Scaling and root planing in Falls Church, VA
At Broadview Dental, we provide scaling and root planing in Falls Church, VA, a treatment often called deep cleaning. This treatment removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, where a routine cleaning may not be able to reach.
How a deep cleaning differs from a regular cleaning
A regular cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of your teeth and around the gumline. For patients with healthy gums, routine cleanings are an important part of maintaining oral health.
When gum disease creates deeper spaces between the teeth and gums, bacteria and tartar can collect below the gumline. Scaling removes this buildup, while root planing smooths the root surfaces to support healing and make it harder for bacteria to collect again.
Because this treatment is performed below the gumline, local anesthetic may be used to keep you comfortable. Dr. Nam will explain how your care will be scheduled based on the areas that need treatment.
What happens during a deep cleaning appointment
Your treatment plan is based on your periodontal needs, and we will explain each step before we begin.
Keeping you comfortable
Local anesthetic may be used to numb the areas being treated. You may feel pressure or movement during care, but you should not feel sharp pain. Let us know right away if you are uncomfortable.
Scaling below the gumline
Scaling removes plaque and hardened tartar from the tooth surfaces, including the areas below the gumline that cannot be reached with brushing or a routine cleaning.
Root planing: smoothing the root surfaces
Root planing smooths the surface of the tooth roots after buildup is removed. This can help the gums heal and make it more difficult for bacteria to collect on the roots.
Completing your treatment
The number of visits needed depends on the areas being treated and your individual periodontal needs. Dr. Nam will explain how your care will be scheduled and what to expect after each visit.
Planning ongoing care
After scaling and root planing, ongoing periodontal maintenance may be recommended to help protect your gums and monitor your oral health. Your follow up dental cleaning will be based on your needs and response to treatment.
What to expect in the days after a deep cleaning
Most patients return to normal activities quickly, but your recovery can vary based on the condition of your gums and the areas treated.
- Numbness wearing offWHENTHE SAME DAY
- If local anesthetic is used, wait until the numbness has worn off before eating or drinking anything hot. This can help you avoid accidentally biting your cheek, tongue or lip.
- Tenderness and sensitivityWHENA FEW DAYS
- Your gums may feel tender, and your teeth may be more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures for a short time. Let our team know if you have discomfort that concerns you or does not improve.
- Gums healingWHENA FEW WEEKS
- As inflammation improves, your gums may begin to fit more closely around your teeth. Your response to treatment can vary, and Dr. Nam will monitor your healing at follow-up visits.
- Checking your progressWHENAT YOUR FOLLOW UP VISIT
- At your follow-up visit, we may check your gums and discuss how they are responding to treatment. This helps us recommend the right plan for maintaining your periodontal health.
Schedule a deep cleaning consultation near you in Falls Church, VA
Scaling and root planing is recommended when a regular cleaning is not enough to address buildup below the gumline. After a comprehensive exam, Dr. Nam will explain what he sees, discuss whether deep cleaning is appropriate and answer your questions before you decide on a treatment that fits your unique needs.
Broadview Dental is on West Broad Street, close to you if you live or work nearby in Falls Church, and we are welcoming new patients of every age. Call (571) 584-0020 or use the form below to arrange scaling and root planing in Falls Church, VA.
Deep cleaning care with Dr. Nam in Falls Church, VA
Dr. Nam provides scaling and root planing care at Broadview Dental. He will explain your treatment recommendations, answer your questions and help you understand the next steps for protecting your gum health.
What deep cleaning costs
The cost of scaling and root planing depends on the areas of your mouth that need treatment and the condition of your gums. After your periodontal evaluation, we will review the recommended care, explain the expected cost and answer any questions before treatment is scheduled.
If you plan to use dental insurance, our team can help you review your available benefits. For patients without dental insurance, our in-house membership plan may be a helpful way to manage the cost of ongoing preventive dental care and routine visits. You can also review our current specials before scheduling treatment.
Call (571) 584-0020 with your insurance information or questions about payment, and our team will help you understand your options.
Patient reviews in Falls Church, VA
Questions about deep cleaning
These answers cover the practical questions patients often have before and after scaling and root planing.
Local anesthetic may be used to help keep you comfortable during treatment. You may feel pressure while the area is being cleaned, and some tenderness or sensitivity may occur afterward. Let us know if you have concerns about sensitivity or dental anxiety before your visit.
The length of your appointment depends on the areas being treated and your individual periodontal needs. Dr. Nam will explain the recommended schedule and what to expect before treatment begins.
A regular cleaning may be enough if your gums are healthy and there is no buildup below the gumline. If deeper spaces around the teeth need treatment, scaling and root planing may be recommended. Dr. Nam will explain which option is appropriate for your oral health.
Scaling and root planing is intended to remove buildup below the gumline and help manage gum disease. Your gums may respond by becoming less inflamed and fitting more closely around your teeth. Dr. Nam will monitor your progress and discuss what to expect for your individual situation.
Your long-term needs depend on how your gums respond to treatment and how your periodontal health is maintained over time. Regular periodontal maintenance and home care can help protect your results. Dr. Nam will recommend a follow-up schedule based on your unique needs.
If local anesthetic is used, wait until the numbness wears off before eating. You may prefer softer foods or foods that are not very hot or cold if your teeth or gums feel sensitive. Dr. Nam will provide aftercare guidance based on your treatment.
Where to find us
Broadview Dental is at 101 W Broad St, Suite 200 in Falls Church, VA. We are open Monday to Saturday and welcoming new patients of all ages.
Call us or send the form and we will follow up to arrange a time that suits you.
Request an appointment
We’ll follow up by phone or email to confirm a time. Please don’t include sensitive health information.