Quick Answer
Tooth scaling and root planing (SRP) is a non-surgical deep cleaning procedure used to treat advanced gum disease (periodontal disease). It involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, then smoothing tooth roots to prevent bacteria buildup.
Key Points:
- Two-step process: scaling removes plaque/tartar, root planing smooths tooth roots
- May require multiple visits and local anesthesia for patient comfort
- Effective non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease before it requires surgery
Tooth scaling and root planing (SRP) also called deep cleaning is a non surgical technique to treating periodontal disease (advanced form of gum disease). It includes scaling which aimed at removing accumulated dental plaque and tartar above and below the gum line and root planing for smoothing the tooth root where bacteria meet.
The procedure can take more than one visit and it can
involve being injected, local anesthetic to numb the affected area and make the
procedure painless.
Is Tooth Scaling and Root Planing Worth It?
30 minutes after eating, a layer of bacteria also called plaque starts to form on our teeth which can be easily removed by brushing and flossing. If teeth and gums left un-cleaned even among kids, accumulated plaque harden to form tartar also called calculus that is hard to remove using home techniques.
Tartar can only be removed by dentist. If calculus left un-treated, starts to penetrate deep in the gums causing swelling and bleeding, an early stage to gum disease, also called gingivitis. Gingivitis can be reversed following good dental oral hygiene, even through oil pulling. Also regular visit to your dentist, every six month, can help spot this early form of gum disease and treat it in advance through normal professional deep cleaning and medications.
However, if Gingivitis left untreated, it advanced into periodontitis causing damage to the supporting teeth bone, gum recession, tooth loss and bad breath. This is a result of bacteria going dip below the gum line.
Periodontitis cannot be reversed, it can only be stopped
from proceeding further through dentistry procedures such as scaling and root planning and, or gum graft surgery. This is done to
improve your overall dental health and slow down the disease from proceeding
further, hence justifies the need for undertaking deep cleaning.
While normal dentist routines are done to stop periodontal disease from occurring, tooth scaling and root planning is done to treat it.
What Is Involved In Deep Cleaning Teeth?
On the appointment day for deep cleaning your dentist,
hygienist or Periodintist will:
- Sometimes first numb the affected area using
local anesthetic or gell, sometimes not. - Use scaling tools (curettes), or ultrasonic
scaling device, or both to scrap build up dental plaque and tartar above and
below gum line - Use scaller to smooth the tooth root
- Give you antibiotic prescription, advice and
scheduled checkups
How Much Does Scaling And Root Planing Cost?
Scaling and root planing may cost between $400 and $4000 for your whole mouth depending on severity
and extent of periodontal disease, your location and who is treating you: your
dentist, or a gum doctor or both, technology used, frequency of treatments, and maintenance cost.
This price range also covers initial examination and x-ray cost in additional
to other extra cost such as pain management cost. You can save some money by
securing treatment with dental school, through dental plans or by doing it
overseas such as in Thailand, or Mexico.
Is Scaling And Root Planing Covered By Insurance?
Since periodontal disease is considered as ‘medically
necessary’ condition, dental insurance may cover 50 to 80% of the deep cleaning
cost. However this depends on your plan. Also keep in mind that most insurance plans
has a yearly limit of 1000 to $1500 and depending on severity of your gum
disease, this can only be a fraction of the total cost or it may be what you
real need to get you treated. You will have 4 treatment sessions with your
doctor, if you can secure 2 sessions on December and another 2 on January; will
help get money of the ending year and next year from your insurer. Cross check
this first with your insurer and your dentist to know how much will it cost and
how much you will get from the insurer before starting the treatment.
Periodontal Maintenance
After treatment, you will have scheduled checkups with your
hygienist to assess and monitor the healing process. Routine cleanings will
also be offered.
Can
You Get Rid Of Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal can be stopped from progressing further using
deep cleaning technique discussed above and or gum graft surgery. However, it
cannot be cured, meaning that it can re-occur in case you return to the normal
life style that led to getting it.
It is a treatable disease; you just need to follow
instructions given by your dentist including observing good oral hygiene after
treatment: brushing twice daily, flossing at least once a day, using mouthwash
and attending frequent checkups.
How Long Does It Take To Treat Periodontal Disease?
It takes weeks to treat periodontal disease. You first have
the initial consultation, examinational and plan followed by 4 deep cleaning
sessions and follow up meetings. The meetings aim at assessing the healing
progress and offer more cleaning. If after deep cleaning, your gums still show
signs of bacteria especially in deep pockets, you will be referred to the periodontist
to undertake gum graft surgery.
Gum graft surgery is a follow up procedure for more chronic periodontal cases aiming at completely removing tartar left behind by root planning and scaling, from deeper pockets and tricky roots.
References:
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/scaling-and-root-planing
https://www.perio.org/consumer/non-surgical-periodontal-treatment
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2017-09/periodontal-disease_0.pdf
https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177%2815%2900346-3/abstract
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23040340
Similar Posts:
Dr. Tom Bell has a PhD in Medical Anthropology. He has a keen interest in oral health topics and is the founder of dentalrave. He has been an oral health researcher and electric toothbrush enthusiast for over 10 years. Tom works with Awin and others in his research. When not talking about dental hygiene and gadgets, Tom likes spending time outdoors hiking.