Periodontitis Treatment, “Deep Cleaning”
At Gold Star Dental, we care about more than just your teeth—we’re dedicated to your entire oral health, including the health of your gums. If you’ve been told you need a deep cleaning or are dealing with gum disease (periodontitis), we’re here to help you get back on track with a clean, healthy smile.
What is a Deep Cleaning?
A dental deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a specialized treatment aimed at cleaning the gums and removing plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline. While a regular cleaning focuses on the surface of your teeth, a deep cleaning goes much deeper, targeting areas that can’t be reached with regular brushing and flossing.
Deep cleanings are often recommended for patients showing signs of gum disease, or periodontitis, which is a serious condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
What is Periodontitis?
Periodontitis is an advanced stage of gum disease. It occurs when plaque and tartar are left on the teeth and gums, leading to infection. If the infection spreads below the gumline, it can destroy the tissue and bone that support your teeth.
Periodontitis often starts with gingivitis, which causes gum inflammation and bleeding, but without treatment, it can progress into a more serious infection that puts your teeth at risk.
What Are Signs of Periodontitis:
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing
Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
Receding gums (your teeth may look longer)
Loose or shifting teeth
Pockets forming between the teeth and gums
If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s important to address the problem early. Periodontitis won’t go away on its own and requires professional treatment.
How Does a Deep Cleaning Help?
A deep cleaning is one of the best ways to treat periodontitis and prevent further damage. Here’s how it works:
1. Scaling
Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar from below the gumline and from deep pockets around the teeth. This step is essential for eliminating the bacteria causing the gum infection.
2. Root Planing
After scaling, the root surfaces of your teeth are smoothed out in a process called root planing. This makes it harder for bacteria to attach to the roots and helps your gums reattach to the teeth, promoting healing.
By cleaning deep into the gums, we can stop the infection, reduce inflammation, and help your gums heal.
What to Expect During a Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleanings typically take longer than routine cleanings and may be done over multiple visits, depending on the severity of your gum disease. Here’s what you can expect:
Numbing for Comfort: We’ll use a local anesthetic to numb the area and ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
Thorough Cleaning: We’ll use special tools to carefully remove all plaque and tartar below the gumline.
Multiple Visits if Needed: If you have severe periodontitis, we may break the treatment into sessions to focus on one section of your mouth at a time.
Follow-Up Care: After the deep cleaning, we’ll monitor your gums and provide tips to help you maintain your oral health at home.
What Happens After a Deep Cleaning?
After a deep cleaning, it’s normal to experience some mild soreness and sensitivity as your gums begin to heal. You might notice that your gums feel tighter or less swollen. We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions, including recommendations for mouth rinses and brushing techniques to keep your gums healthy.
It’s important to keep up with regular dental visits and cleanings after a deep cleaning to prevent gum disease from returning.
Preventing Periodontitis
The good news is that with proper care, gum disease is preventable. Here are some ways to protect your gums:
Brush twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth.
Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in your mouth.
Visit Gold Star Dental for regular checkups and cleanings so we can catch any early signs of gum disease.
If you smoke, consider quitting, as smoking increases your risk of gum disease.
Why Choose Gold Star Dental for Your Deep Cleaning?
Expert Care: Our team is highly experienced in treating gum disease with deep cleanings, and we take a gentle approach to ensure your comfort.
Personalized Treatment Plans: We assess the condition of your gums and create a treatment plan that’s tailored to your specific needs.
Prevention and Education: We don’t just treat gum disease—we’ll help you prevent it in the future by teaching you how to care for your gums at home.
Sedation Options: For those feeling anxious, we offer nitrous oxide and conscious sedation to help you relax during the procedure.
Keep Your Gums Healthy with Gold Star Dental
Don’t wait until gum disease affects your smile. If you’re experiencing any signs of periodontitis or your dentist has recommended a deep cleaning, contact Gold Star Dental today. We’re here to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums for life!