A flawless smile relies on healthy gingiva and teeth.
If you do not brush your teeth as often as your dentist recommends, a light yellow bacterial film builds up and turns into dental calculus with time. The bacteria in the calculus and plaque irritate your gingival tissue, causing inflammation and bleeding. Gum disease in its early stages is known as gingivitis. When the condition goes untreated, the irritation moves down to the tooth root, creating pockets that allow bacteria to grow and cause periodontal disease.
If you suffer from gingivitis or periodontitis in Carson, CA, Washington Dental provides general dentistry services to help protect your oral health. We offer deep cleaning services involving scaling and root planing using advanced technology to prevent gingivitis from progressing and to help deter tooth loss. Our dentists use these services as preventative measures and, at other times, as stand-alone treatments.
Overview Of Deep Cleaning
In general dentistry, scaling and root planing are also called deep cleaning. Scaling involves the extraction of dental calculus from the tooth enamel, while root planing smooths the root surfaces and removes infected tooth structure. When gum disease develops, pockets along the teeth deepen, allowing calculus deposits to collect beneath the gum line. Your general dentist at Washington Dental in Carson, CA, performs scaling and root planing together to help restore gum health.
Multiple visits are often recommended to ensure proper healing and to monitor pocket depth reduction.
Objectives Of Deep Cleaning
Supragingival calculus builds up on parts of the enamel not covered by gingival tissue and is easier to remove than tartar located beneath the gum line. Scaling targets these deeper deposits, while root planing removes a thin layer of cementum that contains toxins and bacteria. Smoothing the root surface promotes healing and helps prevent future bacterial colonization.
Uneven cementum surfaces trap toxins and bacteria, contributing to periodontal disease progression. Removing these defects is essential for treatment success. At Washington Dental in Carson, CA, we use enhanced visualization to ensure smooth root surfaces after planing.
Candidacy For Deep Cleaning
Your dentist may recommend deep cleaning when signs of periodontal disease appear during a routine exam. Pockets form when gums recede due to irritation from toxins and microorganisms in plaque and calculus. These pockets trap plaque that cannot be removed through normal brushing. Routine cleanings twice annually can help prevent these issues.
Healthy gums fit tightly around the teeth, typically measuring 1mm to 3mm. When gum disease develops, these pockets deepen.
- Bleeding gums: Occurs when bacteria and inflammation irritate the gingival tissue.
- Shifting teeth: Caused by weakened support structures.
- Bad breath: A result of bacteria and debris trapped in pockets.
- Bite changes: Occur when teeth move due to bone loss.
- Red and swollen gums: A sign of ongoing infection.
- Aging: Increases susceptibility to gum recession.
- Hormonal changes: Affect gum sensitivity.
- Family history: Raises the likelihood of developing gum issues.
- Smoking: Weakens gum tissue and slows healing.
- Poor dental hygiene: Allows plaque accumulation.
- Poor nutrition: Impairs the body’s immune response.
- Medical conditions: Such as diabetes or immune disorders.
Preparing For Scaling & Root Planing
Preparation is minimal and often includes using antibacterial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in the mouth. Some dentists may recommend probiotics, dietary modifications, or low-sugar diets to support oral health.
During preparation, you can address any concerns about discomfort. OTC pain medication may be used. Your dentist will also review your medical history, including the use of prosthetic devices or blood thinners, which may require coordination with your primary physician.
The Procedure
Deep cleaning varies depending on severity and may be done by a general dentist, hygienist, or periodontist. Scaling and root planing are part of early periodontal treatment and can require one or several visits, depending on the extent of disease.
Deep cleaning involves several phases:
Your dentist identifies tartar using visual examination, lighting, air jets, or explorers. This helps determine the location and depth of calculus deposits beneath the gum line.
Local anesthesia is used to numb the treatment area, reducing pain and controlling bleeding.
Scaling removes tartar from beneath the gum line using manual or ultrasonic instruments. Proper angulation and technique help prevent injury to the gums or root surfaces. After removal, the tooth surface is polished to smooth out irregularities.
Root planing removes damaged cementum and dentin to smooth the root surface and eliminate bacteria. Careful technique prevents excessive pressure that could damage the tooth. Once the surface is clean and smooth, the gums can begin healing and reattach to the tooth.
Post-Treatment
Following treatment, your dentist rinses the mouth and may apply pressure to help the gums reattach. Local antibiotics or antimicrobials may be placed in deeper pockets to support healing.
Follow-Up Appointment
A follow-up visit is scheduled one to two months after treatment to evaluate healing, check pocket depth, and determine if further therapy is needed. If pocket depth is less than 3mm, ongoing maintenance cleanings are recommended. If deeper pockets remain, additional nonsurgical or surgical procedures may be needed.
Expectations After The Procedure
Following deep cleaning, gum redness and inflammation typically decrease. Mild discomfort may occur for a few days. Potential side effects include:
- Bleeding gums: Occurs when brushing soon after treatment.
- Sensitivity: Triggered by hot or cold foods.
- Jaw discomfort: Due to treatment duration.
- Fever: A possible sign of irritation or inflammation.
Aftercare Guidelines
To support recovery:
- Avoid crunchy foods: These can irritate healing gums.
- Use OTC pain medication: Helps reduce discomfort.
- Maintain gentle brushing: Resume regular care without flossing for the first three days.
- Rinse with salt water: Helps keep the treatment area clean.
- Avoid tobacco: It slows healing and increases risk of complications.
- Use desensitizing toothpaste: Helps reduce temporary sensitivity.
Deep Cleaning Costs
Deep cleaning costs vary depending on the severity of the disease, the dental professional involved, and the location of the clinic. Insurance may cover part of the cost, and flexible payment plans may be available.
Advantages Of Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning provides several benefits:
- Stops gum disease progression: Helps gums regain firmness.
- Prevents tooth loss: Reduces pocket depth and controls infection.
- Protects tooth roots: Removes harmful deposits.
- Improves breath: Reduces bacteria associated with odor.
- Protects against cavities: Helps maintain overall oral health.
Find A Skilled General Dentistry Service Near Me
Periodontitis can result in tooth loss if not treated early. Deep cleaning is an effective preventative and restorative option. Washington Dental serves patients seeking safe and reliable periodontal care in Carson, CA. Contact us to learn more about scaling and root planing and to determine whether you are a candidate for treatment.