What is Deep Cleaning? (Scaling and Root Planing)
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing ) is a “deep clean” below the gumline. Overall dental hygiene is a key part of overall health and healthy gums are critical for oral health. Unhealthy gums, if left untreated, will lead to development of serious issues. Routine checks with your dentist can help diagnose gum issues. Undiagnosed gum issues can get worse over time and will lead to permanent damage to your teeth structure.
It is important to diagnose and treat the gum disease in its early stages, as it can lead to permanent damage if not treated adequately. While not cleaning your teeth regularly is one of the most common causes of gum disease, other health conditions can also cause gum disease. Dr. Xavier encourages her patients to maintain healthy oral care habits and to not miss the routine dentist visits.
Is Deep Dental Cleaning required?
Deep cleaning also known as Scaling and Root planing. It is recommended for patient with gum disease / periodontal disease. Scaling part involves removal of calculus, plaque and bacteria under the gum line with special instruments. Root planing helps to smoothen the rough surfaces of roots to prevent bacterial growth and plaque accumulation. This will promote reattachment of gum tissue to the root surface.
It is possible to have gum disease without any of the usual symptoms. That is one reason why it is essential to visit your dentist for regular dental checkups and periodontal examinations. During these exams, your dentist can measure the periodontal pockets to determine the type of cleaning you need. If you have gum disease, you are most probably a candidate for deep cleaning. You will also require follow-up care and more frequent cleanings to get your gum disease under control.
At Texan Smile in Sugar Land, Dr. Xavier would be happy to do the exam, discuss all of your options with you and advise you on the best treatment process for you personally.
Deep Cleaning at Texan Smile Sugar Land
The Texan Smile team understand the significance of preventive care and wants to ensure that all our patients receive the quality dental care that they need. We try to make sure that you are educated on what is best for you and how to take care of your oral health. Prevention and treatment is an essential part of proper oral care and hygiene.
Dr. Xavier examines the the periodontal status through exams and x-rays to determine the level of cleaning required by the patient. For patients that have deep periodontal pockets, inflamed gums, bone loss and tartar below the gum line will require a deep cleaning. Basic cleaning will not be adequate in these situations and can lead to further deterioration of the overall oral health of the patient.
Deep Cleaning Procedure
Deep cleaning is an extensive procedure and keeping customer comfort in mind, most likely local anesthesia is provided. Deep cleaning included thorough cleaning and includes antibacterial irrigation and flossing. Numbing gel and local anesthesia is used to minimize any discomfort. The procedure can take close to an hour or more depending on the extent of the cleaning that is needed. Once the cleaning is done, the Dentist advises the patient on Post operative care.
Dr. Xavier makes sure to follow up with her patients to make sure they do not have any lingering discomforts. Further periodontal maintenance appointments are scheduled as needed.
Deep Dental Cleaning After Care
After a deep cleaning, you might feel sensitivity for the first few days. Mild soreness of the gums and slight bleeding on flossing are normal for the first few days. Dentist might place antibiotics in the periodontal pocket or prescribe mouthwash depending on the severity of periodontal disease.
After the scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance is scheduled 3-4 months intervals as recommended by the dentist to maintain the healthy gums.