When a General Dentist May Recommend a Deep Dental Cleaning

General Dentist Carmel, IN

Wondering why a general dentist may recommend a deep dental cleaning? Read on to learn more. A general dentist may recommend a deep dental cleaning if the patient shows signs of a severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis. This condition can put the long-term health of the gums and jawbone in jeopardy and increase the risk of tooth loss. Deep dental cleanings can improve periodontal health and reduce the risk of severe complications.

The purpose of deep dental cleanings as explained by a general dentist

The following is a detailed look at what a deep dental cleaning is and why a general dentist may recommend it for a patient.

What is a deep dental cleaning?

A deep dental cleaning (also called scaling and root planing) is a relatively common general dentistry procedure that involves cleaning beneath the gum line to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that are contributing to the onset of periodontitis symptoms. The primary difference between a deep dental cleaning and a routine dental cleaning is that a deep dental cleaning involves cleaning below the gumline, whereas a routine cleaning cleans the surface of teeth and along the gumline.

What takes place during a deep dental cleaning?

Before the procedure, the dentist and their staff may perform dental x-rays and an oral examination to gather more information about the patient’s oral health and the severity of their periodontitis. Specifically, they also measure the depths of the gums, which is one of the primary methods of determining the severity of periodontitis. The preliminary stages also offer an opportunity to learn what areas of the gums they should focus on the most. They may also review and discuss medical and dental history as well.

The first step in a deep dental cleaning procedure is known as scaling. This involves scraping away plaque and tartar build-up on the surface of teeth, along the gum line, and underneath the gums (along the surface of the tooth roots). The next step is known as root planing. This process involves smoothing the tooth’s surfaces to reduce the risk of bacteria accumulation. This also helps the gums to reattach properly around teeth as well.

After the procedure, the dentist can provide aftercare instructions, which should include keeping the mouth as clean as possible for the first 24 hours and avoiding hard or sugar-filled foods and beverages.

When is a deep dental cleaning recommended by a general dentist?

There are two main types of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. As mentioned, a deep dental cleaning is performed to treat periodontitis, the more severe form of gum disease. Treatment is often recommended to help prevent the symptoms from causing more severe concerns such as increased bone loss in the jaw and the loss of teeth.

What are the symptoms of periodontitis?

The symptoms of periodontitis include gums that bleed while brushing, swollen gums, bad breath, gum recession, deep gum pockets, bone loss in the jaw, and loose teeth, among other possible symptoms. If any concerns with the gums develop, then a visit with a general dentist is encouraged to determine if a deep dental cleaning or another form of treatment is recommended.

If left untreated, the symptoms of periodontitis may worsen and can lead to the loss of one or more teeth and the need for a more extensive tooth-replacement process that includes a bone graft procedure. On the other hand, treatment for periodontitis in the earlier stages allows for the reversal of many of the symptoms and the ability to avoid teeth loss.

What causes periodontitis?

Some patients are more susceptible to periodontitis due to certain medical conditions and hereditary factors. However, the most common causes of periodontitis are poor oral hygiene, a diet that is high in sugar and other carbohydrates, or a combination of the two. Infrequent visits to the general dentist for a check-up and cleaning can also increase the risk of periodontitis. Patients can reduce their risk of needing a deep dental cleaning by brushing and flossing regularly, using mouthwash as recommended by their general dentist, and receiving regular professional routine cleanings.

Do you need a deep dental cleaning?

Are you experiencing symptoms of gum disease or have gone more than six months since your last check-up visit? If so, then we encourage you to give us a call and schedule a convenient time to meet with us for a check-up. We can assess the condition of your oral health and answer any questions you may have.

Request an appointment here: https://www.carmelsmilesdentist.com or call Smiles in the Village Dentistry at (317) 200-3679 for an appointment in our Carmel office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: General Dentist in Carmel, IN.

Related Posts

What A General Dentist Wants You To Know About Using Fluoride

Fluoride is a preventative measure that your general dentist uses to help protect your teeth between visits. It is also an ingredient in toothpaste that can give added protection. One of the most hotly debated topics surrounding toothpaste and tooth brushing is whether or not you should be using toothpaste that contains fluoride. Using toothpaste with…

What Your General Dentist Wants You To Do Everyday

The primary goal of general dentists is to help their patients prevent oral health concerns from developing through consistent and quality daily oral care techniques. This review discusses several oral care practices that general dentists want their patients to do every day.To reduce the risk of oral health concerns, general dentists recommend that patients brush…

How Does A General Dentist Identify Teeth Clenching?

Teeth clenching is an act performed during the day and at night. It is very similar to teeth grinding and jaw clenching, both of which have similar effects as teeth clenching. While some people clench their teeth throughout the day, it also happens at night, which can make it difficult to detect. Most of the…

Ask A General Dentist: What Can Happens If You Skip Your Check-Up?

Many people visit the general dentist only when they have a dental problem. However, dental professionals have established that regular oral hygiene and dental checkups are at the center of preventative dentistry. Continue reading to learn about the consequences of skipping dental checkups.Before removing dental checkups from the calendar, consider the potential situations that may…

Related Posts

Foods To Avoid When You Have Veneers

Foods To Avoid When You Have Veneers

For those who suffer from damaged teeth, veneers can offer a natural-looking, long-lasting option to restore a beautiful and healthy smile. However, patients with these dental restorations should take extra care to protect them. Some dietary changes may be necessary for complete care.Most foods that are unhealthy for natural teeth are also unhealthy for veneers.…

Can I Get Veneers If I Have Gum Disease?

Can I Get Veneers If I Have Gum Disease?

As cosmetic dentistry options that can fix the look of damaged or stained teeth, dental veneers can help restore the smile of patients with gum disease. Many are able to get this treatment when the disease is under control. However, gingivitis or periodontitis is different for every patient. One patient may have a disease that…