal brushing. Root planing involves meticulous cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and calculus.

Purpose of Root Planing:

• Remove bacteria and tartar from root surfaces inside periodontal pockets.

• Reduce gum inflammation and support healing.

• Prevent further progression of gum disease.

How Does Root Planing Work?

Root planing is often combined with scaling as part of deep cleaning.

Step-by-step procedure:

1. Assessment: The dentist examines gums and measures pocket depth. Radiographs may be taken.

2. Anaesthesia: Local anaesthetic is applied to minimise discomfort.

3. Scaling: Plaque and tartar are removed from above and below the gum line.

4. Planing: Root surfaces are smoothed to eliminate rough areas where bacteria cling.

5. Post-treatment care: Dentists provide guidance on brushing, flossing, and rinsing.

   
   

In some cases, periodontal surgery may be performed to lift the gum and allow direct cleaning of deeper areas.

Root Planing and Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning goes beyond standard dental cleanings. It is recommended when gum disease causes deep pockets between teeth and gums. Signs you may need a deep cleaning include:

• Bleeding or swollen gums

• Persistent bad breath

• Loose teeth

• Deep gum pockets

  
  

Root planing smooths the roots, helping gums reattach and reducing the risk of recurring infection.

Differences Between Scaling and Root Planing

• Scaling: Removes plaque and tartar above the gum line.

• Root Planing: Cleans below the gum line and smooths tooth roots. Both are essential for maintaining oral health and controlling gum disease.

Post-Root Planing Care: How to Prevent Future Gum Disease

Maintaining healthy gums after root planing requires consistent home care and regular dental visits.

Daily Habits:

• Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

• Floss daily using a clean section for each tooth.

• Consider an electric toothbrush or water flosser for thorough cleaning.

• Use an antibacterial mouthwash if recommended.

  
  

Diet and Lifestyle:

• Limit sugary and sticky foods that feed bacteria.

• Eat tooth-friendly snacks like fruits, vegetables, and cheese.

• Drink water regularly to rinse away food particles.

  
  

Regular Dental Visits:

• Professional cleanings every six months help prevent gum disease.

• Follow up with your dentist to monitor healing after root planing.

Risks and Complications of Root Planing

While complications are rare, possible side effects include:

• Bleeding: Minor bleeding is common. Notify your dentist if excessive.

• Gum recession: Swollen gums may shrink after infection is removed.

• Infection: Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent this.

• Loose teeth: Temporary mobility is normal.

• Tooth sensitivity: May occur for heat or cold, usually resolves in 1–2 months.

• Tenderness: Mild soreness for a few days can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

Root Planing Cost in Singapore

The cost of root planing depends on clinic type, severity of gum disease, and additional treatments:

• Typical range: $160–$600 per quadrant

• Per tooth: $30–$50

• Some clinics may charge up to $700 per quadrant

EZ Dental Care Pricing: $218 per quadrant, offering transparent and affordable care in Bedok North and Geylang Bahru.

Factors Affecting Cost:

• Clinic type: Private or specialist clinics may charge more.

• Severity: Deeper pockets require more work.

Additional treatments: Scaling, polishing, consultation, or medication.

FAQs About Root Planing

What is root planing in dentistry?

A procedure that removes tartar and bacteria from tooth roots below the gum line to treat gum disease.

How is root planing different from dental scaling?

Scaling cleans above the gum line. Root planing cleans below and smooths roots to prevent bacteria buildup.

Is root planing painful?

Local anaesthesia is used, so discomfort is minimal.

How long does it take to recover?

Mild soreness or sensitivity may last a few days.

How often should I get root planing?

Depends on gum health. Often every 4–6 months if gum disease persists.

Can root planing prevent tooth loss?

Yes, it reduces gum inflammation and protects supporting structures of teeth.

How much does root planing cost in Singapore?

 $160–$600 per quadrant, with EZ Dental Care offering $200 per quadrant.

Can children get root planing?

Typically recommended for adults, but children with early gum issues can benefit from assessment.

Improve Gum Health with Root Planing at EZ Dental Care

Root planing is essential for anyone with signs of gum disease. It removes bacteria, smooths tooth roots, reduces inflammation, and helps gums reattach, protecting teeth and overall health. Residents in Bedok North and Geylang Bahru can access comfortable root planing at EZ Dental Care. 

Regular dental visits and proper home care ensure gums stay healthy and prevent complications. Schedule a consultation with EZ Dental Care to learn how root planing can improve your gum health.

Contact Us: 

📍 Bedok North Dental Clinic / 📞 +65 9122 8283 

📍 Geylang Bahru Dental Clinic / 📞 +65 8288 7312