Every time you visit the dentist, your hygienist will most likely have to spend a fair amount of time scraping the plaque and tartar build-up from your teeth and around your gum line. Most people are aware that it is important to stay up to date with your regular dental cleanings for this reason, and many may have had a dentist suggest a deep cleaning from time to time. But what really is the difference between the plaque removal you receive through a periodontal cleaning versus a routine dental cleaning?
Officially known as scaling and root planing, deep cleanings are a more invasive treatment than the usual brushing and tartar removal performed at all of your six month check-up appointments. This treatment is used to reduce both bone loss and deep pockets in your gums caused by severe gum disease, known as periodontitis. The process of scaling actually refers to the name of the metal instrument used to remove tartar from your teeth – a scaler. If you have a lot of build-up, you will feel and hear your hygienist using this tool on the surface of your teeth during every visit with us. However, it is only during a deep cleaning that scaling will be performed on your teeth’s roots, below your gum line.
Scraping beneath your gums can be painful, which is why we will provide a local anesthetic before beginning the service. Once the plaque below your gum line is removed, we will smooth rough spots on the tooth’s root to make it harder for bacteria to affect that area in the future. This allows your gums to settle back onto your teeth with smaller pockets, leading to less irritation and discomfort moving forward.
Scaling and root planing is also a bit more controversial for insurance coverage and diagnosis than your regular dental cleanings. Some dentists will recommend a second opinion before committing to treatment, and there are varying opinions on the depth of pockets or amount of bone loss required for a patient to truly need deep cleaning services.
If you would like to schedule a deep cleaning with us or are curious about your insurance coverage for this procedure, call our front desk at 704-396-6166 today and a member of our team will be happy to help answer any questions you have!
There's a bunch of care and expertise here. My teeth were in bad shape until I came here. They made... read more
April W.I enjoy my visits to Gaston Dental Associates. The hygienists are excellent at their job, helpful and informative about ways... read more
April D.My visit at Gaston Dental Associates was absolutely amazing today. They were so thoughtful in making sure that I was... read more
BworthyI love it! I called in today Dec 2, 2024 as a new patient and I was able to be... read more
Info I.Genuinely the most pleasant dental experience I've ever had. The employees are not only extremely kind but also clearly very... read more
Nicholas B.My First Appointment at Gaston Dental was Fantastic! The Dental Assistants were friendly and professional as well as the... read more
Diana C.Very nice staff. They are very clean and professional. They also clean people's teeth nicely.
Ashley L.I really enjoyed my experience here! Adrian was very friendly and thorough with my cleaning. The admin staff were helpful,... read more
Miranda V.Great staff and the dentist was punctual along with very knowledgeable with her work and explaining everything to me, it... read more
Joni M.The ladies in the office are nice and kind when you walk into the office there’s never a dull moment... read more
Kristal E.I am very skeptical of dentists but I am very excited about Gaston Dental. They are very gentle and patient.... read more
Thomas H.Me and my children have been coming here for 17 years. Staff has changed around but there are still... read more
Lauren P.Everyone was very kind, informative and eager to help. I had a great first experience with my hygienist and my... read more
Maggie A.Everyone that I spoke with or who helped me today was so supportive and kind. They listened to me and... read more
Barbara R.I went to the dentist I had cracked a tooth they got me in the very next day to do... read more
Richard L.My first experience with Gaston Dental Associates went so much better than I had expected. I was very anxious because... read more
Pamela H.I really appreciate Adrian my hygienist for her professionalism, she is very compassionate and she has excellent bedside manner. Emily... read more
Trina B.It was a really quick visit and he done great and so did Jennifer I'll be back soon for the... read more
Tesla W.Excellent bedside manner!!! Everyone was very kind and informative! Makes going to the dentist less traumatizing!
khadija t.Amazing service and very friendly.My daughter is 10 with Autism and we were quickly fit into the schedule and an... read more
Tekeber D.Success stories that speak for themselves
