During your routine checkups, your dentist will check your gums for signs of inflammation. Gums that are swollen, sore, and prone to bleeding often indicate advanced gingivitis, which may require deep cleaning to stop progression of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss.
What is deep cleaning?
Deep cleaning involves scaling and root planing to remove tartar and calculus deposits that allow bacteria to grow at and below the gum line. At Thomas Dental, we use state-of-the-art ultrasonic technology to remove build up and deposits that brushing cannot remove.
- Our ultrasonic scaler blasts tartar and calculus from your teeth using sound waves and a cooling water spray.
- Scaling also removes plaque bacteria that has become trapped at the gum line.
- We use a curette to scrape the last bits of tartar from the tooth surface.
- Root planing involves gently lifting gum tissue to allow removal of tartar from the root surface.
- When necessary, root planing may include application of an antibiotic gel.
In most cases, a dental deep cleaning stops the progression of gum disease. The pockets surrounding gum tissue shrink, swollen gums heal around smoothed roots, and bacteria growth is reduced on smooth, clean teeth. By taking advantage of timely deep cleaning, our specialists can help you avoid bone or tissue grafting or surgery that can be necessary to treat more advanced periodontal disease.
Most patients experience only mild sensitivity after a deep cleaning. Occasionally a local anesthetic is used to help with minor discomfort, but benefits are significant. Just one deep cleaning can reverse gum disease in its early stages, prevent tooth and deeper root decay, and eliminate the bad breath that often accompanies gingivitis.
Ask Dr. Thomas about gum disease
Even mild gingivitis can lead to receding gums over time that can cause your teeth to shift and ruin your healthy smile. The team at Thomas & Associates can help you determine if your teeth and gum health will benefit from a deep cleaning.
Signs that you may need a deep cleaning include:
- Swollen or sore gums
- Bleeding during flossing
- Hot or cold sensitivity caused by receding gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Permanent teeth seem loose
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or if a periodontal exam or x-rays during a regular checkup indicate deep pockets around your teeth or possible bone loss, our professionals may suggest a deep cleaning to get your oral health back on the right track.
Call us today if you have questions about your gum health, oral hygiene, or any of our services.