Scaling or root planning is a procedure of deep cleaning the teeth. The purpose of this dental care is to remove all the calculus (tartar) and plaque deposits found on teeth below the gum line. Some of the symptoms which indicate immediate root planning are tooth sensitivity i.e. sensitivity to change in temperature caused by hot and cold food and beverages. Based on the condition of the sensitivity, the patient may be subjected to local anesthetic to ease the minor pain caused by the root planing process.