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Scaling / Root surface treatment
Scaling and root surface treatment are dental procedures performed by a doctor or trained assistant to remove tartar from the tooth surface. If you do not have regular scaling, you are very likely to get periodontitis.
Scaling removes tartar above the gumline, while root surface treatment removes tartar below the gumline. When the doctor indicates root surface treatment for a patient, it means the patient already has periodontitis and needs treatment as early as possible according to a treatment course.
Who performs scaling and root surface treatment?
Dentists and periodontal specialists are permitted to perform scaling and root surface treatment. Trained dental assistants can also perform scaling for patients. Scaling is usually completed in one appointment. If there is too much tartar or severe gingivitis, the dentist may need more than 1 appointment to complete scaling and follow-up. For root surface treatment, patients follow a personalized course depending on whether the periodontal disease is severe or mild, acute or chronic.
Who needs scaling and root surface treatment?
Generally, everyone should have a general dental check-up and scaling regularly twice a year. Root surface treatment is indicated by the doctor when the patient has periodontal pockets (which means periodontal disease is present) and will need to have root surface treatment according to the course the doctor proposes.
Some risk factors affecting tartar in the mouth increase the risk of gingivitis/periodontitis, and the patient will need scaling more than twice a year:
- Smoking.
- Family history of gum disease.
- Systemic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis.
- Changing hormone conditions closely linked to periodontal disease, such as pregnancy gingivitis.
- Bridges with a pontic gap from the mucosa.
- Poor oral hygiene.
- Stress.
Scaling and root surface treatment procedure
Step 1
Examination, X-rays, treatment planning
Step 2
Scaling the patient's teeth
Step 3
Polishing the teeth
Step 4
Root surface treatment
Step 5
Follow-up visit
Step 1: Examination + full-mouth X-rays/Panorex/CBCT diagnosis + treatment planning
At the first appointment, the doctor examines in person, records the condition of each tooth and the gums, takes diagnostic X-rays and records the depth of gum pockets, bone loss, degree of gum bleeding on probing, and gum recession. The diagnosis plan is then discussed between patient and doctor. If the patient only has ordinary gingivitis, the doctor will indicate scaling; if periodontitis is present, the doctor will indicate root surface treatment.Step 2: Scaling the patient's teeth
The doctor uses an ultrasonic vibrating tip to remove tartar. First, the doctor places the metal vibrating tip parallel to the tooth surface and vibrates. The vibration of the tip separates tartar from the tooth surface, and a water jet flushes away plaque and tartar. The doctor then uses special instruments to clean off any remaining tartar debris and verifies that the tartar has been completely removed.Step 3: Polishing the teeth
After scaling, the doctor uses a prophy brush and polishing paste to polish and remove stains from the patient's teeth. If stains are hard to remove, the doctor uses air-polishing to clean thoroughly even the toughest stains.Step 4: Root surface treatment
For root surface treatment, the doctor must first scale the tartar above the gumline. The pocket depth is measured and recorded before treatment, and a long-tip ultrasonic scaler designed for subgingival tartar is used together with irrigation with saline mixed with betadine to remove the patient's subgingival tartar. Next, the doctor uses a curette (a specialized instrument for cleaning periodontal pockets) to check and completely clean tartar adhering to the root. The doctor may also prescribe mouthwash and antibiotics to help remove the bacteria causing periodontitis and improve gum healing.Step 5: Follow-up visit
Benefits and risks of scaling and root surface treatment
Benefits
Studies have shown that scaling and root surface treatment are effective treatments for periodontitis, preventing tooth loosening, gum tissue loss and bone loss.
Risks
Scaling and root surface treatment can cause discomfort, and the body needs time to heal after treatment. Patients with certain systemic conditions such as infective endocarditis, uncontrolled diabetes, or prosthetic heart valves may need to take prophylactic antibiotics before the procedure.
What happens after scaling and root surface treatment?
After treatment, your gums may still be congested, bleed easily and be swollen. You may also feel tooth sensitivity. However, follow your doctor's advice:
- Avoid foods that are too hard and drinks that are too hot or too cold.
- Eat soft food.
- Take painkillers or antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor.
- Use antibacterial medication/mouthwash.
Why should you choose Kha Dental for scaling and root surface treatment?
Highly skilled doctors, gentle and quick procedures
The doctors at Kha Dental are all properly and deeply trained in periodontal disease and have many years of experience treating periodontitis effectively. The doctors not only carefully make a meticulous treatment plan but also carry out treatment quickly with the fewest appointments to give patients the best experience.
Modern, well-invested equipment
Kha Dental always invests in equipment and treatment instruments to achieve the best results and shorten treatment time for patients.
Strict sterile procedures meeting Ministry of Health standards
All treatment instruments used on patients are autoclaved and sterilized to Ministry of Health standards, preventing cross-infection and ensuring absolute sterility during procedures.
Reasonable, clear and transparent treatment costs
Kha Dental always provides clear, accurate and complete consultation, and commits to open, transparent treatment costs with no extra charges during treatment. Patients can choose the clinic's services with complete peace of mind.
Scaling and root surface treatment costs
The cost of scaling and root surface treatment varies depending on the patient's gingivitis and periodontitis condition. For a detailed, specific quotation, patients can call the hotline 085 205 2212 to book an appointment at Kha Dental to meet the consulting doctor.
| SERVICE | UNIT PRICE |
|---|---|
| Scaling | 200,000 - 300,000 VND |
| Full-mouth gingivitis treatment | 1,000,000 VND |
| Root surface treatment | 300,000 VND |
| Flap surgery for root surface treatment | +500,000 VND |