Root planing and scaling

My dentist told me I have significant amount of tartar below the gum line and need the root planing and scaling procedure.  There wasnt any real significant bone loss yet, but the doctors were suprised at the amount of tartar under my gums.  Has anyone had this procedure done, and what is the success rate.  I have heard I may need to have in done every 4 months.  Is this true???

[BethieBoo81]

If you have some bone loss, there is no way for you to reach tartar that builds up below the gumline. Your toothbrush and even floss can't reach it. That is why you need the root planing and scaling. Your hygienist will be able to numb you for these procedures to make it more comfortable and then she can really get in there without it hurting you. You won't need to have RPS done every 4 months, just periodontal maintainence. Because it sounds like you build up tarter quicker than average and have some bone loss, you will want to see your hygienist more frequently than the average because you don't want that tarter to sit on your teeth for six months. Hope this makes sense!