Have you ever wondered why a general dentist might recommend a deep dental cleaning? Keep reading to find out. If a patient shows signs of a severe form of gum disease, known as periodontitis, A deep dental cleaning may be recommended by a general dentist. There is a risk of tooth loss associated with this condition because it compromises the long-term health of the gums and jawbone. Cleaning your teeth thoroughly can improve periodontal health and reduce the risk of severe complications.
As explained by a General Dentist In Chapel Hill, deep dental cleanings have several purposes. In the following, we look at what a deep dental cleaning is and why a dentist might recommend it to a patient.
What is the purpose of a deep dental cleaning?
Deep cleanings (also known as scaling and root planing) are relatively common dental procedures that remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that cause periodontitis beneath the gum line. As opposed to routine cleanings, deep cleanings involve cleaning below the gumline, while routine cleanings involve cleaning the surface of the teeth and along the gumline.
What happens during a deep dental cleaning?
An oral examination and dental x-rays are often conducted by the dentist and their staff before the procedure to learn more about the patient’s oral health and the severity of the periodontitis. A very common way of determining periodontitis severity is by measuring the depth of the gums. The preliminary stages also allow them to determine which areas of the gums they should concentrate on. They may also go over your medical and dental history with you.
Scaling is the first step in a deep dental cleaning procedure. Scraping plaque and tartar build-up from the surface of teeth, along the gum line, and beneath the gums is part of this procedure (along the surface of the tooth roots). Root planing is the next phase in the process. This procedure entails polishing the surfaces of the teeth in order to limit the possibility of bacteria accumulation. This also aids in the healthy reattachment of the gums around the teeth.
The dentist can provide you with post-operative instructions, such as keeping your mouth as clean as possible for the first 24 hours and avoiding hard or sugary foods and beverages.
When does a general dentist recommend a deep dental cleaning?
The two most frequent types of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. As previously stated, periodontitis, the more severe form of gum disease, is treated with a deep dental cleaning. Treatment is frequently recommended to help prevent the symptoms from becoming more serious, such as increased jaw bone loss and tooth loss.
What are gum disease’s signs and symptoms?
Gum bleeding during brushing, swollen gums, foul breath, gum recession, deep gum pockets, bone loss in the jaw, and loose teeth are all symptoms of periodontitis. If you have any concerns about your gums, you should see a general dentist to see if a deep dental cleaning or another type of treatment is necessary.
If periodontitis is not treated, it can progress to the point where one or more teeth are lost, necessitating a more complex tooth replacement operation that includes a bone graft.Treatment for periodontitis in its early stages, on the other hand, allows for the reversal of many symptoms as well as the prevention of tooth loss.
What causes periodontitis in the first place?
Periodontitis is more common in some patients due to medical conditions and hereditary factors. Poor oral hygiene, a diet high in sugar and other carbohydrates, or a combination of the two are the most common causes of periodontitis. Periodontitis can also be exacerbated by infrequent visits to the general dentist for a check-up and cleaning. Patients can avoid needing a deep dental cleaning by brushing and flossing frequently, using mouthwash as prescribed by their general dentist, and receiving regular professional routine cleanings.
Do you require a thorough dental cleaning?
Do you have gum disease symptoms or has it been more than six months since your last check-up? If that’s the case, give us a call and we’ll set up a time for you to come in for a check-up. We can examine your oral health and respond to any questions you may have.
For an appointment in our Chapel Hill office, please visit https://goodridgefamilydentistry.com/ or call Dr. Goodridge at 919-968-9806.