Sometimes, tartar can find its way below the gumline and attach itself to tooth roots. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and more serious issues such as periodontitis and gums that detach from the tooth and recede. When this happens, we will need to perform a deep cleaning (also known as root planing) that involves ridding tartar from your tooth roots and smoothing the rough root surfaces to allow gums to re-attach themselves.

Root planing, also known as a "deep cleaning" is a dental procedure performed when periodontal (gum) disease is detected. Signs of periodontal disease severe enough to warrant a deep cleaning include bleeding gums when brushing or flossing and a shrinking or receding gumline.

A deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar from tooth roots (below the gumline) and leaves behind a smooth, clean surface for gum tissue to re-attach itself to. If you are currently experiencing signs of periodontal (gum) disease, it is important that you call our office at (703) 821-4040 and talk to us about coming in for a dental exam. You can also request an appointment online which may help speed up the process.

The benefits of a root planing procedure to your teeth, gums and entire body outweigh the serious problems that can happen if gum disease is left untreated. Every dental insurance provider is different in some ways and many set a specific limit, per year, for dental coverage and includes things such as general cleanings and dental x-rays but often enough the need for a deep cleaning can go beyond this limit but it is very important to check. We will be very happy to work with your dental insurance provider to see if you're covered for a deep cleaning. Call us at (703) 821-4040 and let us know who your dental provider is and we can get some questions answered right over the phone and then schedule an appointment to have your come into our office for an evaluation.

Is it Expensive?

Fortunately, if you are left paying for a deep cleaning yourself, it is a very affordable preventive procedure that will help keep your teeth and gums their healthiest. We can work with you to come up with an easy way to pay for a deep cleaning. Please visit our payment and financing options page to learn more or call us directly at (703) 821-4040 or even request an appointment and come in to discuss your payment and financing options.