After a diagnosis of gum disease, periodontal disease, periodontitis, or gingivitis, a proper oral hygiene routine is no longer enough to restore your gums. You’ll need the attention of a trained dentist that can provide a deep cleaning and reverse the effects of mild and moderate forms of gum disease.
For these types of issues, we use advanced techniques known as:
- Dental scaling.
- Root planing.
- Deep cleaning.
Dental scaling and root planing might be unfamiliar to you, so East Village Dental’s hygiene team will provide an overview of them below and answer common questions that you may have. Please know that with our professional care you can have healthy, fully-functional gums.
What Is Dental Scaling?
Dental scaling is the process of using special tools to manually remove plaque beneath the gum line. During a routine cleaning visit, our hygienists will professionally clean and brush your teeth. This type of periodic cleaning, alongside your regular brushing and flossing removes plaque that has accumulated.
If left untreated for long enough, this plaque can continue to grow and require dental scaling. This process will:
- Rid your gums of all of the plaque that has built up and is eating away at your teeth.
- Give your gums a fresh start so that they can begin the healing process.
What Is Root Planing?
Gingivitis tends to cling to the roots of your teeth. This can cause your teeth to become loose and gradually result in tooth decay and tooth loss. To prevent deterioration from happening we will smooth out the uneven surfaces of your tooth roots to help your gums stick to the root of your teeth. Root planing will prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to the roots of your teeth.
When Should I Consider Scaling and Root Planing?
If you have gums that are inflamed, bleeding, constantly in pain, or have tooth loss, you could have periodontal disease. We will assess your teeth and provide a professional opinion about whether you need scaling or root planing.
Dental Deep Cleaning vs. Routine Dental Cleaning
A deep cleaning is an advanced form of cleaning for patients that have been diagnosed with periodontal disease or gingivitis. We will clean your teeth using this procedure when a normal cleaning is not sufficient. The following outlines the main differences between the two procedures.
Routine dental cleaning is for:
- Every patient at least once every 6 months.
- Removing visible plaque and polishing your teeth.
- Ensuring that your oral health is on track.
Dental deep cleaning is for:
- Patients that have been diagnosed with periodontal disease.
- Gums that are infected and need advanced professional attention.
- Patients that need frequent deep cleanings (3–4 times a year) to reverse gum damage.
- Removing fossilized bacteria known as calculus or tartar that has accrued beneath your gum line.
We are trained in diagnosing periodontal disease, and we will be able to recognize if your teeth need to be deep cleaned. If this is the case, we will work with you and come up with a plan to get your mouth back on track.
What Does Scaling and Root Planing Cost?
Scaling and root planing are usually covered by most dental insurances. Services like scaling and root planing are important, even if they involve an out-of-pocket cost, because they help save your teeth and prevent tooth loss. At East Village Dental, our staff will work with you and your insurance provider to guarantee your continued oral health without having to worry about cost.
What Does Dental Deep Cleaning Cost?
These cleaning services are charged differently than the standard routine cleaning. This is for several reasons:
- They are more in-depth.
- They occur more frequently.
- They require a more practiced hand than other cleanings.
For Gum Disease Treatment That Can Save Your Smile, Call Our Dental Office Today!
Your gums are the foundation of your oral health. We have helped countless patients transform their unhealthy gums into healthy ones that support their teeth.
If you have periodontal disease, it might feel overwhelming, but there is no reason to get discouraged because our office can help. Through scaling and root planing, we can improve your health and get you to a place where you feel great about your oral health.
We Can Help You Feel Better!
Call us today if you’re experiencing red, sore, or bleeding gums. Our team at East Village Dental is ready to help you!