During scaling, your dentist will remove all plaque and tartar (which is simply hardened plaque) from above and below the gumline, making sure to clean all the way down to the bottom of the pocket. Scaling is one of the most important parts of maintaining good oral health. After that, your dentist will begin root planing, which involves smoothing out the rough spots on the roots of your teeth in order to assist your gums in reattaching to your teeth.