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Dental Patient Care - UT Health Science Center San AntonioDental Patient Care - UT Health Science Center San Antonio

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  • Deep Cleaning

Deep Cleaning

Also called: Scaling and root planing


A deep cleaning is performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to remove the built-up plaque and tartar from your tooth and gum structure. Your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning to treat or prevent gum disease.

What to expect

A deep cleaning is comprised of two parts: scaling and root planing.

  • Scaling: the process of removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and from the pocket areas between the teeth and gums.
  • Root planing:  involves removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the roots of your teeth with a scaling instrument.

A deep cleaning often requires a minimum of two visits and a potential follow-up to ensure your gums and teeth are becoming healthier and there is no additional pocket depth.

After the procedure

You may experience light sensitivity for a few days. You may be prescribed a mouth rinse to help your gums heal properly. In the following weeks you should notice your gums getting healthier as long as you maintain a daily oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing.


Patient admiring her teeth after a deep cleaning to prevent gum disease and periodontal disease

Available Practices

The practices below offer this specialty care. Select a practice that best meets your budget and availability for appointments.

Teaching Practice

Services at this clinic are performed at reduced prices because students are working under the supervision of board-certified dentists on faculty. The educational nature of the clinic requires extra time for appointments and the types of services offered depends on the training needed by students at that time.

Average Cost: 60 - 70% less than private practice

Appointment Time: 3-4 hour appointments

Education: Dental students under the guidance of faculty dentists

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Resident Practice

We offer comprehensive dental care performed by dental residents who have already received professional dental degrees and are completing advanced training under the supervision of dental faculty.

Average Cost: Fees average 60% of the cost of private practice

Appointment Time: Slightly longer than private practice

Education: Graduate dentists completing advanced training

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Faculty Practice

The Faculty Practice at UT Dentistry is staffed by licensed dentists who are also on faculty at the School of Dentistry. When you receive treatment by dentists from the School of Dentistry, you'll get services and expertise from seasoned professionals who also teach our future dentists. Our office has the feel of a private practice with the resources of a nationally recognized dental school.

Average Cost: Equal to private practice

Appointment Time: Equal to private practice

Education: Faculty dentists

Make an Appointment

UT Health San Antonio<br />
Dentistry 8210 Floyd Curl Drive San Antonio, TX 78229

UT Health San Antonio
Dentistry

8210 Floyd Curl Drive
San Antonio, TX 78229

210-450-3700

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The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, also called UT Health San Antonio, is a leading academic health center with a mission to make lives better through excellence in advanced academics, life-saving research and comprehensive clinical care including health, dental and cancer services.

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