Periodontics
Deep, non-surgical cleaning that stops gum disease in its tracks.
Periodontics
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to a variety of oral health issues, some of which are irreversible. These issues may include bleeding gums, gum recession, bone loss, loose teeth, and even teeth falling out entirely.
One of the most effective methods for treating periodontitis is a scaling and root planing procedure, which involves your periodontist using specialized tools to remove advanced decay and tartar that have developed above and below your gum line. The process of removing tartar above the root line is referred to as scaling, and the removal of tartar below the gum line is referred to as planing.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty-trained periodontists our specialty-trained periodontists have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about the scaling and root planing procedure, or to schedule an appointment, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington, D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.
The Procedure
Here's what your scaling & root planing treatment looks like, step by step.
If necessary, a local anesthetic will be administered prior to performing the scaling and root planing procedure. Once you are properly numbed, specialized dental instruments will be used to remove plaque and tartar build-up that have accumulated on the surfaces of the crown. If necessary, an antimicrobial agent will be used beneath the gums to decrease the oral bacteria. This is the scaling part of the procedure.
During the root planing part of the procedure, your periodontist will remove the cementum and dentin that consist of unwanted calculus, toxins, and microorganisms from the surface of the root of the tooth. Once the root has been smoothed out, it will be much more difficult for bacteria to accumulate and thrive in this area.
There are several benefits associated with the scaling and root planing procedure, including the following:
Recovery & Aftercare
Following your scaling and root planing procedure, your periodontist may use antibiotics on your gum pockets to facilitate healing and diminish discomfort. They will also schedule a follow-up appointment to reassess the progress your pockets have made and ensure that you are healing properly. Aside from that, it will not be necessary to follow special aftercare instructions, although it is important to be aware of the reason this procedure was needed in the first place. Continue practicing good daily oral hygiene practices. Brush and floss twice daily, and schedule regular visits to your periodontist to ensure that your teeth receive regular professional cleanings, which will reduce your risk of developing gingivitis or periodontitis. If you follow these best practices, you will enjoy a bright and healthy smile for many years to come.
Frequently Asked
When we see our dentist twice a year as recommended the evaluation is usually concluded with a professional cleaning of the teeth. This final step can cost anywhere from $75 to $200 depending on the amount of plaque that needs to be removed. The dentist or hygienist uses a handheld scaling tool to methodically scrape the plaque from the tooth. Some offices might have an ultrasonic vibrating tool to chip away the plaque and even more stubborn tartar. If the plaque looks like it goes down the tooth the next step might include x-rays to see below the surface. These x-rays might add $25 to $250. If the gum disease has advanced the next step might include local anesthetic to numb the tissue through the process. This step might add around $300. The balance of the procedure is simply based on time and how much plaque must be removed from below the surface.
The discomfort during the procedure is controlled by the numbing agent. The several days after the procedure the discomfort can easily be controlled by an over the counter pain medication. The level of pain is really just a tenderness and soreness. This will subside quickly as the infection leaves the soft tissue. It has been documented that almost half of American adults have encountered some form of periodontal disease. If left unattended the gums will continue to swell, bleed, sag away from the teeth and result in tooth loss. Healthy gums are significant in having healthy teeth and of course a healthy smile. You are in control of this outcome by simply establishing the good oral hygiene habit of brushing and flossing as the health industry strongly suggests. Stay ahead of the plaque and make you future dental appointments more rewarding.
One of the highlights of having your teeth examined every six months is the hygienist or dentist professionally cleaning all of your teeth. This process removes damaging plaque that is always present in each our mouths. The scaling and root planning quite simply takes this procedure further down the tooth, below the gumline. We’ll take a quick look at what plaque is, the procedure of scaling and root planning, the gum disease that the process is combating and the final benefits of having the procedure. Our mouths are as unique to each of us as our fingerprints, but we all share one common bond. We each have millions of bacteria in our mouths. At some point, if you do not keep this quantity in check, the bacteria will begin to adhere to the teeth forming a sticky substance called plaque. The plaque develops damaging acids that will immediately attack the enamel of the tooth resulting in cavities. This is why it is so important for you to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time. You are doing your part to combat the onset of plaque. Scaling and root planing is the standard first-line treatment for the condition described in what gum disease is.
Cost & Payment
The cost of a scaling and root planing will depend on a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, whether or not additional procedures are required, and the severity of your case.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.
For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit, and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts GreenSky Patient Solutions, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office. You can find out more information about this service at https://www.greensky.com/patient-faq/.
For your convenience, we accept:
Where We Practice
Request An Appointment
Contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation at our Washington DC, Alexandria, or Reston office. We look forward to welcoming you.
