Unbiased oral health information

Procedures

Scaling & root planing

Consumer information

Scaling & root planing
Relative cost of procedure ($ - $$$$$)
Relative cost of procedure ($-$$$$$)
$$ (per quadrant, four or more adjacent teeth.)
Time commitment (average)
Time commitment (average)
1 to 4 visits; 1 to 2 hours per quadrant of teeth treated.
Temporary discomfort potential
Temporary discomfort potential
Above average. Can easily be treated (ask your dentist).
Cosmetic results (how it looks)
Cosmetic results (how it looks)
Root planing can cause shrinkage of swollen, infected gingiva, which can expose tooth roots.
Wear properties
Wear properties
Not applicable
Irreversible pulpitis/infection potential
Irreversible pulpitis/infection potential
Average to above average. Depends on patient compliance and individual risk factors.
Fracture resistance
Fracture resistance
Not applicable
Tooth reduction (amount required)
Tooth reduction (amount required)
Not applicable
Corrosion, metal sensitivity/allergy potential
Corrosion, metal sensitivity/allergy potential
Not applicable
Soft tissue irritation potential
Soft tissue irritation potential
Average to above average, depending on patient risk factors and compliance.