Scaling and Root Planing in Camarillo
Gum disease often develops quietly, and by the time gums feel tender or bleed when you brush, bacteria may already have settled below the gumline where a toothbrush can't reach. Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning designed for exactly that situation. At 805 Dentistry, we provide this treatment for patients from Camarillo and throughout the surrounding communities, with a board-certified periodontist on our team to help guide care for your gums.
A routine dental cleaning focuses on the surfaces of your teeth and the area just at the gumline. Scaling and root planing goes further. During scaling, we carefully remove plaque and hardened tartar from above and below the gumline, including from the pockets that can form between the gums and teeth when gum disease is present. During root planing, we smooth the root surfaces so the gums have a cleaner surface to rest against.
This treatment is one of the ways we address gum disease. Because our office includes periodontics alongside general dentistry, the same team that cleans and examines your teeth can also evaluate your gums in depth. For Camarillo families, that means you don't have to coordinate between separate offices to get gum care started.
Many people who benefit from scaling and root planing don't realize they need it until a dental exam reveals deeper pockets or tartar buildup below the gums. Signs that can prompt a closer look include gums that bleed easily, gums that look red or swollen, persistent bad breath, or gums that seem to be pulling away from the teeth. Our team will examine your gums and explain what we find before recommending any treatment.
Candidates range widely. Some are adults who have gone a while between cleanings. Others have a history of gum problems or want to protect dental implants and restorations they already have. We see patients of all ages, so parents from Camarillo can also bring the rest of the family to the same office for checkups, cleanings, and other care.
What happens during a scaling and root planing appointment?
Scaling and root planing is done in our office, and we focus on keeping you comfortable throughout. Treatment may be divided by area of the mouth depending on what your gums need, and we will walk you through the plan before we begin so you know what to expect.
For patients who feel nervous about dental visits, we have a board-certified dental anesthesiologist on staff and offer several comfort options. Here is a general overview of what the visit involves:
- A review of your gum health and the areas that need attention
- A discussion of comfort options, which include nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation
- Scaling to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
- Root planing to smooth the root surfaces
- Personalized home-care instructions before you leave
How should I care for my gums afterward?
Consistent home care and follow-up visits are what help protect the work done during treatment. Gentle, thorough brushing and daily cleaning between your teeth help keep bacteria from building back up in the areas we treated. We will give you specific instructions based on your mouth, and you are always welcome to call us with questions as you heal.
After a deep cleaning, many patients move to a schedule of periodontal maintenance, which involves cleanings focused on keeping gum disease under control. If your gums need more advanced care down the road, our periodontics team also offers services such as periodontal surgery, gum grafting, and periodontal regeneration, so your care can continue in a familiar setting with people who already know your history.
How can I pay for scaling and root planing?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we welcome self-pay patients as well. Because coverage differs from plan to plan, our team can help you understand what your benefits may apply toward before treatment begins, so there are no surprises.
We also offer financing for patients who would like to spread out the cost of their care. If you are in Camarillo and have been putting off gum treatment because of cost concerns, we encourage you to reach out. We are happy to talk through your options and help you find a path that fits your budget.
Healthy gums support everything else in your smile, from natural teeth to crowns and implants. When you are ready to take the next step, contact 805 Dentistry to schedule an exam. Dr. Dar Radfar and our team look forward to caring for you and your family.