Scaling & Root Planing Deep Teeth Cleaning

Serving all of Marin County & Greater San Francisco

Your Choice For Specialized Periodontal Treatment

As a Harvard University and Columbia University trained periodontist in Marin County, CA, Dr. Michael Seda offers a wide range of periodontal and dental implant services to Marin County and San Francisco, CA. We treat referred and non-referred patients in a peaceful, modern setting, and are committed to partnering with all of our patients throughout their treatment. We are committed to exceeding expectations, and provide the highest level of dental care, to achieve the ultimate goal of optimal oral health for all of our patients

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Dr. Michael Seda
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Deep Teeth Cleaning Scaling & Root Planing

Your mouth is continually accumulating bacteria (plaque). This bacteria, if left alone for too long, can mineralize and begin to develop into tartar. Plaque can be removed through standard brushing and flossing, but when plaque has become tartar, you will likely need a dentist or periodontist to intervene in order to remove the advanced decay.

When tartar forms below the gumline, your gums can become irritated, which will create a cycle that leads to the development of periodontal disease. Early signs of periodontal disease include red gums or gums that are swollen and bleed easily. As these issues progress, your gums will begin to recede from your teeth and begin developing pockets, which create more room for bacteria to grow. When this occurs, you are much more susceptible to developing common periodontal issues, such as halitosis, tooth decay, tooth pain, and if left untreated for long enough, eventual tooth loss.

One of the best methods for addressing this periodontal disease is to remove the tartar through a process referred to as scaling. The scaling procedure involves your dentist or periodontist using specialty tools that are designed to gently remove the tartar from your teeth without affecting the enamel. When this scaling is performed below the root line, this is referred to as planing.

At Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, we offer a wide range of periodontal and dental implant services, and we treat referred and non-referred patients in a peaceful, modern setting, and are committed to partnering with all of our patients throughout their treatment. If you have noticed any early signs of gum disease or if you are scheduled for a scaling and root planing procedure, please contact our staff, who will be happy to answer any questions or help you set up an appointment.

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We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form.

Scaling & Root Planing Process

After you complete an extensive examination to define how healthy your oral health is, the scaling and root planing procedure can begin. Local anesthetic might be recommended for use depending on some factors like the current state of your gums, the amount of calculus, also known as tartar, on your teeth, the overall depth of the pockets, and any progression of the periodontitis.

  • Scaling: During the scaling process, unique dental instruments will be used to perform scaling, sometimes including the use of an ultrasonic scaling tool. This tool will remove the tartar and plaque build-up from the surfaces of the root and crown. Sometimes, the tool entails the use of an irrigation process that is used to insert an antimicrobial agent underneath the gums. This is used to decrease the amount of oral bacteria.
  • Root Planing: The root planing process involves decreasing cementum and dentin on the surface that is dense with unwanted microorganisms, toxins, and calculus. The tooth root is smoothed out to facilitate healing. The cleaner and smoother your root surfaces are, the less likely that bacteria will thrive there.

After you have undergone the in-depth cleaning processes, your dentist may medicate your gum pockets with antibiotics. The antibiotics will help the gum tissues to heal faster, and will soothe any discomfort you may be experiencing.

At your following appointment, our staff will check to see how much progress your pockets have made on the road to healing by conducting a careful examination of your gums.

Treatment Benefits

There are a wide range of important benefits associated with having a scaling and root planing procedure. For example, scaling and root planing can:

  • Prevent Disease: Oral bacteria that lead to periodontal infections are able to travel through the bloodstream to other areas of your body. Periodontal bacteria such as this can lead to lung infections and heart disease. Procedures like scaling and root planing can remove this bacteria and impede the progression of periodontal disease, while preventing such bacteria from spreading around the body.
  • Improve Your Aesthetic Appearance: Scaling and root planing will remove any superficial stains already on your teeth because the process helps to remove any present calculus and plaque below the gumline and on the teeth, giving you a whiter smile.
  • Provide Protection for your Teeth: Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in developed countries. The risk for periodontal disease is greater if your gum pockets exceed a depth of 3mm. When the pockets get deeper, more dangerous bacteria colonies thrive in the pockets. Tooth loss can occur if the chronic inflammatory response of the body is triggered and starts to destroy the gingival and bone tissue.
  • Improves Halitosis (bad breath): How do you know if you have periodontal disease? Halitosis, or bad breath, is a common sign. A bad odor remains if food debris and bacteria are thriving in the oral cavity. Scaling and root planing are cleaning techniques that can alleviate halitosis and restore your good breath.

Post Procedure Care

The most important thing you can do following your scaling and root planing procedure is to continue to practice good oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth twice daily and for at least two minutes each time and continue flossing regularly. If you have not yet, talk to Dr. Seda or your dentist about a recommended antimicrobial mouth rinse.

Along with these important at home care practices, the best thing you can do to continue enjoying your healthy smile is to schedule regular visits every six months. During these routine checkups, your periodontist can conduct deep cleanings and monitor the overall state of your oral health, catching issues before they develop. By maintaining these habits, you will be well on your way to preventing additional issues from developing in the future.

Scaling and Root Planing Costs

Like most dental procedures, the final cost will be determined by a variety of factors, such as the severity of your case, where you are located geographically, and what type of insurance plan you currently have. Our practice does accept most dental insurance programs, including non-managed care, indemnity (traditional), and PPO out-of-network. Our staff will be happy to submit a pre-treatment estimate to your insurance company so you can determine what your benefits will be. Or, if you are not currently covered by insurance or have concerns about the final cost, our staff will be happy to discuss other financial arrangements with you.

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High Quality Periodontal Care You Can Trust

When you come to Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, you can expect a friendly and professional dental team. Dr. Seda will listen carefully to your dental goals and provide a custom treatment plan that works with your budget and needs. We want you to fall in love with your smile again, so all our services are performed with the patient in mind. We want you to feel comfortable in the dental chair, and to feel confident in our service.

At Marin Contemporary Perio and Implant Concepts, we aim to provide cutting edge perio and implant solutions in a comfortable and relaxed environment, where patients feel we put them first. Scheduling an appointment for scaling and root planing is the first step towards being confident in your smile once again. To schedule an appointment, please contact us today at (415) 482-9901.

Marin Contemporary Perio & Implant Concepts is conveniently located in San Rafael, CA but graciously serves the greater northern San Franciso Metro and all of Marin County and Surrounding areas including : Oakland, Berkeley, Corte Madre, Sausalito, Ross, Belvedere, Kentfield, Tiburon, Mill Valley, Tamalpais, San Anselmo, Larkspur and Novato.