Deep Cleaning

For almost half of the dental patients in the United States, regular prophylaxis(regular cleanings) isn’t enough to maintain optimal oral health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47% of American adults aged 30 and over have some form of periodontal disease, a gum infection that can damage the tissue and bone that supports your teeth. The mildest form of gum disease is gingivitis, which causes red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, resulting in severe deterioration of the gums and bone, and with time, tooth loss.

Fortunately, there is a proven way to help reverse the effects of mild to moderate gum disease; scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning.

Scaling, Root Planing, and Periodontal Maintenance

While standard prophylaxis cleans the crowns of your teeth above your gumline, periodontal maintenance goes a little deeper, slightly below the gumline, since you are more susceptible to plaque and tartar buildup based on your past history of gum disease.During scaling, your dental professional will remove the plaque and tartar from your teeth, both above and below your gumline, using handheld instruments, ultrasonic instruments, or a combination of both. Once your teeth are cleaned via scaling, the dental practitioner will then perform root planing to smooth out the roots of your teeth. This two-step process creates a better environment for your gums to reattach back to your teeth, effectively closing any loose pockets.

After you’ve undergone a deep cleaning or periodontal surgery you’ll need to keep regular periodontal maintenance visits to maintain your gums and prevent the recurrence of gum disease. Harmful, disease-causing bacteria can recolonize underneath the gums as early as one to two months after a deep cleaning. During a periodontal maintenance visit, your pocket depths are measured and your periodontal status is reassessed. To ensure optimal oral health, and preserve the integrity of your teeth and gums, patients should visit the dentist every three months for periodontal maintenance.