If you are suffering from any early stage of gum disease, the best thing to do is get it treated right away. One of the easiest gum disease treatments we can do to restore your oral health is a two-part procedure known as scaling and root planing.
Our dental team at Dental by Design is ready to help you achieve your best oral health with gum disease treatment and deep cleaning procedures. Contact us to learn more!
What Is Dental Scaling?
Dental scaling is an advanced form of cleaning that is used to help patients that have gum disease. During dental scaling, we use special tools to remove all of the built-up plaque and tartar beneath your gum line that cannot be removed by brushing and flossing alone. This form of deep cleaning cleans your gums all the way down to the bottom of your gum pocket and gets your oral health back on track.
What Is Root Planing?
During gum disease, pockets of plaque and tartar buildup beneath your gum line. These deposits cause erosion beneath your teeth and gums. After we have performed a deep cleaning of your teeth by dental scaling, we need to help your gums reattach to your tooth roots. This is accomplished by a process known as root planing. We will smooth out the root surfaces of your gums to help promote the healing of your gums and teeth.
Dental Deep Cleaning vs. Routine Dental Cleaning
When you come into our office every six months we perform a routine cleaning. During your appointment, we professionally brush, floss, and polish your teeth. This routine cleaning is an extension of a proper daily oral health routine. Every patient needs to visit the dentist biannually to ensure that their oral health is on track and that no serious issues have developed in-between appointments.
In contrast, a deep cleaning is a non-surgical process used to remove plaque and tartar to help reverse the damage that has occurred from gum disease. Gum disease usually results from a lack of proper oral hygiene. Once gum disease has progressed, brushing and flossing cannot remedy the situation. At this point, we might determine that a deep cleaning is necessary.
When Should I Consider Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure that can only be recommended by a professional dentist. In order to determine if you need scaling and root planing, we need to examine your gums.
However, if you are experiencing the following symptoms, we might determine that scaling and root planing are necessary.
- Your gums are red instead of pink, indicating inflammation of your gums
- Your gums always feel sensitive when you are eating
- Your gums bleed when brushing and flossing (this might be more indicative of gingivitis, a more mild form of gum damage).
- You have bad breath that doesn’t go away after you brush your teeth
- Persistent tooth pain that frequently occurs during regular activities like eating
If you have been experiencing the symptoms listed above for a long time, you should schedule an appointment with Dental by Design for a gum examination.
During your exam, we will look for signs of periodontal disease. At this point, scaling and root planing might be necessary to reverse the effects of periodontal disease. The sooner that we catch the damage, the less deep cleaning is required for your gums.
What Does Scaling And Root Planing Cost? What Does Dental Deep Cleaning Cost?
A scaling and root planing treatment requires multiple appointments to achieve a deep cleaning of your gums. We typically divide your mouth into four quadrants, then target one quadrant for each appointment so that we can focus on removing all of the tartar and buildup in that section.
Insurance typically covers a portion of scaling and root planing, but there is usually still an out-of-pocket cost. We can provide a more accurate cost of treatment when you talk to our billing specialist. Call our office today to schedule an appointment.
For Gum Disease Treatment That Can Save Your Smile and Help You Feel Better, Call Us Today!
If your gums are inflamed or you feel constant pain during everyday activities, we can provide relief. It can be easy to feel discouraged, but we are here to help you get your oral health back on track. Our dentists will examine your gums to accurately understand the current state of your oral health.
If we determine that you have gum disease, we can schedule deep cleaning appointments to remove the built-up tartar and reverse the damage. Give us a call at (480) 753-9063 and schedule your appointment today!
