Scaling is the complete removal of all deposits of plaque and tartar on teeth. Root planing is the process through which the root surface is rendered smooth and free of any irregularities, which could retain more plaque. Both are performed in conjunction and typically under local anesthesia. One of our highly skilled dental hygienists will typically perform this procedure and it is a crucial part of non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease as well as long-term maintenance. Sometimes antibiotics are prescribed in conjunction with scaling and root planing depending on the severity of the case and each patient’s individual needs.