Dental deep cleanings, or scaling and root planing, are used to remove harmful plaque and tartar that have accumulated around your teeth’s roots. Uptown Dental in New York City explains what root planing and scaling are, how much does it cost, and how often you should consider getting it done.
Why do I need a deep cleaning
We all know that eating an apple a day is good for us, but did you know that most fruits and vegetables are covered in pesticides that can build up on your teeth over time. Not only does all of those chemicals impact your health, but it also takes its toll on your teeth as well. The best way to avoid these issues is by having a dental deep cleaning performed at uptown dental every six months. It’s quick, affordable and easy to get scheduled online right now! Give us a call today if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment. Ask about our $29 New Patient Special! Don’t forget to bring cash, credit card or check!
How much does it cost
According to our dentists at Uptown Dental Care, there are a few ways to find out what your dental deep cleaning will cost. The first thing you’ll want to do is make an appointment with one of our offices in San Francisco or Oakland, CA, and discuss your concerns. Our dentists can look over your existing X-rays, evaluate any current issues and make recommendations on how they might be addressed.
The second thing you should know is that dental deep cleanings are only done by a dentist—not an assistant or hygienist. That means that if you choose to have it done, it will be performed by one of our team members who has extensive training and experience performing these procedures. So don’t worry about not getting personalized care; we won’t just hand off your treatment to someone else! Finally, keep in mind that while we offer affordable rates for all patients (including those who have insurance), dental insurance may not cover all aspects of a deep cleaning procedure. We recommend checking with your provider before scheduling an appointment so you know exactly what costs are covered ahead of time.
When should I get one
Schedule a dental deep cleaning (also called scaling and root planing) when plaque and tartar buildup is visible on your teeth. If you haven’t had a professional cleaning in at least 6 months, it’s time to go back for another one. Of course, scheduling a dental cleaning as soon as possible can help prevent plaque buildup from getting worse; better yet, make regular trips to Uptown Dental. Your dentist will be able to tell you if you need a deep cleaning or not. In fact, most people only need one every few years. But if there are signs of heavy tartar build-up or gum disease, we may recommend more frequent cleanings so that we can get ahead of any problems before they become serious issues. We also offer advanced periodontal treatments such as laser gum therapy and surgical procedures such as gingivectomy if your gums have begun to recede.
What happens during the procedure
Your dentist will first use specialized instruments to remove plaque from all surfaces of your teeth, including tooth-to-tooth contact points. After cleaning, a high-speed polisher will be used to smooth enamel surface irregularities caused by plaque buildup.
The polish will also help remove any surface stains from coffee, tea or tobacco products. Finally, your dentist will place a thin layer of plastic over each tooth and shine a light on it for 30 seconds. The light hardens the plastic into a protective coating that helps seal in stain removal and prevents future staining.
Deep cleanings are typically done every six months to maintain healthy gums and prevent gum disease. If you have an existing gum disease, deep cleanings may be performed more frequently. If you’re suffering from periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend other treatments such as scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) along with regular deep cleanings.
In some cases, oral surgery may be required to improve gum health if deep cleanings aren’t enough. The average cost of a dental deep cleaning is $295 per quadrant (upper right side; lower right side; upper left side; lower left side). However, prices can vary depending on location and type of insurance coverage.
Insurances cover In dental
Most part of a deep cleaning procedure it’s important to check with your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment. You’ll need to provide them with information about what services you’ll receive during your visit and how much they’ll cost out-of-pocket. Some dentists offer discounts for patients who pay out-of-pocket instead of using their insurance plans.
Check online reviews, speak with friends and family members who’ve had similar procedures done recently, or ask your dentist about possible discounts when making an appointment. Average costs do not include anesthesia fees, which could range between $50 and $100.
Additionally, To avoid missing work or school after your procedure, make sure to schedule a morning appointment so you don’t have to worry about driving home late at night after anesthesia wears off.
After the procedure
After your teeth have been deep cleaned, you should be diligent about brushing and flossing. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily will keep plaque from building up on your teeth again. If you don’t want to schedule another professional deep cleaning for another two years, aim to brush for three minutes, twice a day.
If that seems like an eternity when it comes to toothbrushing, try singing or listening to music while you do it; research shows that people who brush with music spend more time actually brushing their teeth than those who don’t. Music can also help distract you from thoughts of food while you eat (as long as it isn’t driving-to-the-store music), so try playing some tunes before meals!
It may take some practice, but if you stick with it, brushing longer is sure to become a habit. And if you still feel anxious about scheduling future cleanings, check out our post on how often you should see your dentist—you might be surprised by what we say!
