Services
Scaling and Root Planing
Our gentle deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar below the gumline, helping treat gum disease and protect your smile.
Why choose us
Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing
Cleaner Gum Pockets
We remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline, where regular brushing and cleanings can't reach.
Healthier, Calmer Gums
Smoothing the root surfaces helps your gums heal and reattach to your teeth.
Protect Your Smile
Treating gum disease helps protect the teeth and bone that support your smile.
Gentle, Personalized Care
Our team takes a gentle, unhurried approach in a comfortable, soothing setting.
Flexible Payment Options
We welcome self-pay patients, offer CareCredit financing, and file claims so you can use out-of-network benefits.
Maybe you've noticed a little pink in the sink when you brush, or your gums look puffier than they used to. Perhaps a family member mentioned that your breath doesn't seem to stay fresh, even with regular brushing. These small changes are easy to dismiss, but they're often how gum disease first shows itself. At Valley Dental Care in Mayfield, we see this often, and one of the most effective ways we address it is with a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing.
Scaling and root planing is a thorough, non-surgical cleaning that reaches below the gumline, where everyday brushing, flossing, and even a routine cleaning can't fully reach. When plaque sits along the gums long enough, it hardens into tartar (also called calculus). Tartar irritates the gum tissue, which can begin pulling away from the teeth and forming small spaces called periodontal pockets. Bacteria collect in those pockets and keep the cycle going.
The treatment has two parts. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces above and below the gumline, including deep within those pockets. Root planing smooths the root surfaces so the gums have a cleaner, healthier surface to reattach to, and so bacteria have a harder time settling back in. Together, these steps target the source of the irritation rather than just the visible surface.
This deep cleaning is typically recommended for adults whose exam shows signs of gum disease, such as deeper pockets, buildup below the gumline, or inflamed tissue. It's part of our broader approach to gum disease treatment, and because our dental hygienist and dentists, Dr. Gregory Liberatore and Dr. Jonathan Montag, work together under one roof, we can evaluate your gums and plan care without sending you elsewhere. We also accept periodontal patients without a referral.
You don't need to know whether you're a candidate before calling us. A dental exam lets us measure your gum pockets and look for buildup, then explain what we find in plain terms. Some patients need only a regular cleaning, while others benefit from deeper care in one or more areas of the mouth. Signs worth mentioning at your visit include:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
- Gums that seem to be pulling back from your teeth
- Teeth that feel loose or look like they've shifted
Aftercare, Results, and Keeping Your Gums Healthy
After a deep cleaning, it's common for gums to feel a bit tender for a short time as they settle. We'll walk you through how to care for your mouth in the days that follow, including gentle brushing and cleaning between your teeth. Your daily routine at home matters a great deal, because the goal is to keep new buildup from forming in the areas we've just cleaned.
Scaling and root planing is often a starting point rather than a one-time fix. Many patients move on to periodontal maintenance, which involves cleanings scheduled to keep a closer eye on gum health over time. At follow-up visits, we check how your gums are responding and adjust your care as needed. If you have dental implants, healthy gums matter for those as well, and we provide implant maintenance as part of our periodontal care. We'll always be honest about what we see and what we recommend next.
Payment, Insurance, and Financing
We're an out-of-network office, which means we don't take insurance directly. To make things easier, we file claims on your behalf so you can use any out-of-network benefits your plan may offer. Our team is happy to help you understand the process before treatment begins, so there are no surprises.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and we offer financing through CareCredit for those who'd like to spread out the cost of care. If you have questions about what your visit might involve financially, just ask. We'd rather talk it through openly than have cost stand in the way of healthier gums.
Caring for Gums Across Our Region
Patients come to us from Mayfield and nearby communities, including Gloversville, Northville, Broadalbin, Amsterdam, and Speculator. Our mission is to help you live a healthier life in a caring, nurturing environment, and personalized, gentle care is our top priority from the front desk to the treatment room.
If your gums have been sending you signals, or it's simply been a while since your last checkup, we'd love to see you. Call Valley Dental Care to schedule an exam, and let's take the next step toward healthier gums together.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Exam and Evaluation
We examine your gums, measure pocket depths, and explain what we find and recommend.
- 2
Deep Cleaning Treatment
Our team carefully scales away buildup and planes the root surfaces smooth.
- 3
Ongoing Gum Care
We guide your home care and schedule periodontal maintenance visits to keep your gums healthy.