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Periodontics

Scaling and Root Planing in Northern Virginia

A deep cleaning procedure to remove plaque and tartar below the gumline and treat gum disease. Treatment is planned by the periodontal team led by Dr. Jean-Claude Kharmouche at Nova Implant & Perio Specialists, serving Sterling, Leesburg, Aldie, and Winchester.

Sterling | Leesburg | Aldie | Winchester

Scaling and Root Planing in Northern Virginia
34+
Years
4
Locations
Board Certified
All periodontists

About Scaling and Root Planing Treatment in Northern Virginia

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical deep cleaning procedure that treats early to moderate gum disease. During scaling, deposits of plaque and tartar are carefully removed from tooth surfaces and below the gumline. Root planing smooths the root surfaces to prevent bacteria from reattaching and helps gums reattach to the teeth.

Who Is a Candidate for Scaling and Root Planing?

Patients diagnosed with gingivitis or early to moderate periodontitis. If gum pocket depths measure 4mm or greater, scaling and root planing is typically the first-line treatment before considering surgical options.

Key Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing

  • Treats gum disease non-surgically
  • Removes harmful bacterial deposits
  • Reduces pocket depths
  • Prevents disease progression
  • Often eliminates need for surgery when caught early

Next Step

Schedule a Scaling and Root Planing Consultation in Northern Virginia

Meet with a Nova Implant & Perio specialist to review your diagnosis, options, timeline, and treatment sequence.

Scaling and Root Planing Available at All 4 Locations

Dr. Jean-Claude Kharmouche performing specialty periodontal care

Dr. Jean-Claude Kharmouche

Periodontist and founder of Nova Implant & Perio Specialists

Scaling and Root Planing Procedure: Step by Step

1

Comprehensive Periodontal Exam

We measure gum pocket depths, evaluate bone levels with X-rays, and assess the extent of plaque and tartar buildup.

2

Local Anesthesia

The area to be treated is numbed for your comfort. Treatment is typically divided into quadrants or halves of the mouth.

3

Scaling

Using specialized instruments and ultrasonic scalers, tartar, plaque, and bacteria are removed from all tooth surfaces above and below the gumline.

4

Root Planing

Root surfaces are smoothed to remove rough areas where bacteria cling and to encourage gum tissue to heal and reattach.

5

Post-Treatment Evaluation

4–6 weeks after treatment, we re-evaluate your gum health to measure improvement and determine if further treatment is needed.

Why Choose Nova Implant & Perio for Scaling and Root Planing?

Our board-certified periodontists bring extensive specialized training to every procedure. We use the most advanced diagnostic and surgical technology available — including CBCT 3D imaging, computer-guided surgery, and soft tissue lasers — and take the time to fully understand each patient's unique situation before recommending any treatment.

34+ Years
Combined experience
4 Locations
Across Northern Virginia
Board Certified
All periodontists

Northern Virginia Specialty Care

Scaling and Root Planing at Nova Implant & Perio Specialists

Scaling and Root Planing is part of the specialized periodontics care provided by Nova Implant & Perio Specialists. Patients throughout Sterling, Leesburg, Aldie, and Winchester, VA choose the practice because treatment is planned by board-certified periodontists who focus on gum tissue, supporting bone, dental implant foundations, function, esthetics, and long-term stability.

When it helps

Why patients consider Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and Root Planing may be recommended when the health, function, or appearance of the teeth and supporting tissues would benefit from specialty care. The concern is often connected to gum health, bone support, esthetics, bite forces, and the future restorative plan.

  • Missing teeth, gum recession, bone loss, or periodontal breakdown
  • A need to protect surrounding teeth, gums, and implant support
  • A treatment plan that requires coordination with a restorative dentist

Diagnosis first

How Scaling and Root Planing Treatment Is Planned

Planning begins with a comprehensive periodontal and implant-focused exam. This process helps determine whether scaling and root planing is the best next step, whether additional therapy is needed first, and how to sequence care predictably.

  • Periodontal measurements and oral health risk review
  • Dental X-rays, CBCT 3D imaging, or digital scans when needed
  • Medical history, medications, previous dental work, and patient goals

Precision tools

Scaling and Root Planing Technology and Comfort

Nova Implant & Perio Specialists uses modern diagnostic and surgical tools to improve precision and communication. Comfort is addressed before treatment begins, including local anesthesia and sedation options when appropriate.

  • Digital imaging for bone, tooth position, and periodontal defects
  • Clear recovery instructions before the appointment
  • Follow-up and maintenance planning after treatment

Sterling, Leesburg, Aldie, Winchester

Scaling and Root Planing Care Across Four Offices

Because the practice has offices in Sterling, Leesburg, Aldie, and Winchester, patients can receive specialty periodontal and dental implant care without traveling far from home.

  • Convenient consultations and follow-up visits
  • Consistent clinical standards across the practice
  • Support for treatment, healing checks, and long-term maintenance

What Affects Long-Term Scaling and Root Planing Results?

A strong outcome depends on more than the procedure itself. The health of the surrounding gums, bone quantity, oral hygiene habits, bite stability, medical conditions, and follow-up care all influence success. If you are comparing options for scaling and root planing in Northern Virginia, a specialist consultation with the periodontal team led by Dr. Jean-Claude Kharmouche is the most useful next step.

Gum and bone health

Bite stability and restorative plan

Home care and periodontal maintenance

Coordination with your general dentist

Scaling and Root Planing FAQs

Common questions from patients considering specialty periodontal and implant care.

Is scaling and root planing the same as a regular cleaning?

No — a regular cleaning (prophylaxis) is for maintenance of healthy gums. Scaling and root planing goes deeper below the gumline and is specifically a treatment for gum disease.

How many visits does it take?

Typically 2 visits — treating one side or one half of the mouth per appointment for patient comfort.

Will my gums hurt afterward?

Some tenderness and sensitivity for a few days is normal. We provide care instructions and may recommend a prescription rinse to aid healing.

Will I need surgery after this?

Not always. Many patients respond well to scaling and root planing alone. We evaluate at your follow-up appointment to determine if further treatment is needed.

Board-Certified Periodontists · 4 Northern Virginia Locations

Take the First Step Toward Scaling and Root Planing Care

Our specialists are ready to answer your questions and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.