Patients often ask why they are scheduled for root planing or periodontal maintenance when all they want is to have their teeth cleaned. Here is a brief explanation.
A regular cleaning is recommended for patients who do not have bone loss, periodontal disease, or infection around the teeth. There should be no bleeding, mobility of the teeth, receded areas, or gaps where the roots are exposed.
A regular cleaning removes soft plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth above the gum line and only slightly below. It is usually done two to three times a year. Insurance carriers consider it a preventive procedure, since regular cleanings help prevent periodontal disease.
If you have periodontal disease that has resulted in bone loss, gum pockets deeper than 4 millimeters, bleeding gums, or exposed root surfaces, a regular cleaning is not appropriate. Periodontal maintenance is needed to maintain gum and bone health.
This procedure removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, all the way down the length of each tooth to where the root, gum, and bone meet. Rough areas of the roots are smoothed if needed, pocket depths are monitored, and inflamed pockets may be irrigated with antibacterial medicines.
Insurance carriers consider periodontal maintenance a basic service, and it may be subject to a yearly deductible. It is usually performed three to four times a year.
Root planing removes bacteria and their toxins, tartar, and diseased deposits from the surfaces of the tooth roots. Scaling is required the full length of the root surface. Root planing is typically one of the first steps in treating gum and bone disease.
Periodontal disease is very common but does not always have distinct symptoms. You may notice that your gums bleed easily, that you have a bad taste in your mouth, or that your gums appear red or swollen. Or you may not notice anything at all.
Research has linked chronic inflammation in the gums to overall health, especially heart disease and diabetes. Keeping the gums and bone surrounding your teeth healthy is an important part of your regular dental visits.
