Deep Cleaning
Get a dental deep cleaning before gum disease progresses
Did you know, the CDC says 47% of adults 30 years and older have some form of periodontal disease?
When plaque remains in the mouth for a long time, it can harden into the gum line causing gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). This is a reversible symptom that can be seen in patients of all ages.
But if left untreated, it causes periodontitis, also known as periodontal disease. It happens more commonly with adults.
Why is this a problem? It is not reversible. So once patients have deep infections, they lose the bone and tissue that hold the teeth in place.
Common symptoms of periodontitis include bleeding of the gums while brushing or flossing, teeth that feel loose or mobile, bad breath that does not seem to go away after brushing, or a lingering sour taste in the mouth. In some cases, it may even be asymptomatic.
A clinical exam, along with x-rays, is necessary to diagnose periodontitis.
About Our Deep Cleaning Services
We place patients under local anesthesia to provide comfort during the procedure. Depending on the severity of the gum disease, the deep cleanings are usually split into two appointments.
One side of the mouth typically takes 60 - 90 minutes, depending on the amount of plaque and tartar build-up. Dr. Daniel will start on the right side of the mouth on the first visit. The patient will then come back for a second appointment to complete the left side.
Five Steps of the Deep Cleaning Procedure
Patient comfort is vital for all the services we provide. For this procedure, we provide local anesthesia to completely numb the gums. Then we run cold tests on the teeth to ensure it is adequately numbed.
An ultrasonic scaling instrument will be used to remove plaque and bacteria below the gumline. Patients will not feel any pain but will feel pressure or “pushes” from Dr. Daniel.
Hand instruments will be used to get into the hard-to-reach corners of the teeth that bacteria tend to hide in.
Once that’s done, he will double-check the surface of each tooth to make sure it’s completely rid of plaque and tartar.
Finally, the gums will be gently irrigated with an anti-bacterial rinse which will conclude the treatment.
It’s also important to note that the numbing may last for an additional hour once patients leave the office.
Do I Really Need a Deep Cleaning?
Patients with periodontitis need this service for 2 reasons:
The first is to prevent further loss of bone that supports their teeth.
The second is that there is a strong correlation between gum health and systemic health.
In patients who had strokes, the blockages (which stop the blood from circulating into the brain) contained the same bacteria that cause periodontitis. There are significant links between diabetes and periodontal disease. When periodontal disease is present, the risk of having diabetes also increases and vice versa. It all relates to physical stress and the body’s ability to heal.
Schedule Your Periodontal Cleaning
Here at our dental office, Dr. Daniel will cater to your needs to make sure you are comfortable from the moment you walk into his office. During your procedure, you will be able to watch your favorite shows on Netflix. And because of his strict infection control protocols, we are only treating one patient at a time, making it a safe environment for everyone.