Why a Dental Deep Cleaning Might Become Necessary

Why a Dental Deep Cleaning Might Become Necessary

If you're not careful with your daily brushing and flossing, the need for a thorough dental cleaning can be almost unavoidable. And even if you "do everything right", there may come a time when your teeth need intervention. However, before describing deep dental cleaning, let's mention what you might need.

Periodontitis (gum disease) is a potentially serious and progressive condition involving bacterial infection of the gums and surrounding bones. Research shows that almost a third of the population may be genetically susceptible to periodontitis, although it is often triggered by the presence of one or more circumstances. Some cannot be avoided, including hormonal fluctuations experienced during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause. However, other triggers can be avoided, including smoking and the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. The latter is the most common cause of gum disease.

Plaque is constantly forming, and if not removed from your teeth, it can irritate your gums and turn into tartar (also called calculus or calculus). Not only is tartar much harder to remove, but it also releases bacterial toxins that break down surrounding gum tissue. The gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating what are called "gum pockets" below the gum line. If plaque and tartar are not removed quickly, infection and breakdown of the result of gum.

If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss, but it can also negatively affect your overall health. It has also been linked to the presence of certain cardiovascular conditions. Unfortunately, early periodontitis can easily go unnoticed until your next dental appointment. If you suspect gum problems, your dentist will physically assess your gums for redness, swelling, and bleeding that indicate gum inflammation. A periodontal probe is then used to determine the severity of the gum condition by measuring the depth of the spaces (gum pockets) between the teeth and the gums. Pocket depths greater than three millimeters indicate periodontal disease. Tooth mobility will also be assessed, as loose teeth clearly indicate loss of bone support due to periodontal disease. A series of x-rays will confirm any bone loss.

Fortunately, a thorough dental cleaning can remove plaque buildup and prevent the onset or progression of periodontitis. The procedure includes scaling and root planing narrative and is typically used to treat early-stage periodontal disease.

In-depth dental cleaning techniques

Scaling is the process by which a dental professional scrapes off plaque and tartar that have accumulated on the surfaces of teeth. Scaling is usually done by hand, but combining manual scaling with an ultrasonic scaler can dramatically speed up the process when the buildup is severe.

Root planing is the second aspect of deep tooth cleaning. The process involves manually cleaning the plate from gum pockets. Once the pockets are cleaned, the root surfaces of the teeth are smoothed (planed), which not only allows the gum tissue to heal but also makes future plaque buildup less likely. Depending on the severity of the disease, several treatments may be necessary. Root planing is somewhat more invasive than routine prophylactic dental cleaning, but possible discomfort can be avoided with local anesthesia.

When used together, the two-deep teeth cleaning tips can halt the progression of mild to moderate gum disease. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to control the underlying bacterial infection. However, more severe cases of periodontitis may also require periodontal surgery.

Even after a successful deep dental cleaning, you should continue a good daily oral hygiene routine. Combine twice-daily brushing with daily flossing to keep your teeth as plaque-free as possible. Visits to the dentist every six months are also essential to prevent the worsening or recurrence of periodontal disease.