What is a deep cleaning?

Peridontal treatment, called “scaling and root planing,” is also sometimes called a “deep cleaning.” It is a non-surgical therapy to address peridontal disease, which is bone loss caused by the chronic  inflammation of your gums. This procedure is the first step in addressing your peridontal disease. The goal is to decrease the bacterial load in your mouth, establish reattachment of your gums to the roots of your teeth, halt the bone resorption process, and decrease the inflammation of your periodontal system. 

 

During a scaling and root planing, your dentist/hygienist will numb you. The, s/he will meticulously remove heavy buildup of calculus and resurface the roots of your teeth to remove the diseased, calculus-impregnated surface of those roots. In 4-6 weeks, you should have a follow up appointment for reevaluation. If nonsurgical peridontal treatment does not stabilize your peridontal disease, your dentist may discuss further surgical options to improve your health.  

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Why do I need a deep cleaning? 

Scaling and root planing with subsequent peridontal maintenance is important in treating periodontal disease. 

Research suggests that peridontal disease contributes to chronic systemic diseases. It is linked to the exacerbation of “diabetes, coronary artery disease, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and rheumatoid arthritis.” Peridontal treatment increases glycemic control in diabetic patients, while uncontrolled peridontal disease can increase insulin resistance and disrupt glycemic control in diabetic patients. The peridontal bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis also has been listed as an “agent responsible for vascular and atherosclerotic changes in cardiovascular disease.” (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6755758/)

 

A scaling and rootplaning in the Gaithersburg, Potomac, Rockville area can cost $200-400 per quadrant.

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For more information, please contact us here. 

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