Deep Teeth Cleaning in Gastonia, NC

Scaling and Root Planing Gastonia: Advanced Periodontal Therapy

Deep teeth cleaning, professionally known as scaling and root planing, is the gold standard non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease. This specialized preventive dentistry procedure goes far beyond regular dental cleanings to address infection and inflammation below the gumline.

Why Deep Cleaning Is Essential

• Treats periodontal pockets 4mm or deeper where regular cleaning cannot reach
• Removes bacterial biofilm that causes ongoing infection and inflammation
• Prevents progression to advanced periodontitis requiring surgery
• Saves natural teeth by eliminating disease-causing bacteria
• Improves overall health by reducing oral bacterial load
• Cost-effective treatment compared to surgical alternatives

Understanding Gum Disease: Stages and Progression

Recognizing the stages of periodontal disease helps you understand why deep cleaning may be necessary:

Stage 1: Gingivitis (Reversible)

Characteristics:

• Red, swollen, tender gums
• Bleeding during brushing or flossing
• Bad breath or metallic taste
• Pocket depths: 1-3mm (normal)

Treatment: Professional cleaning, improved home care, and fluoride treatment may reverse gingivitis completely.

Stage 2: Early Periodontitis (Requires Treatment)

Characteristics:

• Persistent gum inflammation and bleeding
• Pocket depths: 4-5mm
• Early bone loss visible on dental X-rays
• Gum recession beginning

Treatment: Scaling and root planing is highly effective at this stage, often preventing progression to advanced disease.

Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis (Deep Cleaning Essential)

Characteristics:

• Pocket depths: 6-7mm
• Significant bone loss (25-50%)
• Tooth mobility beginning
• Persistent infection and bad breath

Treatment: Deep cleaning with possible adjunctive antibiotic therapy, followed by frequent maintenance cleanings.

Stage 4: Advanced Periodontitis (May Require Surgery)

Characteristics:

• Pocket depths: 8mm or deeper
• Severe bone loss (50%+ loss)
• Tooth mobility and spacing
• Possible tooth loss

Treatment: Deep cleaning may still help, but often requires referral for periodontal surgery or tooth extraction.

What Is Professional Deep Teeth Cleaning?

Deep teeth cleaning is a specialized two-part procedure that thoroughly addresses periodontal disease below the gumline:

Scaling (Debridement)

Process: Removes plaque, tartar (calculus), and bacterial biofilm from tooth surfaces and deep within periodontal pockets using:

• Ultrasonic scalers that vibrate tartar loose with water irrigation
• Hand instruments for precise removal in difficult areas
• Subgingival irrigation to flush out bacteria and debris

Areas Treated:

• Tooth surfaces below the gumline
• Root surfaces exposed by gum recession
• Deep periodontal pockets (4mm+)
• Areas between teeth where bacteria accumulate

Root Planing (Smoothing)

Process: Smooths rough root surfaces to:

• Remove bacterial toxins embedded in root cementum
• Create smooth surfaces that discourage bacterial reattachment
• Promote gum reattachment to tooth roots
• Reduce pocket depths through tissue healing

Benefits:

• Facilitates healing and gum reattachment
• Makes future cleaning more effective
• Reduces bleeding and inflammation
• Creates environment hostile to harmful bacteria

Who Needs Deep Teeth Cleaning?

Deep cleaning is recommended for patients with periodontal disease, identified through comprehensive periodontal evaluation:

Clinical Indicators for Treatment

Periodontal Pocket Depths

• 4-5mm pockets: Early periodontitis requiring deep cleaning
• 6mm+ pockets: Moderate to severe disease needing immediate treatment
• Bleeding on probing: Indicates active infection and inflammation
• Bone loss on X-rays: Shows disease progression requiring intervention

Common Symptoms Requiring Evaluation

Gum-Related Symptoms

• Bleeding gums during brushing, flossing, or eating
• Red, swollen, or tender gums that persist despite good hygiene
• Gum recession exposing tooth roots and creating sensitivity
• Pus discharge from gums or pockets around teeth

Oral Health Changes

• Persistent bad breath (halitosis) not improved by brushing
• Metallic taste in mouth, especially in morning
• Loose or shifting teeth indicating bone loss
• Changes in bite or tooth spacing

Risk Factors Increasing Need

• Smoking or tobacco use (increases risk 2-6 times)
• Diabetes (bidirectional relationship with gum disease)
• Pregnancy (hormonal changes increase susceptibility)
• Stress (weakens immune response to bacteria)
• Certain medications (blood thinners, antidepressants)
• Genetic predisposition (family history of gum disease)

Don't ignore the warning signs! Call (704) 396-6166 for immediate periodontal evaluation.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy Process

At Gaston Dental, we use advanced techniques and technology to ensure your comfort and optimal treatment outcomes:

Comprehensive Periodontal Evaluation

1. Clinical Examination (15-20 minutes)

• Pocket depth measurements at six sites per tooth using periodontal probe
• Bleeding assessment to identify areas of active infection
• Gum recession measurement to assess tissue loss
• Tooth mobility testing to evaluate bone support

2. Radiographic Assessment

• Digital X-rays to evaluate bone levels and detect hidden problems
• Bone loss documentation for treatment planning and monitoring
• Root anatomy assessment for effective root planing

3. Treatment Planning

• Quadrant-by-quadrant approach for systematic treatment
• Anesthesia recommendations based on sensitivity and anxiety
• Adjunctive therapy options (antibiotics, antimicrobial rinses)

Deep Cleaning Procedure

Pre-Treatment Preparation (10-15 minutes)

• Medical history review and medication check
• Local anesthesia administration for patient comfort when needed
• Ultrasonic scaler preparation with appropriate tip selection
• Irrigation setup with antimicrobial solutions when indicated

Scaling Phase (20-30 minutes per quadrant)

• Ultrasonic scaling removes heavy tartar deposits efficiently
• Hand scaling provides detailed removal in tight areas
• Subgingival irrigation flushes bacteria from deep pockets
• Root surface assessment to ensure complete debridement

Root Planing Phase (15-25 minutes per quadrant)

• Root smoothing with specialized instruments (curettes)
• Bacterial toxin removal from infected root surfaces
• Final irrigation with antimicrobial agents
• Tissue evaluation for bleeding control and healing assessment

Post-Treatment Care and Monitoring

Immediate Post-Procedure (5-10 minutes)

• Bleeding control with pressure and medication if needed
• Post-operative instructions for optimal healing
• Pain management recommendations and prescriptions when necessary
• Follow-up appointment scheduling for evaluation

Recovery and Aftercare for Optimal Healing

Proper post-treatment care ensures the best possible outcomes from your deep cleaning:

First 24-48 Hours

Expected Symptoms

• Mild to moderate soreness in treated areas (normal for 2-5 days)
• Slight bleeding when brushing or rinsing (should decrease daily)
• Tooth sensitivity especially to cold (temporary, 1-2 weeks)
• Swollen gums that gradually reduce over 3-7 days

Immediate Care Instructions

• Take prescribed pain medication before numbness wears off
• Apply ice packs for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off to reduce swelling
• Eat soft, cool foods for the first day (yogurt, smoothies, soup)
• Avoid smoking completely for at least 48 hours (preferably quit permanently)

First Week Recovery

Oral Hygiene Protocol

• Gentle brushing with soft-bristled toothbrush starting 24 hours post-treatment
• Antimicrobial mouth rinse as prescribed (chlorhexidine or similar)
• Salt water rinses 2-3 times daily (1/2 teaspoon salt in warm water)
• Avoid flossing in treated areas for 48-72 hours, then resume gently

Dietary Recommendations

• Soft foods that don't require aggressive chewing
• Avoid spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods that might irritate healing gums
• Stay hydrated to support healing and flush bacteria
• No alcohol while taking antibiotics (if prescribed)

Weeks 2-6: Healing and Improvement

Progressive Improvement

• Bleeding reduction should be significant by week 2
• Gum tightening around teeth as inflammation decreases
• Bad breath improvement as bacterial levels reduce
• Sensitivity decrease as gums heal and reattach

Ongoing Care Requirements

• Continue prescribed mouth rinses for full recommended duration
• Resume normal oral hygiene with modifications for sensitive areas
• Attend follow-up appointments for healing evaluation
• Report concerning symptoms immediately

Warning Signs to Call Immediately

• Excessive bleeding that doesn't respond to pressure
• Severe pain not controlled by prescribed medication
• Signs of infection (fever, pus, increasing swelling)
• Allergic reactions to prescribed medications

Maintenance Periodontal Therapy: Long-Term Success

After deep cleaning, ongoing maintenance is essential to prevent disease recurrence:

Periodontal Maintenance Schedule

Every 3-4 Months (Standard)

• Professional cleaning of periodontal pockets
• Pocket depth re-measurement to monitor improvement
• Bacterial plaque removal before it hardens into tartar
• Early intervention if disease signs return

Every 3 Months (High Risk)

• Patients with history of advanced disease
• Smokers or diabetics with increased susceptibility
• Those with persistent deep pockets (5mm+)
• Patients with poor oral hygiene compliance

Home Care Excellence

Daily Oral Hygiene Requirements

• Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and soft brush
• Daily flossing or water flossing to clean between teeth
• Antimicrobial mouth rinse if recommended by your dentist
• Regular dental X-rays to monitor bone levels

Lifestyle Modifications

• Smoking cessation (most important factor for healing)
• Diabetes management to improve gum healing
• Stress reduction to support immune function
• Balanced nutrition to support tissue repair

Cost and Insurance for Deep Teeth Cleaning

Periodontal therapy is typically well-covered as essential medical treatment:

Treatment Investment

Deep Cleaning Costs (Per Quadrant)

• Scaling and root planing: $200-400 per quadrant
• Full mouth treatment (4 quadrants): $800-1,600
• Adjunctive antibiotic therapy: $50-150 when needed
• Maintenance cleanings: $150-250 every 3-4 months

Insurance Coverage

Periodontal Benefits

• Most plans cover 70-80% of scaling and root planing
• Diagnosed periodontal disease usually qualifies for coverage
• Maintenance cleanings often covered as ongoing therapy
• Medical insurance may cover when systemic health is affected

Coverage Requirements

• Pocket depths 4mm or greater typically required for coverage
• Documentation of bone loss may be needed
• Periodontal diagnosis must be established
• Previous conservative treatment may need to be attempted first

Value of Periodontal Treatment

Cost Comparison

• Deep cleaning (per quadrant): $200-400
• Periodontal surgery: $1,000-3,000 per area
• Tooth replacement with implant: $3,000-5,000 per tooth
• Full mouth rehabilitation: $15,000-50,000+

Health Benefits Value

• Prevents tooth loss and expensive replacement procedures
• Reduces systemic health risks (heart disease, diabetes complications)
• Improves quality of life through better oral health
• Saves money long-term by preventing advanced treatment needs

Call (704) 396-6166 to verify your periodontal benefits and schedule treatment.

Advanced Periodontal Therapy Options

When appropriate, we offer adjunctive treatments to enhance healing:

Antibiotic Therapy

Systemic Antibiotics

• Prescribed for severe infections or patients with compromised healing
• Common medications: Doxycycline, Amoxicillin, Metronidazole
• Duration: Typically 7-10 days starting day of treatment
• Enhanced healing in cases of aggressive periodontitis

Local Antibiotic Delivery

• Arestin (minocycline) placed directly in deep pockets
• Sustained release over 14-21 days for targeted action
• Reduces need for systemic antibiotics
• Improved healing in specific problem areas

Laser Therapy (If Available)

Diode Laser Treatment

• Bacterial reduction in periodontal pockets
• Improved healing with reduced bleeding and swelling
• Comfortable treatment with minimal post-operative discomfort
• Enhanced outcomes when combined with traditional therapy

Frequently Asked Questions