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(281) 592-0597
Why Would I need a Deep Cleaning?
A deep teeth cleaning/scaling and root planing is necessary in order to remove tartar, plaque, and debris that is causing periodontal (gum) disease. Gum disease can start with inflammation, bleeding, and discoloration of the gums, and can quickly worsen. If the disease is not treated, the patient may end up with irreparable tooth decay, or they may even lose their teeth entirely.
Gum disease can also be to blame for bad breath. Once the bacteria are removed, a patient may notice that their breath smells much better.
Moving beyond oral health, gum disease can actually affect other areas of the body. The bacteria from an infection can actually spread through the body via the bloodstream, increasing risks of respiratory and heart disease.
Because of this, it is important to have gum disease treated as soon as possible.
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Deep teeth cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a procedure in which the dentist will go under the gums of a patient to remove plaque, tartar, and debris. This allows the gums to heal, reverses gum disease, and ensures that teeth do not continue to decay due to periodontal disease.
To check for gum disease, a dentist will first check under the gums with a special tool. This probing helps to determine if the patient is suffering from periodontal disease. If the probing goes to depths of 5mm or more, your dentist will likely recommend a deep teeth cleaning. If the disease is bad enough, a dentist may use a local anesthetic to help with the pain. During the scaling process, a dentist will remove the plaque and tartar that is attached to the surface of the tooth. This includes below the gum line, along the root. In order to do this, a dentist will use an ultrasonic scaling tool. This tool may also deliver an antimicrobial agent to reduce bacteria.
Root planing involves smoothing the root of the tooth and removing surface dentin and cementum. This is often embedded with tartar, toxins, and even microorganisms. Antibiotics are sometimes used after the scaling and root planing process to help with healing and to control infection.
Call Downtown Dental Excellence Today!
(281) 592-0597
Healing and Aftercare
Once the procedure is complete, it’s important to continue to take good care of your teeth and gums. Just because you underwent deep teeth cleaning/scaling and root planing, doesn’t mean that gum disease won’t return in the future!
Make sure to brush, floss, and wash your mouth out at least twice a day. If you have any questions about how to do so, speak with your dentist.
Setting an Appointment
If you notice that your gums are bleeding, discolored, tender, or in pain, make sure to set an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. If you catch gum disease early enough, the deep teeth cleaning should be a simple and easy process.
Call your dentist’s office to set an appointment between regular visits so that they can check your teeth and gums for disease and decay. Remember—the longer you wait, the worse the disease may get. Avoid a deep teeth cleaning by going regularly to the dentist.
Costs Involved
As with any procedure, the costs for a deep teeth cleaning/scaling, and root planing will go beyond the costs of a general cleaning and checkup. In order to get a better idea of the cost of the procedure, you’ll want to speak with your dentist or your dentist’s office. You’ll also want to check with your insurance company to see how much of the deep teeth cleaning/scaling and root planing procedure is covered.
Keep in mind that—no matter what the costs—the procedure needs to be completed. If you avoid deep teeth cleaning/scaling and root planing, you leave yourself at risk for tooth decay and loss. Paying to have your teeth and gums repaired after the gum disease has led to these issues will be even more costly than the original procedure.