Scaling & Root Planing in Madison, NJ

Scaling involves removing tartar and plaque from the surface of the teeth below the gum line, while root planing involves cleaning the infected areas of the tooth root and smoothening the area of the tooth just below the gum line

The difference between deep and routine teeth cleaning is mainly the intensity of cleaning required to restore the patient’s oral health. Routine cleaning is primarily done to remove plaque and bacteria build-up before it develops into something severe, while deep cleaning is recommended for patients with periodontal diseases that need the pockets of the gums to be rid of bacteria and plaque build-up.

If plaque and bacteria buildup is left untreated, they could worsen, and pockets in the gums would develop where the bacteria can enter and cause severe damage to the patient’s oral health..

The estimated cost of deep scaling would start from $100 – $450 for a single quadrant, while a full-mouth treatment ranges from $500 – $4,500, depending on the severity of gum damage.

Patients with chronic periodontitis are highly recommended to get scaling and root planing treated at least twice a year to control the buildup of bacteria and plaque in the pockets of the gums.

Patients who undergo deep scaling are placed under local anesthesia, which allows the treatment to be painless. However, patients might experience slight discomfort after the treatment once the local anesthetic has worn off.

It’s possible to get deep scaling even with braces, but the cleaning process might take a little longer than patients without braces. Doctors would need to use special equipment and ultrasonic instruments to work around the hardware and remove the plaque that developed around the braces.

Due to the amount of pressure the teeth have endured during the treatment, pain and slight discomfort are to be expected once the anesthetic has worn off after the treatment. As for the aftercare, the dentist will provide instructions and prescription medication to ensure the patient a smooth recovery process.

After deep scaling and root planing, patients should expect to feel slight discomfort and increased sensitivity to hot and cold food while the gums heal from the treatment. This can be expected to last for about 4 to 6 weeks.