Deep Cleaning Teeth / Scaling & Root Planing
Table of Contents
Deep Cleaning Teeth (Scaling and root planing)
Dental Deep cleaning also known as Scaling and root planing is the instrumentation of the crown and root surfaces of the teeth to remove plaque and calculus from these surfaces. This is different from a regular teeth cleaning in that it is therapeutic in nature not prophylactic. The Dentist would only prescribe this service if you have periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is a “quiet” disease. Frequently, there is no pain,and patients are often surprised to learn that extensive damage can occur without them ever feeling pain or discomfort.
“The recent Centers for Disease Control estimate that approximately 50% of the adult population of the USA has periodontitis which represents a significant increase in the 2000’s over previous reports in the 90’s” (Source)
"The recent Centers for Disease Control estimate that approximately 50% of the adult population of the USA has periodontitis which represents a significant increase in the 2000’s over previous reports in the 90’s" (Source https://www.perio.org/consumer/cdc-study.htm)
Why is deep cleaning recommended at all, is it necessary?
Formation of Plaque
We all have a plethora of bacteria in our mouths. Those bacteria mix with other substances to form sticky plaque on teeth, which is mostly banished by regular brushing and flossing.
Transformation of Plaque To Tartar
Gingivitis is only when the gum alone is affected and If gingivitis isn’t cured, it can advance to a more severe form of periodontal disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis is when the bacterial infection has spread to the bone under the gum. Once bone is involved, one way to slow or halt the process of this stages of gum disease is through deep cleaning
Diagnosis of Gingivitis and Periodontitis
When tartar remains on the teeth, new plaque will form on it and that can cause inflammation of the gums, a condition called gingivitis. Gingivitis is only when the gum alone is affected and If gingivitis isn’t cured, it can advance to a more severe form of periodontal disease called periodontitis. Periodontitis is when the bacterial infection has spread to the bone under the gum. Once bone is involved, one way to slow or halt the process of this stages of gum disease is through deep cleaning
What is Gingivitis:
Characterized by red swollen gums that can bleed easily. It is the inflammation of the gums or gingiva. It commonly occurs because a film of plaque, or bacteria, accumulates on the teeth. A mild form of gum disease, gingivitis can usually be reversed through regular brushing and flossing along with cleanings by a dentist or hygienist.
What is Periodontitis:
Periodontitis, is a common infection that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting the tooth. Tissues become inflamed and starts to pull away from the teeth, forming spaces, or pockets. As the pockets become deeper, more of the tooth below the gum line is exposed to bacteria, which can damage the bone holding teeth in place.Eventually, if the pockets become deep enough, teeth can become loose and may even be lost.
You may find that you look in the mirror one day to discover you’re faced with common symptoms of gum disease. If this happens, you will need to contact us right away. As you may have already assumed, a deep cleaning is in your future. Symptoms might include:
Red or swollen gums
Persistent bad breath
Your teeth look like they’ve been getting longer as gums recede.
Teeth that are sensitive
Loose teeth
Pain when chewing
Are there alternative treatments to Dental deep cleaning
Deep cleaning also known as Scaling and Root planing is still the “standard of care’ for the initial phase in treating all stages of periodontal disease, this works for most patients especially at the early stage but sometimes adjunctive therapy options like local delivery of antibiotic under your gum is needed for moderate cases. If the gum disease is at the advance/ late stage, gum surgery is needed after the initial scaling and root planing (deep cleaning ) if there is no contraindicated medical condition.
Does deep cleaning hurt ?
Can teeth fall out after deep cleaning ?
Deep cleaning will not remove the tooth’s attachment to the gum and bone.
In some cases, heavy accumulation of hard tartar buildup splints teeth together. This can mask the amount of bone loss and give a false impression of stability. When we remove that buildup, it can expose the looseness that is already present.
Thus, the teeth can feel loose after a deep cleaning. But they are not loosened by the deep cleaning itself.
What to expect during Deep cleaning Appointment?
After you’re seated in the dental chair, the dentist will apply a topical anesthesia gel to your gums and then inject a local anesthetic agent to numb your gum.
The Cavitron scaler (a small scraping tool also used in a regular cleaning) or ultrasonic tool is used to remove the tartar and smooth the surface of the root. We use hand instruments with it.
We will prescribe antimicrobial mouthwash to help control bacteria in the mouth using chlorhexidine gluconate solution, which has high substantivity in the oral tissues
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, you will likely need more frequent cleaning and periodontal maintenance appointments than twice a year regular cleaning. Depending on the pocket depth, we may recommend three to four visits each year to maintain good periodontal health.
How long does deep cleaning take ?
Typically, Deep cleaning would take about an hour to complete depending on the depth of the pocket. However, with deeper pockets measuring above 7mm, the Dentist might decide to break the deep scaling and root planning procedure down into quadrants of work per appointment. For example, the lower right and lower left of the mouth might be worked on one day, and the other half worked on at separate appointments. This allows for only a part of the mouth being frozen/numb at a time and makes for more manageable, shorter appointments. Usually, we are able to complete the procedure in one appointment here at Keem smile Dentistry Houston TX.
Deep cleaning is prescribed in certain stages of periodontal disease In certain stages where the perio pocket depth (space under the gum) is deeper than 7, the Dentist will refer you to a Periodontist for further surgery apically repositioned flap surgery
Benefits of deep cleaning
Scaling and root planing offers numerous benefits to patients with gum disease, including:
No surgical removal of gum tissue
Performed under local anesthesia
Minimal to no pain and discomfort after treatment
Does not damage teeth and gums
Reduces periodontal pocket depths
Progressive results after a single treatment
How Much Will a Dental Deep cleaning cost me ?
Dental Deep Cleaning costs $100.00 per quadrant here at keem Smile Dentistry Houston TX. There are 4 quadrants of the mouth (upper right, lower right, upper left and lower left.
Periodontal maintenance costs after undergoing deep cleaning cost $75 per visit on every four months or three times a year as the doctor may recommend depending how deep the pocket it.
Deep cleaning teeth before and after
- Please wait until the numbness has worn off before eating or chewing because you could bite yourself unknowingly.
- Avoid extremely hot or cold food for the next 24-48 hours. it is also essential to avoid acidic foods (your tooth will be sensitive) and hard foods such as popcorn, chips, or seeds for several days. Sharp particles of these foods can become lodged in the spaces between the teeth and gums, further irritating the tissues and causing setbacks.
- Refrain from smoking for at least 24 hours after the procedure to ensure healthy healing of gum tissues. Moreover, smoking has been proven to cause and accelerate plaque build-up that eventually causes periodontal disease. Finally, smoking can reverse the success of the scaling and root planning treatment.
- Swallow your saliva and do not rinse your mouth as this can prolong the bleeding.
- Do not floss the treated area tonight. Start your required flossing the following evening after 24 hours.
- Brush your mouth very gently as it may be tender or bleeding for a day or two.
- Use the prescribed medication such as chlorhexidine gluconate as recommended.
- Brush twice daily, use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
THINK YOU NEED A DEEP CLEANING?
Schedule a Free Consultation
Call today (832-906-6127) to schedule an evaluation with our dentist. We will take intraoral pictures, x-rays and gum measurements necessary to diagnose periodontal disease. If you have periodontal disease, we will discuss your treatment options with you in detail. Because periodontal disease is usually pain free, check up is recommended especially if you have not had a regular cleaning for some time.
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