(A dental exam is required prior to the cleaning)
Deep Cleaning Periodontal Scaling and Root Planing: $165.00
(per quadrant)
Surgical Periodontal: $250.00
(per quadrant)
PROPHYLAXIS ULTRASONIC DENTAL CLEANING
SAME DAY SERVICE
Dental plaque (a film of bacteria that forms on your teeth) is known to be the main cause of periodontal (gum) disease. When the bacteria settle on your teeth, they form a whitish film called biofilm. Established biofilm causes “pockets,” areas of separation between the teeth and their surrounding gums, in which plaque hardens into deposits known as calculus or tartar.
Have your teeth cleaned regularly to remove deposits of plaque and calculus. Removal of hard deposits on your teeth is called “scaling.” This can be done by using ultrasonic power scalers.
POWER SCALERS
Pros: Power scalers are as effective as manual instruments for calculus removal in shallow gum pockets and significantly more effective in pockets greater than 4mm.
They are very effective in removing calculus from root surfaces and from within periodontal pockets. Their small tips can penetrate deeper into periodontal pockets than manual instruments, are more comfortable to experience and are more effective for cleaning difficult nooks and crannies. Coolant sprays flush the area and remove bacteria and their by-products. They require less time than manual cleaning instruments.
Cons: A contaminated mist may form so that the hygienist needs to wear protective equipment. The vibration of the ultrasonic instruments may make it difficult to feel if the root surface is completely smooth and free of calculus. Power scalers affect some heart pacemakers.
DEEP CLEANING PERIODONTAL SCALING AND ROOT PLANING
MAY REQUIRE MULTIPLE APPOINTMENTS
Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum tissue that could affect the teeth and supporting bone in your mouth. Plaque bacteria, acids and certain foods all contribute to the development of gum disease. Fortunately, two common methods exist to reverse the disease — dental scaling and root planing.
DENTAL SCALING
ROOT PLANING
SURGICAL PERIODONTAL
Periodontal surgery treats gum disease and any damage it may have caused by:
• Regrowing damaged bones and tissues.
• Preventing tooth loss.
• Reducing gum gaps between teeth, known as black triangles.
• Reshaping the jaw hone to lower the risk for bacterial growth in bone crevices.
• Eliminating bacteria and infection.
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can cause gum redness, swelling, and bleeding. Most often, gingivitis occurs due to poor oral hygiene, plaque, and tartar buildup. Professional treatment can reverse the condition.
Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease in which gingivitis has advanced, leading to an inflammation that destroys bone and tissues. During this gum inflammation, the gums begin to separate from the teeth. This causes pockets to develop, which trap bacteria and lead to infection. As a result, tooth loss and bone damage can occur.
Before surgery, a dental surgeon might deep clean the gums. Deep scaling removes tartar and bacteria from the teeth and gums.
Another procedure known as root planing can smooth the surfaces of the roots of the teeth, meaning that there are fewer places for tartar and bacteria to build up. This procedure also removes any tartar that is on the root. Deep scaling and root planing usually occur at the same time.
FLAP SURGERY
After the surgeon has cleaned the area and removed the tartar, they stitch the gums into place to fit snugly around the teeth. Sometimes, the bone may require reshaping during this procedure.
BONE GRAFTING
GUIDED TISSUE REGENERATION
TISSUE GRAFTING
PREPARING FOR GUM SURGERY
• Review your medical history and assess the risk and benefit of the procedure.
• Examine your teeth, mouth, and jaw to check for stability and health.
• Check for any infections, abscesses, or other lesions that could make healing from surgery more complicated.
• Discuss the risks and benefits of the operation, and receive permission or consent to conduct gum surgery.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING SURGERY?
Most gum surgery procedures take around 2 hours to complete.
In some cases, the surgery will require a person to be asleep or partially asleep during the procedure. Other times, the surgery only involves the use of a local anesthetic to numb the gums. The injection of the numbing medication can be mildly uncomfortable. During the procedure, the dental surgeon uses sterile equipment, including instruments and drapes, to lower the risk of infection. After making small incisions along the gum line, the dentist lifts the gums away from the teeth. This allows the dentist assess the roots and to remove any tartar, plaque, or infection. Following this deep cleaning, the dental surgeon may perform other procedures, such as gum reshaping, bone regeneration procedures, or other planned procedures. Once the planned dental surgery is complete, the surgeon will stitch the gums back into place, using fine thread stitches. The dentist removed the stitches 7 to 10 days later.
RECOVERY
Dentists may also recommend:
• Using an antiseptic mouthwash to keep the area clean and to avoid infection.
• Avoiding strenuous exercise.
• Eating soft foods in the days following surgery.
• Not smoking.
The dentist will schedule an appointment to return to the office for 1–2 weeks time. During this appointment, the dental surgeon will evaluate how well the gums are healing and, if necessary, remove any stitches.
A person’s gums will look and feel different after surgery. The gums and teeth will heal, tighten, and become firmer and stronger. Some people may have tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures and may find relief by using desensitizing toothpaste.
The dentist will discuss a follow-up schedule to maintain good oral health in the future.