Scaling and root planing is a type of gum disease treatment. We may suggest this treatment if you have deep gum pockets around teeth.
It’s not uncommon for patients with to have receding gums. Over time, gums start to pull away from teeth unless you take action.
During your appointment, we may give you some local anesthetic to numb your gums. We’ll then remove plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line. Our dentists call this part of the procedure “scaling.” Next, we smooth out your tooth roots so your receding gums have a chance of re-attaching (“root planing”).
Depending on the extent of gum disease, our dentists will help you come up with a plan to protect your oral health. For example, you may need to see our dentists more often to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Each patient is different. This is why it’s important you see us as soon as possible so we can start gum disease treatments right away.
Did you know that about 47.2% of adults age 30 and older have periodontitis? This number from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention jumps up to 70.1% for adults age 65 and older. Yet, is not a “normal” part of growing older. Instead, it happens when patients neglect oral hygiene.
Plaque is an invisible film of bacteria that feeds on the sugar left on your teeth and gums. It then uses this sugar to produce an acid that erodes tooth enamel and destroys gums. Over time, plaque can harden into tartar and cause gum disease.
While gum inflammation (also called gingivitis) is reversible, gum disease is not. This is why it’s important to see our dentists as soon as possible.
You may need a deep cleaning if you have gum pockets deeper than 4mm, bleeding or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, or gum recession. Dr. [dentist_last] will measure pocket depths and assess your gum health during examination.
We use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you should feel minimal discomfort during the procedure. Some patients experience mild soreness for a few days afterward, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
A full-mouth deep cleaning typically requires 2-4 appointments, with each session lasting 45-90 minutes. We usually treat one quadrant at a time for thorough cleaning and comfort.
It’s normal to experience gum tenderness, slight bleeding when brushing, and tooth sensitivity for a few days. We’ll provide aftercare instructions, and most patients see significant improvement within a few weeks.
Most patients only need an initial series of deep cleanings. However, you’ll need more frequent maintenance cleanings (every 3-4 months) to prevent gum disease from returning.
Most dental insurance plans cover deep cleanings when medically necessary, typically 50-80% of the cost. We’ll help you verify your benefits and provide a treatment estimate before beginning treatment.
Our , are accepting new patients. To request an appointment and learn if you’re a candidate for gum disease treatments, call the Grandville Dental Health Center at (616) 739-6001.