Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a nonsurgical dental procedure to treat gum disease (periodontitis) by removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline. During this periodontal treatment, specialized dental instruments are used to meticulously clean the tooth roots and smooth rough surfaces on the roots to prevent bacteria from reattaching. This procedure helps to halt the progression of gum disease, reduce inflammation, promote gum tissue healing, and avoid tooth loss, ultimately restoring oral health and preventing further complications associated with periodontal disease.
Who Would Need Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning is typically recommended for individuals diagnosed with gum disease, specifically periodontitis. Common signs of gum disease include red, swollen, or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth. However, deep cleaning may also be recommended as a preventive measure for individuals with risk factors for gum disease, such as smoking, diabetes, hormonal changes, and genetic predisposition. Contact us today!
The Procedure of Deep Cleaning
- The deep cleaning procedure begins with an initial assessment by your dentist or dental hygienist. This assessment typically involves a comprehensive examination of your gums using a periodontal probe to measure pocket depths around the teeth. Deeper pockets indicate more severe gum disease.
- Depending on the severity of gum disease and your comfort level, local anesthesia may be administered to numb the gums and teeth before the procedure begins. This ensures a comfortable experience during deep cleaning.
- The first step of deep cleaning is scaling, where specialized dental instruments remove plaque, tartar, and bacterial deposits from the tooth surfaces above and below the gumline. The dentist or hygienist may use manual scalers, ultrasonic scalers, or a combination of both to clean the teeth thoroughly.
- After scaling, root planing is performed to smooth out rough areas on the teeth's roots. This process helps remove bacterial toxins and prevent bacteria from reattaching to the tooth surfaces. Smoothing the roots also promotes gum tissue healing and reattachment to the teeth.
- An antimicrobial agent or antibiotic may sometimes be applied to the gum pockets to reduce bacteria further and promote healing. This step may be recommended based on the severity of gum disease and individual treatment needs.
- After the deep cleaning procedure, your dentist or dental hygienist will provide post-treatment instructions to follow at home. This may include recommendations for oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing techniques, and any prescribed medications or mouth rinses to aid healing.
The Benefits of Deep Cleaning
Halting the Progression of Gum Disease
One of the primary benefits of deep cleaning is its ability to halt the progression of gum disease. By thoroughly removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline and around the roots of the teeth, deep cleaning helps prevent further damage to the gums and supporting structures. This crucial intervention prevents gum disease from advancing to more severe stages, ultimately preserving the health of your gums and teeth.
Reduction of Inflammation and Swelling
Gum disease often manifests with symptoms such as redness, swelling, and tenderness of the gums. Deep cleaning reduces inflammation and swelling by eliminating bacterial deposits and toxins contributing to gum irritation. As a result, patients experience relief from discomfort and tenderness, restoring comfort and function to their oral cavity.
Promotion of Gum Tissue Healing
Root planing, a key component of deep cleaning, involves smoothing out rough areas on the roots of the teeth. This process removes bacterial toxins and promotes gum tissue healing and reattachment to the teeth. As the gums heal and reattach to the tooth surfaces, the depth of gum pockets is reduced, mitigating the risk of further bacterial accumulation and gum disease progression.
Prevention of Tooth Loss
Gum disease can lead to irreversible damage to the gums, bone, and supporting structures, ultimately resulting in tooth loss. Deep cleaning helps prevent tooth loss by preserving the integrity of the teeth and supporting structures. By addressing the underlying cause of gum disease and promoting gum health, deep cleaning safeguards the longevity of your natural teeth and prevents the need for extractions or extensive dental treatments.
Improvement of Overall Oral Health
Maintaining healthy gums is integral to overall oral health. Deep cleaning removes harmful bacteria associated with gum disease, reducing the risk of systemic health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Additionally, healthy gums provide a stable foundation for the teeth, ensuring proper alignment, function, and aesthetics.
Deep cleaning is a vital procedure in dentistry for treating gum disease and maintaining optimal oral health. By effectively removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gum line and around the roots of the teeth, deep cleaning helps halt the progression of gum disease, promotes gum tissue healing, and prevents tooth loss. If you're experiencing symptoms of gum disease or have risk factors for gum disease, promote gum tissue healing, and prevent tooth loss. If you're experiencing symptoms of gum disease or have risk factors for gum disease, visit Blue Turtle Dental at one of our convenient locations at 2290 Birch St, Ste A, Palo Alto, CA 94306; 81 Birch Street, Redwood City, CA 94062; or 1394 Franklin St., Santa Clara, CA 95050 to schedule your filling procedure and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile. You can schedule an appointment online or call us at (650) 503-6777, (650) 345-5300, or (408) 246-6030.