How a Dental Deep Cleaning Treats Periodontal Disease
The earlier you can detect periodontal disease, the sooner you can get a dental deep cleaning to treat it. This is why so many dentists encourage regular dental visits. For example, very early gum disease can be treated at home by improving oral hygiene. However, if periodontal disease has progressed, you might need to have a dental deep cleaning. Keep reading to learn how this process works.
Understanding gum disease
Gum disease is an infection of the patient’s gums. Bacteria in the mouth cause this and these are the same that cause tooth decay. The infection causes inflammation, as well as redness, bad breath, bleeding after brushing and sensitivity. There are three stages of gum disease, including:
- Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of periodontal disease. It causes some inflammation and soreness
- Periodontitis: This is the second stage of periodontal disease and the ligaments anchoring the teeth in the jawbone are affected. Pockets can form between the gums and the teeth, making it difficult to remove the bacteria in the mouth
- Advanced gum disease: In the third stage, the teeth’s supports are completely destroyed by bacteria
Patients who do not properly floss and brush are at a high risk of gum disease. People who do not regularly visit the dentist also have a higher risk. Smokers are also at a higher risk because smoke can dry out the mouth. This creates an inviting environment for bacteria. The good news is that a dental deep cleaning can help with gum disease.
Why treatment is so important
The earlier that a patient can detect gum disease, the better. By the time the second stage of periodontal disease starts, professional treatment is necessary. The plaque can harden into tartar, which is below the gumline. That has a high level of bacteria and flossing and brushing will not help remove it. The dentist will need to take care of it. Without treatment, the teeth can start to loosen. The ligaments that hold the teeth there will begin to decay more and more. Near the end, the teeth will begin to fall out.
What a deep cleaning involves
With a cleaning, the goal is to remove the bacteria that cause gum disease. This stops the infection in its tracks, allowing the gums to heal. A deep cleaning involves the teeth that are under the gums. The patient will have a local anesthetic to stay comfortable. Using scraping tools, the dentist will remove the tartar under the gumline. This should not be painful. However, the patient might feel some vibration. The patient may need to come back for a few visits.
Visit a dentist today for periodontal disease treatment
If you have noticed any of the signs of gum disease, you should seek treatment. The sooner you have it treated, the less invasive it will be. With a deep cleaning, including scaling and root planing, you have a good chance at recovery. That way, you can keep all of your teeth and avoid having to get false ones. Request an appointment here: https://www.petersmrecekdds.com or call Peter T. Smrecek Jr. DDS Inc. at (949) 759-8606 for an appointment in our Newport Beach office.
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