Despite brushing and flossing teeth regularly, food can get stuck in hard-to-reach areas leading to dental problems. Hence, it is encouraged to visit your dentist at least once a year to get your teeth cleaned and maintain good oral health. But sometimes, your dentist may advise you to get deep teeth cleaning instead of a regular one.
Also known as root planing, the most common reason to require deep cleaning is treating gum disease. To find out more about this deep cleaning procedure and cost, we were joined by Dr. Lavoyger Gies who runs a family and cosmetic dentistry in San Antonio, Texas.
What Exactly Does Deep Cleaning Do?
When you get routine cleaning done, your dentist removes a substance called tartar from the gumline and gaps between the teeth. Tartar is a hardened bacterial film that coats your teeth and feeds off the food that remains stuck to the teeth. When left untreated, it can cause cavities, tooth decay, and gum diseases.
When the tartar is accumulated just above the gum line, routine cleaning is sufficient to remove it. But when it reaches deeper within the gums, your gums detach themselves from the teeth forming pockets. This is a sign of gum disease called periodontitis. You may experience symptoms like bleeding gums, inflammation, receding gum line, or even loose gum flaps.
A deep teeth cleaning helps remove these bacterial deposits below the gumline. Dentists use a curette to scrape the tartar and smooth out the tooth root to help the gums reattach to the teeth. Before beginning the procedure, the dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the surrounding nerves. So there will be no pain involved during the procedure.
Your gums may feel sore for a couple of days after the cleaning for which you will be advised to eat only soft, cold foods. And within a few weeks of the procedure, your gums will be healthy again if you follow up with good oral hygiene practices.
How Much Will The Procedure Cost You?
The cost of deep cleaning varies from case to case and from one dentist to another. The charges are usually based on no. of quadrants that need cleaning and the severity of the damage.
Also, every dentist charges a different fee based on his experience, credentials, and location. So you will have to pay more at a clinic in Manhattan for deep teeth cleaning than in San Antonio, Tx.
But on average, you should be prepared to pay anywhere between $150-$350 without insurance for the procedure. If you have dental insurance, the cost will likely be covered by your plan.
Deep teeth cleaning procedure is a safe treatment with minimal side effects. When done in the early stages of gum disease, it will help reverse the disease and restore your oral health. So you need not worry about getting the procedure done.
If you need a trusted dentist for deep teeth cleaning in San Antonio, Tx, you can consult Dr. Lavoyger Gies. He has over 20 years of experience and offers personalized dental care using the latest technology to give his patients healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. So book an appointment at Gies Family Dental right away!