Your need for a deep cleaning typically begins when plaque is left around your gum line and on your teeth. Once this plaque mixes with saliva, it turns into calculus. Eventually, the calculus in your mouth releases toxins that cause gum inflammation, irritation, and infection. Leaving this condition untreated can lead to serious consequences such as tooth loss.
To properly diagnose periodontal disease and find out if your smile can benefit from a deep cleaning, your dentist needs to take necessary X-rays and detailed measurements of the gum tissues around your teeth. If any of these measurements are greater than 3mm in depth, you may have periodontal disease and need a deep cleaning.
Your deep cleaning is typically completed in one or two visits to our dental office. Your dentist or dental hygienist uses an ultrasonic scaler and/or hand instruments to remove calculus from your mouth. Local anesthesia is commonly used during your deep cleaning to ensure maximum comfort.
In addition to your deep cleaning, antibacterial agents may also be used to further stop and reverse the effects of periodontal disease.
Our dental specialist removes plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth and along the gumline. This process is called root planing, and a scaling instrument and high-powered laser may be used for a deep cleaning. Before root planing, we numb the gums and mouth tissue with local anesthesia.
Afterward, you may experience temporary sensitivity and soreness following the procedure. We will recommend scheduled appointments so we can check your progress and support healing.
To maintain a healthy smile after your deep cleaning, it is standard to undergo more cleanings on a yearly basis to properly fight periodontal disease. Since every case is different, you may need periodic scaling and root planing after your initial deep cleaning. Daily dental hygiene routines are crucial for keeping your smile healthy and beautiful for life.
Choosing the right dental provider is a big decision, and hearing directly from real patients makes all the difference.
