How A “Deep Cleaning” Treats Gum Disease Without Surgery
Your teeth are only as strong as the health of the gums and periodontal tissues that surround and support them. Dental professionals use special instruments to measure the spaces between each tooth and the gums. Ideally, these spaces should be kept to a minimum. The larger the space (or “periodontal pocket”), the more extensive the gum disease. So, this process can be used to identify gum disease and to “stage” the extent or severity of that disease. With such knowledge in hand, specialists like our board-certified periodontist, Dr. Tyler Hendry, may recommend a deep cleaning at the Glendale, California office of Glendale Periodontics.
How does a deep cleaning compare to a “typical” cleaning?
The standard cleaning at your dentist’s office (known as a dental prophylaxis) generally involves a professional hygienist using special dental tools and techniques to remove surface stains, bacteria, and plaque from the teeth and at the gumline. During the “prophy,” these tools and techniques are also used to remove plaque that has built up on the teeth. When this process occurs, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. This hardened plaque cannot be removed with a standard toothbrush, floss, and OTC oral care products.
In contrast, deep cleaning removes these disease-causing substances at a deeper level than conventional, six-month dental cleanings. Dr. Hendry also cleans the area below the gumline. The former cleaning is generally an essential preventive service to keep all patients’ gums healthy. In contrast, the latter cleaning is indicated for patients with existing signs of gum disease and is not necessary for everyone.
Why are cleanings so important?
As a specialty periodontist practice, we understand that the process of plaque formation not only damages the hard tissue (teeth) but also affects the surrounding soft tissue. But plaque in its hardened form also triggers a process that inflames the soft tissue and supportive hard tissue (gums and jawbone). What starts as early-stage gum disease can progress to advanced gum disease. Along with tooth decay, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. Its advanced form (periodontitis) is also associated with an increased risk of conditions like heart disease and dementia, and respiratory disease. So, routine cleanings and deep cleanings or nonsurgical periodontal therapy as needed are essential to preserve your oral health and overall health and well-being.
How is a deep cleaning done?
This treatment is called “scaling and root planing.” It is done in two parts:
- Scaling – Special tools, techniques, and technologies are used to access and remove resistant, hardened plaque or tartar from the teeth and those pockets or spaces that form between the teeth and gums as part of the disease process. Scaling is performed after tissues have been fully numbed with a local anesthetic for your comfort.
- Root planing – Next, we proceed to expose the root surfaces of the teeth. Once we have access to those roots, tartar is smoothed away. Smoother surfaces are less likely to attract and harbor harmful bacteria and plaque in the future. During treatment, antibiotics may also be administered.
What can I expect as my gums heal?
Dr. Hendry emphasizes minimally invasive techniques as alternatives to aggressive conventional therapies. So, as a nonsurgical treatment, SRP is largely well-tolerated and does not require extensive recovery. He largely advises on ways to ease tender, swollen gums and to support fast and predictable healing. It’s also important to maintain follow-up visits with Dr. Hendry. He assesses how your gums are healing and may recommend additional or alternative treatments as necessary. For many of our patients in Southern CA, no further treatment or surgery is required to restore and preserve the health of their gums and the supportive tissues needed for essential function and a beautiful, healthy smile.
If you are concerned about the appearance or condition of your gums, please contact Glendale Periodontics at (818) 240-4555 today.
