What is Periodontal Disease and How Can Deep Cleaning & Teeth Scaling Help?

Scaling and root planning is frequently referred to as deep cleaning, deep cleaning is the treatment of choice for an infectious disease called Periodontal Disease.

Citations

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Scaling and root planing, often termed as deep cleaning, is a dental procedure primarily used to treat Periodontal Disease, an infectious condition that begins with plaque formation on teeth. Plaque is a sticky, yellowish film formed from food particles and bacteria. When left untreated, plaque hardens into tartar, which irritates gums and leads to inflammation by releasing toxins. This condition can result in gum recession, bone loss, and eventually, tooth loss if not addressed in a timely manner. Deep cleaning involves removing tartar and bacteria from below the gum line and smoothing the roots to prevent further bacterial colonization, promoting healthier gums and teeth.

Cost Ranges

The cost of scaling and root planing can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the geographic location of the dental practice. On average, the procedure can range from $100 to $300 per quadrant of the mouth. Insurance may cover part of these costs if periodontal disease treatment is deemed medically necessary.

Local Tips

When seeking treatment, consider consulting a periodontist, a dental specialist in gum disease, for severe cases. Always ensure that your dental professional is licensed and has good reviews. Inquire about payment plans or financing if cost is a concern, as many practices offer flexible options.

FAQs

Q: How long does a scaling and root planing procedure take?
A: The procedure usually takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the extent of cleaning required and the number of quadrants involved. Q: Is scaling and root planing painful?
A: Patients may experience discomfort during and after the procedure, but local anesthesia is typically used to minimize pain. Post-procedure soreness can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Q: How often should deep cleaning be performed?
A: The frequency of deep cleaning depends on the individual's oral health. For those with periodontal disease, it may be recommended every 3 to 4 months until the condition stabilizes. Regular follow-ups with your dentist or periodontist are crucial. Q: What can I do to prevent Periodontal Disease?
A: Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for early detection and prevention of periodontal issues.

So, what is Periodontal Disease? Periodontal Disease mainly starts with the formation of plaque around the teeth, this plaque is the yellow film on your teeth caused by food and bacteria in your mouth. When plaque buildup mixes with the saliva it hardens over time, and turns into tartar, tartar containing bacteria will irritate the gums around the teeth by attaching to the outer surface of the teeth and roots and releases poisonous toxins.

These toxins cause an infection and an inflammation of the gums, which worsens if left untreated. This can ultimately cause bone loss and eventually tooth loss. Keep in mind, the lost bone will never grow back, fortunately, deep cleaning can help as a procedure that treats the infected area by meticulously cleaning the tartar and bacteria from the teeth and their roots.

Deep cleaning scaling and root planning is normally performed by your dentist or dental hygienist in a couple of visits, the exact number of visits, however, depends on your dentist and the amount of tartar buildup. Often your dentist will choose to administer a local anesthetic to make the procedure virtually painless, the deep cleaning is either done manually or with an ultrasonic instrument called a Cavitron. Sometimes, a combination of both of the techniques loosen and remove plaque and tartar buildup.

In addition, an antibacterial irrigant or local antibiotics such as Actisite may be used in conjunction with the cleaning procedure to further reduce the number of bacteria around the gums. Keep in mind although rare one or more of the following symptoms can occur after treatment bleeding of the gum, inadvertent removal, or irritation of the gum, tooth discomfort such as sensitivity to hot and cold, or sweets, swelling, and inflammation of the gum, and finally allergies to some of the materials used during the procedure.

You may ask yourself, can I get a regular cleaning instead? The answer is no, as the name “deep cleaning” implies, the main difference is that deep cleaning goes below the gum to remove plaque or tartar buildup from the tooth root where the bone is affected by the infection.

Whereas regular cleaning only removes the plaque or tartar above the gum. Periodontal Disease cannot currently be cured, it can only be controlled so, it’s important to follow your dentist’s recommendations for follow-up maintenance and treatment. In addition to routine checkups, performing proper dental hygiene at home is of course also important to help prevent the recurrence of this destructive disease.