Scaling and root planing is like deep-cleaning. You may get this procedure if you have plaque and calculus (hardened plaque, also called tartar) under the gums that needs to be removed. You'll get your mouth numbed first. Then you'll have plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line scraped away (scaling) and rough spots on the tooth root are made smooth (planing). Smoothing the rough spots removes bacteria and provides a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth.