Deep Teeth Cleaning
How Deep Teeth Cleaning Works
Deep teeth cleaning is also known as teeth scaling and root planing. It can be done using a laser therapy or manual dental tools which carefully scrape away infection. Both types of soft tissue management are focused on creating clean, healthy gums. Here’s how it works:
- Examination: Your dentist must review your teeth and gums to determine the condition of your oral health and the exact type of treatment you need for the discomfort you’re experiencing.
- Numbing: The procedure begins with the application of a local anesthetic to numb the gums and minimize discomfort during the procedure.
- Removal: The plaque and tartar buildup are removed through careful scraping under the gumline. The treatment is time-consuming and the more advanced and serious your gum disease is, the longer it will take to remove the buildup.
- Prevention: The tooth enamel affected by the gingivitis is smoothed out to remove any bumpy surfaces where plaque can latch on and cause a repeat of the problem.
Once the deep teeth cleaning is complete, swollen or sensitive gums are common and so is minor bleeding. This discomfort is only temporary and completely manageable – it should be a comfort to know that your mouth is once again clean and free of any kind of gum disease or the risk of the problem becoming even more serious.
Identifying Gum Disease
The earliest stage of gum disease can be difficult to identify because it’s not always easy to recognize the symptoms. Making sure you visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and checkup ensures that you regularly have eyes on your gums that are trained to identify gum disease. The most common signs of gum disease include:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Bleeding
- Bad breath
- Bad taste in the mouth
Any of these symptoms are a big problem and must be treated right away to stop gum disease from progressing. When the more advanced stage of periodontal disease is reached, the gums will begin to pull away from the teeth and the teeth will become loose and be in danger of falling out. This is a dental problem that will not go away on its own – it will only get worse. Reach out to your Bethesda dentist right away if experience any discomfort or notice signs of gingivitis.
How to Prevent Gum Disease
In general, gum disease is preventable. Some people are predisposed to the condition because of genetics or health conditions, but most patients can avoid this uncomfortable infection by taking good care of their oral health.
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day
- Visit your Bethesda dentist twice a year for teeth cleanings and checkups
- Contact your dentist immediately if you have any oral health problems or questions
- Avoid all tobacco products
Get a Deep Teeth Cleaning from Your Bethesda Dentist
No one wants to have gingivitis. No one wants to have any sort of dental problem. Ignoring reality is the path to even more involved and serious oral health issues. Gum disease in particular does not go away without your dentist’s help.
If you suspect that you may be suffering from gingivitis, contact Bethesda Family Dental in Bethesda, Maryland to schedule an appointment and be prepared for the recommendation of a deep teeth cleaning. Don’t wait for your next regular visit to address what’s wrong – prioritize your oral health.
