Scale & Root Planing
Rockwall & Paris, Texas
When gum disease is left untreated, it can continue to progress over time. As the condition advances, the pockets between the teeth and gums can become deeper, creating additional space for plaque and calculus to accumulate below the gumline. This buildup can contribute to ongoing inflammation and, over time, damage the gum tissue and bone that support the teeth.
Treating gum disease as early as possible is important for both your oral and overall health. Depending on the severity of your gum disease, several treatment options may be available. Whenever possible, we take a conservative approach and work to avoid the need for periodontal surgery. One of the most common nonsurgical treatments for periodontitis is a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing. This procedure removes plaque and calculus from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to help the gums heal and reattach more effectively.
At Northeast Texas Periodontal Specialists, we are committed to providing effective, minimally invasive care while keeping you as comfortable as possible throughout treatment. To learn more about deep teeth cleaning, scaling and root planing, and other services available in our office, please refer to the information below. To schedule an appointment for an evaluation or scaling and root planing, contact our Rockwall office at (972) 771-8640 or our Paris office at (903) 785-4832.
Comprehensive Exam
Detailed Diagnosis
Before performing a deep teeth cleaning/scaling and root planing procedure, we will first perform a comprehensive examination to determine the severity and underlying cause of your gum disease. To diagnose the condition of your gums and teeth, we will take digital X-rays and measure the depths of your gum pockets using a thin probe. Healthy pockets should be under 4mm in depth. Pockets that are between 4- 6 mm in depth indicate periodontitis, which is the mildest form of gum disease. Pockets between 6-8 mm indicate moderate periodontitis, and pockets that are deeper than 8mm indicate severe periodontitis.
Once the severity of your gum disease is determined, we will develop a personalized treatment plan, discuss available treatment options with you, and answer any questions you may have during this time.
Deep Teeth Cleaning
Costs Associated
The cost of treatment will largely depend on the severity of your case, the number of appointments necessary, and whether dental sedation is necessary. For patients who are covered under a dental insurance plan, although we are not in-network, we will gladly help prepare and file your claim to ensure you receive your maximum reimbursement. Payment is due in full on the day of treatment. We accept cash, check, Visa, Discover, Mastercard, and American Express. If you are concerned about the cost of receiving treatment, please know that we offer our patients Compassionate Finance, which offers a variety of payment solutions with fixed interest rates and manageable monthly payments, and CareCredit®, which offers 24-month payment plans with zero interest, as well as low-interest financing for 24-60 months.
Deep Teeth Cleaning
Scaling and Root Planing Procedure
Before beginning the deep teeth cleaning/scaling and root planing procedure, we will administer a local anesthetic to ensure you experience minimal discomfort, as well as dental sedation, if desired, for your comfort and relaxation. Once you are sufficiently numbed and comfortable, the deep teeth cleaning/scaling and root planing procedure will begin with removal of plaque and calculus that has accumulated on the surfaces of your teeth and below your gum line. Next, we will remove rough areas, abrasions, or pits to inhibit plaque from embedding and multiplying on the surface, and to enhance your gums' ability to heal and reattach to the cleaned root surface. By removing this plaque and calculus (scaling), then smoothing the surfaces (root planing), your teeth and gums will be able to fully heal.
Although moderate to severe gum disease typically requires more intensive treatment, we are often able to correct this issue with a deep teeth cleaning/scaling and root planing procedure. One of the big reasons we are able to do so is because we utilize advanced dental technologies like the perioscope (Perioscopy), a tiny video microscope that allows us to closely examine deeply buried deposits of calculus that would not otherwise be detectable. Because we can identify and remove these deposits, we are often able to avoid the need for surgical procedures. We have been utilizing the perioscope for several years now, and it has drastically changed the way we treat gum disease from just a few years ago. Previously, patients who would have been treated surgically can now be effectively treated using the perioscope and treated nonsurgically.
In addition to the scaling and root planing procedure, we sometimes also place Arestin® antibiotic formula in the gum pocket. Rather than using an antibiotic pill that operates through the bloodstream, this formula provides a more direct and concentrated attack on bacteria and contains microspheres that are filled with time-released antibiotics that will continue to kill remaining bacteria after the deep cleaning/scaling and root planing procedure.
Aftercare Instructions
In addition to providing you with high-quality care in a comfortable environment, we are also committed to educating our patients on how they can maintain good oral health and avoid issues like gum disease. Following your deep teeth cleaning/scaling and root planing, we are happy to demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques, recommend products that will maximize your results, and answer any questions you have. In addition to practicing good oral hygiene habits at home, we also encourage you to schedule regular examinations or periodontal maintenance every six months or with greater frequency if you have a history of or are at increased risk of developing periodontal disease.
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