At MDCS, we’re experts in treating and managing periodontal disease in a gentle, compassionate, yet effective way. One method we can use to reverse the infection or prevent further damage is deep cleaning. With deep cleaning, we remove the bacteria, plaque and calculus (tartar) buildup under the gum line that can’t be eliminated with brushing and flossing or a standard dental cleaning. We customize the procedure and experience to your needs so you’ll feel comfortable and confident in your care.
What is a
Deep Cleaning?
Common signs of periodontal disease include swollen, red or sore gums, bleeding, loose teeth, chronic bad breath, receding gums and exposed root surfaces. However, sometimes, patients have no symptoms at all until the later stages of the disease. That’s why we perform a periodontal evaluation during your dental exam. If you have any of the aforementioned symptoms or your gum pockets, which are the spaces that form between your teeth and gums when you have periodontal disease, are deeper than four millimeters, a regular cleaning won’t be effective, so a deep cleaning is indicated.
Deep cleaning is technically known as scaling and root planing. Since the pockets harbor toxic bacteria from plaque, we remove the buildup above and below the gum line all the way to the bottom of the pocket. We then smooth the tooth’s root and use a laser to encourage the gums to reattach. If necessary, we can also prevent infection with antibiotics or antimicrobial cream.
What to
Expect
We know the process sounds intense. However, we numb the area being treated prior to deep cleaning and also offer sedation so that it’s painless and worry-free. We can often schedule your deep cleaning on the same day as your dental exam so that you don’t need to make multiple trips to our office. The procedure consists of:
Scaling
Scaling, or subgingival cleaning, is where we get rid of the calculus and bacteria under the gum line and in the gum pockets.
Root Planing
Any lingering bacteria is addressed with root planing. We smooth and shape the surface of the roots. This also helps with the reattachment of the gums.
Medication and Laser
After scaling and root planing, we can place an antibacterial or antibiotic cream in the gum pockets to nix infection and decrease discomfort. We finish the process by using a laser to eliminate remaining bacteria from the gum pockets and stabilize the healing by accelerating new gum attachment growth back on the roots of the teeth. This prevents any further bacteria from recolonizing the pockets.
Your teeth and gums may feel a little sensitive for a few days following the procedure. We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to minimize any discomfort and promote faster healing. By wiping out bacteria and buildup, reducing pocket depth and treating infection, we can reverse or manage the negative effects of gum disease to prevent tooth loss and keep your smile healthy. Once you’ve undergone a deep cleaning, we’ll continue to protect your gums through regular periodontal maintenance.
47.2
47.2% of American adults aged 30 to 64 have some degree of periodontitis.
70.1
70.1% of adults 65-years-old and over have periodontal disease.
1
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Protect your dental health by giving your gums the expert care they deserve.
