Achieve a beautiful, healthy smile with Ackerman & Towson Dentistry in Brentwood, California. If you have been told that you have gingivitis or periodontal disease and you need deep cleaning, you are in the right place. At Ackerman & Towson Dentistry, we offer deep cleanings for patients to remove stubborn plaque and tartar. Deep cleanings can help maintain the health of your teeth and gums and prevent future dental concerns.
What is a Dental Deep Cleaning?
Dental deep cleanings are for patients with gingivitis or periodontal disease, essentially, inflammation of the gums. Deep cleaning is different from a regular six-month appointment because it removes large amounts of plaque and tartar buildup instead of the occasional buildup. Your dental hygienist may also remove plaque and tartar formed in the pockets between your teeth and gums. Deep cleaning for gingivitis or periodontal disease is often referred to as scaling and root planing. Deep cleanings are longer than regular cleanings and may even need multiple dental appointments. One reason why patients prefer deep cleanings is that the process can reverse gingivitis in its early stages.
How do I Know I Need a Deep Cleaning?
Suppose you have been told you have gingivitis or periodontal disease. In that case, you may have needed to undergo a deep cleaning procedure to prevent the worsening or reverse the damage of the gingivitis. If you are unsure if you have gingivitis or periodontal disease, here are some common symptoms. First, you may notice swelling and bleeding gums. Bleeding and swelling happen because the gums are inflamed. Another sign is pus forming around the tooth and gums. Lastly, you may notice that you have bad breath. If you have any one of these symptoms, please call our office.
What Happens During Dental Deep Cleanings?
Deep dental cleaning or scaling and root planing procedure will remove plaque and tartar from around your gums and teeth. Deep cleaning is typically done under local anesthesia for the patient’s comfort. You may feel pressure during the procedure, but you should not feel pain. After the local anesthetic, your dentist will start scaling, which is the process of removing plaque and tartar from your teeth. If your gums have formed pockets between your teeth and your gums, plaque may have collected in these areas. Your dentist will also remove plaque and scale in the pockets between your teeth and gums. During the root planing phase, the dentist will remove part of the tooth called the cementum, the calcified layer on top of the tooth. This process will smooth out the tooth and remove the remaining bacteria. Lastly, your dentist will rinse your mouth to remove any remaining bacteria.
What Happens Following a Dental Deep Cleaning?
After a deep dental cleaning, you should care for your teeth well to help prevent the growth of bacteria and the development of decay on your teeth. You can do this by brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash twice a day. When you brush, ensure that you touch in a ‘C’ motion, making sure that you brush both your teeth and gums. Additionally, each brushing session should be two minutes each. Follow up with your dentist to find out when you should come into the office next. The number of deep cleanings that our office will recommend depends on the severity of your periodontal disease.
