Periodontal Disease Treatment
Sometimes, tartar can find its way below the gumline and attach itself to 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 will need to perform a deep cleaning (also known as root planing) that involves ridding tartar from your tooth roots and smoothing the rough root surfaces to allow gums to re-attach themselves.
What’s Involved With A Root Planing Procedure? (Deep Cleaning)
Each person’s oral health and the current condition of the teeth and gums will dictate the extent of root planning treatment. Usually scaling and root planning is done one-half of the mouth at a time and healing takes about a day or two.
During a root planning the hygienist will numb the areas of your mouth that are being treated. The hygienist uses the cavitron and hand instruments to remove the tartar build up that is found on tooth roots below the gumline. The hygienist ensures the tooth root gets a smooth finish to allow the gum tissues to start re-attaching to the root surface.
After all the areas of teeth receive needed root planing, the hygienist will probably have a follow up appointment to assess how the gums are healing. At this appointment the hygienist will also review home care that the patient will need to do to keep the gums healthy.
Is Root Planing Expensive?
Periodontal disease treatment is more involved than a regular hygiene appointment. It is actually treatment versus a dental prophylaxis which is considered preventative. Root planing is more expensive than a prophy but 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.