A deep dental cleaning is a great way to improve your periodontal health, particularly for patients who have periodontitis (an advanced form of gum disease). The following is a review of when a deep dental cleaning (also called a scaling and root planing) might be recommended.
The most notable signs that indicate a need for deep dental cleaning include gum pockets that are greater than 4 millimeters, bone loss in the jaw and other symptoms of periodontitis that do not improve over time. Deep dental cleaning cannot cure periodontitis, but it can treat the symptoms and pave the way to recovery in the long term.
Gum pockets develop when gum tissue starts to separate from teeth. If left untreated, this worsens over time and can eventually lead to tooth loss. Gum pockets allow bacteria and food particles to become trapped, increasing the chance of even larger pockets. Minor gum pockets may not be a major cause for concern, but when they become greater than 4 millimeters, they often require a deep dental cleaning. This aims to clean the gum line around the pocket and allow the gums to reattach to the root of each tooth.
Bone loss is another major indicator of a more serious case of periodontitis. When bone loss occurs, it increases the chance of tooth loss. In this instance, a routine cleaning does not address the concern, and a deep dental cleaning is necessary to clean below the gum line, closer to where the bone loss has taken place, near the root of the tooth. A dentist can determine if bone loss is an issue through dental X-rays and an oral examination.
Some dentists may recommend a deep dental cleaning if gum disease continues for an extended period of time without any improvement, even if there are no severe signs of periodontitis, such as bone loss or deep gum pockets. In some instances, a deep dental cleaning in the early stages of gum disease can ensure that more serious signs do not develop. In general, when a routine cleaning is not enough to address gum disease, a deep dental cleaning may be the better solution.
Dentists prefer not to perform a deep dental cleaning when it is not necessary, as it suggests that the issue of gum disease is more severe. Instead, they recommend regular dental cleanings to prevent gum disease or treat gum disease in the earliest stage possible. Ideally, patients should have their teeth cleaned every four to six months, along with good oral hygiene at home.
If you are concerned with the current status of your periodontal health or simply want a check-up visit and routine cleaning, then give us a call or send us a message today. Our friendly dental team can answer additional questions you have and help you on your path to better periodontal health.
Request an appointment here: https://parmeroaksdental.com or call Parmer Oaks Dental Care at (512) 354-4450 for an appointment in our Cedar Park office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Scaling and Planing in Cedar Park, TX.
Cosmetic dental services are transformative solutions that enhance teeth and gums' appearance and sometimes function, providing patients with a more radiant smile. These services focus on aesthetics and oral health, from correcting minor imperfections to achieving a complete smile makeover. Advancements in dental technology have made these procedures more accessible, effective, and even customizable, catering…
The right cosmetic dental services can treat any oral problem that impairs your smile. After a complete assessment, your general dentist can suggest specific treatments to target the issue. You can receive at least one procedure to improve your smile. The following are cosmetic dental services that can elevate your smile.The dentist will recommend a…
Many cosmetic dental services are now readily available. That is why you do not need to live with any smile issue you may have. Knowing the procedures you can get from your dentist can help you make informed decisions. Here are the three common cosmetic dental services you should consider.Replacing missing teeth with dental implants…
Getting cosmetic dental services enhances the appearance of your smile. At the same time, these procedures also elevate your oral health. Understanding this benefit can motivate you to see your dentist right away. Here are the details about how cosmetic dental services can elevate oral health.Clear aligners can correct mild to moderate alignment issues. Traditional…