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://www.shorthillssmiles.com or call Short Hills Smiles at (973) 761-3303 for an appointment in our Millburn office.
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