When a regular cleaning isn’t enough
Sometimes, tartar finds its way below the gumline and attaches itself to the tooth roots. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and more serious issues such as periodontitis and gums that detach from the tooth and recede. When this happens, we perform a deep cleaning, also known as root planing. This removes tartar from your tooth roots and smooths the rough root surfaces to allow gums to reattach themselves.
Root planing is performed when periodontal (gum) disease is detected. Signs severe enough to warrant a deep cleaning include bleeding gums when brushing or flossing and a shrinking or receding gumline.
Its counterpart, tooth scaling, removes the hardened tartar found at and just above the gumline, the white or yellow buildup that ordinary brushing can’t budge. Scaling is part of every professional cleaning; root planing goes deeper, beneath the gums, where the real damage happens.
What’s involved with a deep cleaning?
Each person’s oral health is unique, and the stage and current condition of the teeth and gums dictate how involved a deep cleaning is, as well as how long it takes to heal. Usually a deep cleaning is done one half of the mouth at a time, and healing takes about a day or two.
During a deep cleaning we numb the areas of your gums where we are working, which keeps you from feeling any discomfort during the procedure. Using a special instrument, we remove any tartar buildup found on the tooth roots below the gumline, and we give the root a smooth finish to let the gum tissue start reattaching itself. Our offices use a special ultrasonic tool that ensures the quickest and most comfortable deep cleaning possible.
After your root planing procedure, you may be given a medication to help control soreness, keep away infection, and promote healing. In some cases we also place Arestin® antibiotic therapy directly into the treated pockets for extra protection.
Is a deep cleaning covered by insurance?
The benefits of a root planing procedure to your teeth, gums, and entire body outweigh the serious problems that can happen if gum disease is left untreated. Every dental insurance provider is different. Many set a specific yearly limit for dental coverage that includes general cleanings and x-rays, and a deep cleaning can sometimes go beyond this limit, so it is important to check. We will be happy to work with your dental insurance provider to see if you’re covered.
If you are left paying for a deep cleaning yourself, it is a very affordable preventive procedure that helps keep your teeth and gums their healthiest, and we can work with you on an easy way to pay. Visit our payments & insurance page, call any of our five offices, or request an appointment to discuss your options.
