Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease starts with the accumulation of plaque and tartar on your teeth, which causes inflammation of the gums. If not addressed in its early stages (gingivitis), the condition can progress to more severe stages, resulting in gum recession, bone loss, and even tooth loss. Periodontal deep cleanings are designed to halt the progression of gum disease and prevent these serious complications.
What is a Periodontal Deep Cleaning?
A periodontal deep cleaning is a specialized procedure that goes beyond a routine dental cleaning. It involves two critical steps: scaling and root planing.
- Scaling: This process involves removing plaque and tartar from both above and below the gumline, reaching deep into the pockets around the teeth where bacteria hide.
- Root Planing: After scaling, we smooth the roots of the teeth to help the gums reattach, reducing the depth of the periodontal pockets and promoting healing.
Benefits of Periodontal Deep Cleanings
For patients suffering from moderate to severe gum disease, periodontal deep cleanings offer several important health benefits:
- Stops the Progression of Gum Disease: Removing the plaque and tartar that lead to gum disease helps prevent further damage to the gums and supporting bone.
- Prevents Tooth Loss: By treating gum disease early, deep cleanings can prevent the need for tooth extractions and maintain the integrity of your smile.
- Improves Bad Breath: Persistent bad breath is often a sign of gum disease. Deep cleanings can help resolve this issue by eliminating the underlying infection.
- Boosts Overall Health: Gum disease has been linked to systemic health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Treating gum disease can improve your overall health and well-being.
What to Expect During Your Periodontal Deep Cleaning
At Southeastern Dental Care, we are committed to ensuring your comfort throughout the entire procedure. Here’s what you can expect during your periodontal deep cleaning:
- Thorough Examination: We will first examine your gums to assess the severity of the gum disease and identify the areas that require treatment.
- Numbing for Comfort: Local anesthesia may be used to numb the affected areas, ensuring a pain-free experience during the cleaning.
- Scaling and Root Planing: Using specialized tools, we will carefully remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline and smooth out the tooth roots.
- Post-Treatment Care: After your deep cleaning, we will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your gums and teeth at home, and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and progress.
Signs You May Need a Periodontal Deep Cleaning
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be time to consider a periodontal deep cleaning:
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
- Gum recession (pulling away from the teeth).
- Loose teeth or noticeable gaps forming between your teeth and gums.
It’s important to address these symptoms early to prevent further damage and restore your oral health.
