Harmful bacteria can accumulate in your mouth and produce plaque. If left on your teeth for too long, either because of diet or inadequate oral hygiene, plaque can harden and become impossible to remove with an everyday toothbrush and toothpaste.
Scaling and root planing are deep teeth cleaning measures that effectively remove stubborn buildup and smooth the teeth to prevent gingival infection. Advanced Dentistry by Design recommends deep cleaning to patients who have signs of gum disease. We can prevent the condition from getting worse.
What Is Dental Scaling?
A common dental procedure, scaling uses a small tool to clear the gum line and remove plaque buildup. The dentist uses a handheld instrument to access plaque that is not typically accessible with a toothbrush. This tool chips away at the tartar near and beneath the gum line to clear the area much more deeply than a routine dental cleaning.
What Is Root Planing?
Root planing typically follows a scaling procedure. It smooths out any rough spots near the root of the tooth to encourage the gums to attach firmly to the teeth and jawbone. This closes any potential periodontal pockets where excess bacteria could collect. When gums are attached to the tooth surface, they’re less likely to become inflamed or infected due to bacterial growth.
Dental Deep Cleaning vs. Routine Dental Cleaning
Regular teeth cleanings are crucial for optimal dental health, but routine cleanings and deep cleaning procedures vary in scope and use.
Regular Dental Cleaning
- Performed twice a year, or every six months.
- Maintains good oral health and prevents cavities.
- Involves a high-powered brush and minimal scaling.
- Designed to keep up existing dental cleanliness.
- Can prevent gum disease from occurring.
Deep Dental Cleaning
- Usually performed every three to four months.
- Used to treat gum disease or prevent progression.
- Uses both dental scaling and root planing to clean teeth.
- Requires more time than a regular cleaning.
- Can be performed once a year as a preventive measure.
When Should I Consider Scaling and Root Planing?
Deep dental cleaning through scaling and root planing can prevent bacteria growth and infection in the gums, near the roots of teeth, and in the soft tissues of the mouth. You may consider scaling or root planing for the following reasons:
- You notice the signs and symptoms of gum disease.
- Your dentist recommends the procedure for your teeth.
- You notice hardened plaque you cannot remove at home.
- You have existing gum disease.
- You want to prevent disease at your annual visit.
- You have not had a regular cleaning in more than six months.
Some of the signs of gum disease include inflammation, bleeding, bad breath, loose teeth, and sores along the gum line. Scaling and root planing clean deeply in the pockets of the gums to clear out bacteria and completely remove plaque from the area.
What Does Scaling and Root Planing Cost? What Does Dental Deep Cleaning Cost?
Before your appointment, we make sure you’re informed of the costs and the steps in your deep cleaning procedure before we work on your teeth. We accept a variety of payment options, including dental financing to make the treatment as affordable as possible.
Depending on the scope of the scaling and root planing procedures, you can expect to pay more if you have a larger amount of buildup or require additional treatments. The time spent in the chair, whether or not you get anesthesia, and how many teeth we need to clean are all factored into the cost.
For Gum Disease Treatment That Can Save Your Smile and Help You Feel Better, Call Our Dental Office Today!
Gum disease affects millions of adults, and cannot be controlled at home when it progresses to later stages. Scaling and root planing effectively remove plaque and tartar to protect your smile from degenerative gum disease that can wreak havoc on your teeth. Contact our San Jose dental practice to schedule an appointment for deep teeth cleaning and keep your smile safe and healthy.