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://vsndental.com or call VSN Dental PC at (732) 795-6073 for an appointment in our Manalapan office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Cleaning and Examinations in Manalapan, NJ.
Regular dental cleaning maintains or improves your oral health. For example, dentists include routine deep cleaning in long-term treatment plans for patients who live with gum disease. Dental cleaning is also important for smokers who have otherwise healthy teeth. This piece goes over the routine for dental cleaning.Dental practices prefer to offer first-line treatment rather…
A dental cleaning is a preventative treatment that can protect teeth against tooth decay and gum disease. The treatment is performed to remove plaque and tartar from teeth surfaces. Plaque is a sticky film that coats teeth surfaces. It is made up of bacteria, acids and food particles, and it eats away at teeth surfaces.…
Undergoing a dental exam at least twice a year is important for patients of all ages. A lot of oral health problems go unnoticed because they are symptomless or the signs are so minuscule that only a professional can identify them. Because of this, it is essential to visit a general dentist to undergo dental…
Practicing preventive dentistry is an effective way to establish good oral health. Strict personal oral hygiene practices result in fewer dental problems. Strengthening these practices with regular dental appointments makes preventive dental care even more efficient. Preventive dentistry becomes even more effective by avoiding some bad habits.This habit increases the risk of chipping teeth. It…
tooth fillings offer a simple approach with little to no pain. This dental restoration treatment has long been the standard for restoring and rebuilding teeth damaged by cavities, injury, or minor imperfections such as chips or cracks. When considering different dental restoration options, it is a good idea to get familiar with how each procedure…
Your smile is often one of the first things that other people notice about you. A smile makeover offers an effective way for you to transform it into the one you can proudly show off. This treatment process provides multiple benefits, from correcting minor cosmetic issues to a complete overhaul. Here are five reasons to…