Scaling and Root Planing
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a common dental procedure aimed at treating gum disease and preventing its progression. It is a deep cleaning method that goes beyond the regular cleaning you receive during a routine dental check-up. This procedure involves two main steps:
- Scaling: During scaling, the dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the surface of the teeth, especially below the gum line. Plaque and tartar harbor harmful bacteria that contribute to gum inflammation and infection, leading to conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Root Planing: After scaling, root planing is performed to smooth out the roots of the teeth. This process helps eliminate any remaining bacteria and promotes the reattachment of the gums to the tooth surfaces. Smoothing the roots also makes it more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate in the future, aiding in the prevention of further gum disease.
Scaling and root planing is typically recommended for patients who show signs of gum disease, such as swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or receding gums. By thoroughly cleaning the teeth and roots, this procedure helps restore gum health, prevent tooth loss, and improve overall oral hygiene. Before deciding on whether Scaling and Root Planing are right for you, there are some things you should know:
- Who Needs Scaling and Root Planing?
- What Are The Advantages Of Scaling and Root Planing?
- What Are The Alternative Treatments If I Do Not Choose Scaling and Root Planing?
- How Much Does Scaling and Root Planing Cost?
- What Are The Steps In The Scaling and Root Planing Procedure?
If you have any further questions about Scaling and Root Planing or other dental services offered at Atlas Dental, please contact us.
Free phone consultation
Have questions about scaling and root planing? Schedule a free phone consultation with our cosmetic dentist.
5 star google reviews
Our patients love us! See for yourself why more and more people are choosing Atlas Dental for scaling and root planing.
BOOK scaling and root planing ONLINE
Scheduling scaling and root planing in downtown Toronto has never been easier with our online booking system!
Who Needs Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is primarily recommended for individuals showing signs of gum disease, but it can also benefit those at risk of developing the condition. Here are some key indicators that may suggest the need for this procedure:
Signs of Gum Disease
- Swollen or Bleeding Gums: Gums that are red, swollen, or bleed easily during brushing or flossing are common signs of gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease.
- Persistent Bad Breath: Bad breath that doesn’t improve with regular brushing and flossing can be a sign of underlying gum infection.
- Receding Gums: When gums start to pull away from the teeth, it creates pockets that can harbor bacteria and lead to further gum disease.
- Loose Teeth: As gum disease progresses, it can cause the supporting structures of the teeth to weaken, leading to loose or shifting teeth.
At-Risk Populations
- Smokers: Tobacco use significantly increases the risk of gum disease, making regular deep cleanings crucial for oral health.
- Diabetics: People with diabetes are more prone to infections, including gum disease, and may benefit from scaling and root planing to maintain healthy gums.
- People with a Family History of Gum Disease: Genetics can play a role in the likelihood of developing gum disease, so those with a family history may need more intensive preventive care.
- Individuals with Poor Oral Hygiene: Inconsistent or ineffective brushing and flossing can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar, necessitating a deeper cleaning process.
During routine dental visits, your dentist will assess the health of your gums and check for signs of gum disease. If they notice any symptoms, they may recommend scaling and root planing as part of your treatment plan. This proactive approach can help prevent the progression of gum disease and maintain your overall oral health. If you have further questions about Scaling and Root Planing, please contact us.
What Are The Advantages Of Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing offer numerous benefits for individuals with gum disease or those at risk. Here are some of the key advantages of this deep cleaning procedure:
- Prevents Progression of Gum Disease: Scaling and root planing help remove the bacteria and tartar buildup that contribute to gum disease. By addressing these issues early, the procedure can prevent the progression from gingivitis to more severe periodontitis, thereby protecting your oral health.
- Reduces Gum Inflammation and Bleeding: One of the primary benefits of scaling and root planing is the reduction of gum inflammation and bleeding. By thoroughly cleaning the gum line and smoothing the root surfaces, the procedure promotes healthier gums and reduces the likelihood of infection.
- Improves Breath and Oral Hygiene: Persistent bad breath is often a result of bacteria and food particles trapped in the gums. Scaling and root planing effectively remove these bacteria, leading to fresher breath and overall improved oral hygiene.
- Promotes Reattachment of Gums to Teeth: Root planing smooths the root surfaces, which helps the gums reattach to the teeth. This reattachment reduces the size of periodontal pockets, making it harder for bacteria to accumulate and easier to maintain clean and healthy gums.
- Prevents Tooth Loss: Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. By controlling the infection and inflammation through scaling and root planing, you can strengthen the support structures around your teeth, reducing the risk of tooth loss.
- Enhances Overall Health: Oral health is closely linked to overall health. Gum disease has been associated with various systemic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. By managing gum disease with scaling and root planing, you can potentially lower the risk of these associated health problems.
- Cost-Effective Preventive Care: Addressing gum disease in its early stages with scaling and root planing can save you from more invasive and expensive treatments in the future. This preventive measure helps maintain oral health and reduces the need for extensive dental procedures.
- Improves Aesthetic Appearance: Healthier gums contribute to a more attractive smile. By reducing gum inflammation and bleeding, scaling and root planing can enhance the appearance of your gums and teeth, giving you a healthier and more confident smile.
Scaling and root planing is a highly effective procedure for maintaining and improving gum health. By preventing the progression of gum disease and promoting overall oral hygiene, it helps ensure a healthier mouth and a better quality of life. If you have further questions about Scaling and Root Planing, please contact us.
What Are The Alternative Treatments If I Do Not Choose Scaling and Root Planing?
While scaling and root planing is a highly effective treatment for managing gum disease, there are alternative treatments available. The best option depends on the severity of your gum disease and your overall oral health. Here are some alternative treatments you might consider:
- Regular Professional Cleanings: For individuals with mild gum disease (gingivitis), regular professional cleanings might suffice. These cleanings remove plaque and tartar from above the gum line and help maintain good oral hygiene. However, they are less effective for more advanced gum disease, where bacteria have infiltrated below the gum line.
- Improved At-Home Oral Care: Enhanced at-home oral care routines can help manage early-stage gum disease. This includes brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, and using an antibacterial mouthwash. While these measures are essential for oral health, they may not be sufficient to treat moderate to severe gum disease on their own.
- Antibiotic Treatments: Topical or oral antibiotics can be used to control bacterial infection in the gums. These antibiotics can come in the form of gels, mouth rinses, or pills and are often used in conjunction with other treatments. However, antibiotics alone are typically not enough to remove the tartar buildup or to smooth root surfaces.
- Laser Therapy: Laser therapy is a modern alternative that uses laser light to remove inflamed gum tissue and kill bacteria. This method can be less invasive and more comfortable for some patients compared to traditional scaling and root planing. However, laser therapy may not always achieve the same depth of cleaning as manual scaling.
- Periodontal Surgery: For advanced gum disease, surgical options such as flap surgery or pocket reduction surgery might be necessary. These procedures involve lifting the gums to remove tartar deposits and then suturing the gums back into place. Surgery is generally more invasive and involves longer recovery times compared to scaling and root planing.
- Gum Grafts: In cases where gum recession is significant, a gum graft might be recommended. This involves taking tissue from another part of the mouth or using donor tissue to cover exposed roots. This procedure helps protect the roots from decay and can improve the aesthetics of your smile.
It’s important to discuss these alternatives with your dentist to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. Each treatment has its advantages and limitations, and your dentist can help you choose the most appropriate method based on the severity of your gum disease and your overall health needs. If you have further questions about Scaling and Root Planing, please contact us.
Cost of Teeth Cleaning
Teeth Cleaning (and by association Scaling and Root Planing) is calculated by the amount of time spent by the dentist or dental hygienist cleaning your teeth using a combination of hand scalers and ultrasonic scalers. A typical session is around 1 hour long, and will therefore cost $257. The codes relevant to dental scaling in the Ontario Dental Association’s Suggested Fee Guide appear as follows:
Scaling
- 11111 – One unit of time (15 minutes): $73
- 11112 – Two unit of time (30 minutes): $140
- 11113 – Three unit of time (45 minutes): $197
- 11114 – Four of time (60 minutes): $257
- 11115 – Five unit of time (75 minutes): $321
- 11116 – Six unit of time (90 minutes) $386
Additionally, you may be offered additional services such as Polishing to remove extrinsic stains and Fluoride treatment to protect your teeth against future cavities:
Polishing
- 11111 – One unit of time (15 minutes): $36
- 11107 – Half unit of time (7.5 minutes): $29
Fluoride
- 12111 – Rinse: $9
- 12112 – Gel or Foam: $36
- 12113 – Varnish: $38
Teeth cleanings are considered a basic service under all dental insurance plans and should be covered to your maximum insurable limit, but be sure to find out from your dental insurance plan provider how much you are eligible for before going ahead with dental treatment. Our fees are consistent with the ODA Fee Guide.
For patients without dental insurance, Atlas Dental is pleased to offer dental financing through Dentalcard. Affordable payment plans start at 7.95% for terms of 6 months to 6 years. To learn more about Dentalcard dental treatment financing, follow this link.
What Are The Steps In The Scaling and Root Planing Procedure?
Scaling and root planing is a thorough and meticulous process designed to clean your teeth and gums, promoting better oral health. Here are the steps typically involved in this procedure:
- Initial Examination: Before starting the procedure, your dentist or dental hygienist will perform a comprehensive examination of your mouth. This includes reviewing your dental and medical history, conducting a visual examination of your gums to check for signs of inflammation or infection, and taking X-rays to assess the extent of bone loss and determine the severity of gum disease.
- Local Anesthesia: To ensure your comfort during the procedure, local anesthesia is usually administered. This numbs the areas being treated, minimizing any discomfort you might feel.
- Scaling: The first step involves scaling, which is the removal of plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces. Special handheld tools called scalers and curettes are used to scrape off plaque and tartar. Ultrasonic scalers, which use high-frequency vibrations to break up and remove tartar while spraying a cooling mist of water to wash away debris, may also be used.
- Root Planing: Once scaling is complete, the next step is root planing. This involves smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth to remove any remaining bacteria and tartar, promote reattachment of the gums to the teeth, and reduce the depth of periodontal pockets.
- Antibiotic Therapy (if needed): In some cases, your dentist may apply an antibiotic gel or prescribe oral antibiotics to help control bacterial infection and promote healing.
- Post-Procedure Instructions: After the procedure, your dentist or dental hygienist will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions. These may include recommendations for managing any discomfort or swelling, guidelines for maintaining oral hygiene, and instructions on using prescribed mouth rinses or medications.
- Maintenance and Ongoing Care: To maintain the benefits of scaling and root planing, regular dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial. Your dentist may recommend a periodontal maintenance program that includes more frequent visits than standard cleanings to keep your gums healthy and prevent the recurrence of gum disease.
Scaling and root planing is a vital procedure for managing and treating gum disease. By following these steps, your dental professional can help restore your gum health, prevent tooth loss, and improve your overall oral hygiene. If you have further questions about Scaling and Root Planing, please contact us.
