Maintaining good oral health is essential, and it involves more than brushing or flossing your teeth. Gum cleaning is as important as brushing and flossing your teeth. Healthy gums are critical to maintaining good oral health. Gum cleaning includes deep gum cleaning or scaling and planing. This procedure is essential and especially necessary when you already have gum disease. It can better manage your gum health.
What is Deep Gum Cleaning?
Deep gum cleaning is a dental procedure that addresses periodontal disease, the second stage of gum disease. The first stage is gingivitis, during which your gum can be healed.
Gum disease occurs when bacteria in plaque build-up, causing inflammation and infection in the gums. This infection develops daily, and if not treated, it can lead to tooth loss and other serious health issues.
Therefore, unlike regular dental cleanings that focus primarily on plaque and tartar removal from the tooth surface, deep gum cleaning targets the areas below the gum line. Gum cleaning involves two main steps:
- Scaling: This process removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, particularly below the gum line. The dentist uses special tools to scrape away the build-up from the tooth and gum root surfaces.
- Root Planing: Once the scaling is complete, the roots of your teeth are smoothed out to remove any remaining bacteria and help the gums attach to the teeth again. This helps reduce gum inflammation and promote healing.
When is Deep Gum Cleaning Necessary?
Deep gum cleaning becomes crucial when signs of gum disease are present, especially when it reaches the more advanced stages. Here are some indications that you may need a deep gum cleaning.
- Bleeding Gums: If your gums bleed during brushing, flossing, or spontaneously, it’s a sign of inflammation. This indicates that your gum needs help.
- Persistent Bad Breath: Gum infections can cause persistent foul breath.
- Gum Recession: You may have gum disease if your gums start to draw back from your teeth, revealing more of the tooth or, in many cases, the root.
- Deep Pocket Formation: Your teeth are closely surrounded by healthy gums. Plaque and bacteria can get into the gums if pockets develop between your teeth and gums. During examinations, dentists measure these pockets; deep pockets (more than 3 millimeters) validate the necessity for a thorough cleaning.
- Loose Teeth: Gum disease can result in the loss of the connective tissue and bone that holds teeth in place, which can cause teeth to become loose.
What to Expect During the Gum Cleaning Process?
Your dentist will probably numb the area with a local anesthetic before the treatment. This makes sure you stay comfortable during the entire procedure. Your dentist will check the severity of the case, and then depending on how severe the gum disease is, one to two visits are usually required for the scaling and root planing procedure.
After the surgical procedure, you may feel sensitive, swollen, or uncomfortable. These symptoms go away in a few days. To monitor if the infection is under control, your dentist will suggest over-the-counter pain medicines and a follow-up appointment. Ensure to visit your dentist.
Schedule an Appointment For Dental Cleanings Now!
Tooth pain is a common sign of gum disease, which can worsen if not treated. If you are experiencing gum swelling, pain while chewing, or persistent pain, contact your dentist near me for deep teeth cleaning and scaling. Talk to a professional deep gum cleaning near me dentist to learn more about your treatment options and the cost of the treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to have regular dental cleanings and exams. Remember that prevention is the key to a healthy oral health. Early intervention can save your smile and protect your overall health. Schedule your appointment today with Albany Dentist!
