Dental Scaling and Root Planing – Elite Dental Care Tracy

If your dentist suggests dental periodontal scaling and root planing for your teeth, there is a lot you need to know. Scaling is a common dental procedure for patients with gum disease. This is a type of dental cleaning that reaches below the gum line to remove plaque build-up. The process of scaling and root planing the teeth is often referred to as a deep cleaning and Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum line that can progress to affect the bone that surrounds and supports your teeth. The three stages of gum disease, from least to most severe are gingivitis, periodontitis and advanced periodontitis. Plaque bacteria, acids and certain foods all contribute to the development of gum disease. Fortunately, two common methods exist to reverse the disease are dental scaling and root planing.

Dental scaling occurs with manual hand instruments, ultrasonic instruments or both. Your dentist will start the procedure with a thorough examination of your mouth then he/she will use an ultrasonic scaling device to eliminate the plaque bacteria with sonic vibrations. The ultrasonic scaling device removes tartar, plaque and biofilm from the tooth surface and underneath the gum line. A manual instrument may be used next to remove the remainder.

If your gum tissue is sensitive and diseased, local anaesthesia can be administered to numb the tissue. If your teeth are sensitive before or after the professional cleaning, it may be recommended that you use a desensitizing paste to provide you with sensitivity relief. Dental scaling and root planing may take two to four visits based upon the level of oral disease in the mouth. If you have periodontal disease, dental scaling and root planing will be completed first and then periodontal surgery will be conducted. If it hurts too much, local anaesthesia can be administered to numb the tissue. If your teeth are sensitive before or after the professional cleaning, it may be recommended that you use a desensitizing paste to provide you with sensitivity relief.

Depending on the location and the insurance, deep cleaning can cost approximately $75 to $300. The cost may also vary as per age and insurance coverage. Insurance provides maximum coverage for one or two cleanings per year. If more cleanings are recommended and are necessary by the dentist, those additional cleanings may not be covered. You got to find out from the insurance company or Medicare in advance.

If the cleaning consists of an examination or X-rays, the total cost can be higher; again, it depends on the insurance coverage.

After scaling and root planing is completed, you may experience slight discomfort around the teeth for several days and increased sensitivity to hot and cold (and sometimes sweets) for up to four to six weeks duration. This is a normal course of healing. Some slight bleeding may occur during the next several brushings. The bleeding should steadily decrease after two or three days. You should begin to notice a definite improvement in sensitivity within two weeks.

To prevent infection, control pain or help you heal, your dentist may prescribe a pill or mouth rinse. Your dentist may also insert medication (sub antimicrobial-dose doxycycline) directly into the pocket that was cleaned. Your dentist will schedule another visit to see how your gums have healed and measure the depth of your pockets. If they have gotten deeper, more treatment may be needed. It is crucial to maintain and keep the oral health done on time. Therefore, dental check-ups and advice from your dentist are beneficial. Daily brushing and flossing and avoiding smoking are some steps to keep away from gum disease. This procedure is to prevent gum problems from progressing further. Relax and let your dentist at Elite Dental Care in Tracy worry about your teeth and gums.