Deep dental cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, are necessary when a routine cleaning isn’t enough. In these instances, excessive bacteria have invaded the gum tissue well below the gumline, making it impossible to remove on your own. When that happens, your gums are irritated, red, swollen, and may even bleed. You might have chronic bad breath, too. A deep dental cleaning can help remedy this situation.
To understand how deep cleaning works, it’s important to first look at how plaque, bacteria, and tartar impact the gums.
Plaque is a sticky substance that builds up on your teeth throughout the day. It builds up faster when you eat certain foods, such as those containing simple sugars. Plaque is a mixture of saliva, food particles, and other fluids. It contains high levels of bacteria.
During a deep dental cleaning, the hygienist will numb the gum tissue and then use specialized tools to scrape the plaque away from the tooth, including the root surfaces beneath the gumline.
Typically, scaling and root planing are done in at least two – if not four – separate appointments. We work in quadrants (upper left, lower left, upper right, lower right) and spend as much time as is necessary to thoroughly clean the teeth and root surfaces. In some instances, we may also administer an antibiotic treatment or prescribe antibiotics if we determine there are higher than average bacteria in your mouth, which, left untreated, can result in gum infections or delayed progress after the cleaning.
As tartar builds up, it irritates the gum tissue. At first, this may only result in tender, red gums that occasionally bleed when you brush or floss. This is called gingivitis, and it is the first stage of gum disease. Gingivitis is reversible.
However, if we do not treat gingivitis, the disease will progress. The tartar continues to build up, and the gum tissue starts to recede away from the tooth, creating a deeper pocket around the tooth where even more plaque and tartar can build up. As the gums start to recede, so does the jawbone.
At this stage, you have irreversible periodontal disease. We can’t go back. Eventually, if left untreated, periodontal disease can result in gum infections, loose teeth, and tooth loss.
Though gum disease is not reversible, it is possible to arrest it, which is why we recommend a deep dental cleaning as soon as you receive a gum disease diagnosis.
When we remove the bacteria-filled tartar, the gums start to heal and will begin to reattach to the tooth. Bone loss is permanent, but there is a chance that we can still save your teeth and restore your oral health.
A deep dental cleaning can cost between $150 and $250 per quadrant. Most insurance companies pay a portion of the total cost, often, between 50% and 80%. We can work with you to create a payment plan for your portion of the cost.
Deep dental cleanings in Whittier don’t hurt because we numb the gum tissue before we start the cleaning. After your scaling and root planing, you might experience some gum soreness, which will slowly dissipate as the gum tissue heals. This process can take a few days, or up to 14 days, depending on the severity of your gum disease.
Some things that can help with the soreness:
You might think that the only reason to invest in scaling and root planing is to arrest gum disease.
Actually, there’s much more to it.
Recent studies have shown that the health of your gums (or lack thereof) is directly linked to certain health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, and heart attack.
The Dentists of Whittier team want to help you achieve and maintain a beautiful smile. But we also want to help you protect your overall health. Whenever we recommend a specific dental procedure, it is with this goal in mind. The better your oral health, the better your overall health – and we’re here to help you achieve both.
Do you have sore, bleeding gums? We can help! Contact us today.
CALL (562) 414-5025
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REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT NOW!
