How is a regular teeth cleaning (scaling) different from deep scaling and root planning and why does it take?
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Answers:
A regular cleaning is where there is scaling above the gum line and scaling and root planing (SRP) is done below the gum line. It takes so much longer and cost so much because it is a very tedious job. That tarter that is built up below the gum line is not easy to take off, so they need to charge more because they hygienist has to work that much harder. I would say that each quadrant can run you around $200-$300--at the office I work in, all 4 quadrants will cost you over $800. Yes, this will have a HUGE difference in the health of your gums. It always bums me out when patients have to lose teeth due to gum disease which easily could have been prevented. There are all kinds of great websites that will help you understand what SRP is and what it can do for you, but I've listed one that seems to really explain it well. Good luck
http://www.dentalgentlecare.com/scaling__root_planning.htm
Other Answers:
yes it does
if you keep up with the every 6 months you don't need deep cleaning. otherwise your gums are effected and the nerves can be effected and it takes longer and sometimes anesthetics are necessary.
SRP as we call it (Scaling and Root Planing) is used when a patient hasnt had a dental cleaning in over 2 years and shows signs of periodontal disease. or you just have periodontal disease or periodontits. What happens is they numb each quadrant of your mouth (you have 4 upper right,lower right,upper left,lower left) your hygienist will be the one doing the procedure. The injections are not deep tissue injections-just enough to numb your gumline. they then go deeply under the tissue of the gums to stimulate the gingiva. Usually when you have periodontal disease you have pockets of 3 or greater. They have to get under the gumline and scrape the plaque off so that the gum tissue becomes healthy again and re-attaches itself to the tooth structure. Otherwise, you get bone loss and you end up loosing your teeth and can also get root decay. It definately does work and helps you to maintain your periodontal issues. Also, you will be placed on a 3 month recall to insure that you maintain healthy teeth and gums. The average cost of SRP runs about $250.00 per quadrant (remember you have 4 quadrants so this is 250 x 4. If you have dental insurance they will pay 80% minus your deductable. Hygienists usually like to do 2 quads at a time allowing 11/2 hrs for the procedure. A regular teeth cleaning is when you have normal pocket depth of 2mm or less with no bleeding. Basically they scrape whatever plaque is present above the gumline area with minimal areas under the gumline being scaled where needed. Then they use a dental prophylaxis paste to polish your teeth and then a flouride treatment. I hope I've helped you understand the cost and process.
I've had the procedure done twice. For me it took about a half an hour for each quad and I paid about $50 per quad (post-insurance). The rates will vary depending on the dental practice and your own case. Both times the Dentist was the person doing the procedure (though I suppose a RDA could have done the cleaning). I don't know the benefits of a Periodontist vs. Dentist, but I do know that the benefits of the procedure outweigh the consequences of not having the procedure (though I don't want to be super preachy... I just know that it's wasn't nearly as bad as it sounds). Good luck to you.
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