Scaling & Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)
We perform scaling and root planing, or deep teeth cleanings, at our periodontist offices in New Port Richey/Trinity and Tampa!
What is a deep teeth cleaning?
Scaling and root planing is your first line of defense against periodontal (gum) disease. This non-surgical gum disease treatment is used to deep clean teeth and gums, and prevent progression of gum disease.
Here’s how it works:
- Scaling involves cleaning below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar around your teeth root, and eliminate disease-causing bacteria from the area.
- Root planing involves removing the infected tooth structure, then smoothing it out to promote reattachment of the gums.
Here’s how it helps:
When combined with consistent at-home oral care, scaling and root planing procedures can treat gum disease, decrease inflammation and prevent gum disease from returning.
In a lot of cases, periodontal scaling and root planing is done to minimize the amount of periodontal surgery necessary. It can also be the only treatment needed for periodontitis, but it depends on how deep the measurements are, how much bleeding, and how much bone loss there is.
We treat our patients on a case-by-case basis with customized treatment plans. The best treatment method for your case will depend on the severity of your condition.
Is a deep cleaning the same as scaling and root planing? Yes it is. With this procedure, we’re performing a deep cleaning of the gums and tooth roots to remove bacteria and encourage healthy gums to reattach to the teeth.
Scaling and Root Planing: What to Expect
During this treatment, we carefully clean the crowns of your teeth as well as the root surfaces under the gums.
1. First, we’ll administer a local anesthetic to ease discomfort and minimize sensation. We also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help you relax! Your comfort is a top priority for us.
2. Once you’re feeling calm and at-ease, we’ll start the procedure. Using specialized dental tools, we remove bacteria, toxins and tartar that build in pockets between your teeth and gums. (These pockets form as bacteria continues to build up below the gumline, causing the gums to recede from the teeth and spacious pockets to develop.)
3. We will then smooth the rough surface of the tooth root, which allows your gums to reattach to your teeth. Now you have a beautiful, healthy smile again!
How long does scaling and root planing take? On average, the full procedure can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on how much plaque and tartar there is.
The length of your treatment will depend on your specific case. Scaling and root planing can take a couple of hours, at two separate visits. Some patients may be able to complete the process in one visit, while others require two.
Once we assess your condition, we’ll tell you how long the procedure is likely to take.
The cost of scaling and root planing depends on your insurance coverage, the severity of your condition, and your personalized treatment plan.
Our highly-experienced periodontists in New Port Richey/Trinity and Tampa are proud to accept flexible Cherry Financing, so you can achieve a healthy smile now, and pay for it over time.
Scaling and Root Planing Aftercare
How long does it take for gums to heal after deep cleaning? On average, it takes anywhere from 5 to 7 days for the gums to heal after a deep cleaning.
While your mouth is healing, you may experience some bleeding and swelling of the gums. Your teeth are likely to be sensitive, as their roots have recently been exposed. This also indicates a thorough cleaning!
We will schedule a follow-up appointment with you so we can assess the size of the pockets between the teeth and gums. We want to ensure that you don’t develop a gum infection after deep cleaning.
- Avoid foods or drinks that are considerably hot, cold or sweet throughout the healing process.
- Try gargling a warm saltwater solution or rinsing your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash a few times a day to keep the gums clean and to reduce swelling/inflammation.
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste to minimize sensitivity and tenderness. Toothpastes that contain potassium nitrite can provide additional relief while you’re healing.
- Ramp up your oral hygiene routine! This is key to preventing bacteria build-up that can cause increased pain and lead to infection. Brush carefully, but thoroughly. Keep your teeth and gums clean, but don’t use too much force.
We’re here to help you achieve a healthy mouth and healthy body – for a lifetime. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.
Our periodontists in Tampa and New Port Richey/Trinity provide the quality of periodontal care you deserve. We use state-of-the-art technologies to provide minimally-invasive treatments with the least discomfort possible.
If you’re looking for scaling and root planing or a deep teeth cleaning near you, schedule your appointment today!