Deep Dental Cleaning For Periodontal Disease
Getting your teeth professionally cleaned by your hygienist on a routine basis helps promote optimal oral health. It can help reduce your risk for cavities and gum disease, however, if you have existing periodontal disease—an extreme form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss—your dentist may recommend a special deep dental cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing. Here are some things to consider regarding the actual procedure of scaling and root planing as well as the advantages of this deep dental cleaning.
Scaling And Root Planing Procedure
While your general dentist can perform your scaling and root planing procedure, they may refer you to a specialist known as a periodontist. They are dentists who specialize in diagnosing and treating gum disease, including periodontal disease. A scaling and root planing procedure typically takes longer than routine dental cleaning and while the procedure is not typically painful, your dentist may give you a local anesthetic to numb your gum tissue and the roots of your teeth. During the procedure, hardened plaque, also known as tartar or calculus, will be removed from your teeth and under your gum line and then the rough areas of your tooth roots will also be smoothed out.
Advantages Of Scaling And Root Planing
One of the most significant benefits of this deep cleaning procedure is that when your tooth roots are smoothed out they will be less effective at holding on to the bacteria that can cause gum infections and gingivitis, which will help heal your periodontal disease. In addition to minimizing the symptoms of early periodontal disease such as bleeding gums, drainage from your gums, and swollen and painful gums, scaling and root planing can also help prevent the progression of periodontal disease that can result in gum recession, tooth loss, and bone damage.
Like a traditional dental cleaning, scaling and root planing can remove superficial stains from your teeth. While the procedure can often be completed in a single office visit, a couple of visits may be needed to complete the entire procedure in certain situations.
If you develop any of the above symptoms of gum disease, see your dentist as soon as possible for an examination. If your symptoms are caused by periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning procedure so that the healing process can begin which will reduce the risk for progression and restore your oral health.
Contact a local dentist to learn more about dental cleanings.
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