The objective of deep cleaning is to remove harmful agents that can cause inflammation of the gingiva and surrounding bone. Common harmful agents removed by this preventative gum therapy include dental plaque and calculus. Doctors Network has made easy the process of scheduling an appointment with a periodontist or dentists near you who takes your insurance.
These non-surgical procedures which thoroughly cleanse the gingival pockets, work extremely miraculously for patients experiencing gingivitis, gum inflammation, or moderate to severe periodontal disease.
Why you might need scaling and root planing
Deep cleaning can be used as a prophylactic procedure as well as a stand-alone service. These procedures are performed as a preventative measure for patients suffering from periodontal disease.
These are a few reasons why scaling and root planings may be necessary:
- Aesthetic effects
Scaling and root planing helps remove tartar and plaque from the teeth and below the gumline. As an added bonus, if superficial stains are present on the teeth, they will be removed during the process of the deep cleaning procedure. - Tooth protection
When periodontal pockets are deeper than 3mm, there is an increased risk of periodontal disease. As gum pockets deepen, they house more colonies of harmful bacteria. Eventually, an inflammatory response by the body begins to damage gum and bone tissue which may cause tooth loss. Periodontal disease is the number one etiology of edentulism in the developed world. - Disease prevention
The anaerobic oral bacteria that cause periodontal disease can travel in the blood to other organs of the body. Research shows that heart disease and infections have been linked to harmful oral bacteria. Deep cleaning removes these bacteria and stops periodontal disease from progressing, thus preventing the infection from infecting other parts of the body. - Better breath
One of the most detectable signs of periodontal disease is halitosis. Bacteria and decaying food can cause a bad odor in the mouth which can be alleviated with treatments such as deep cleaning.
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What does scaling and root planing entail?
Deep cleaning or Scaling and root planing treatments are only performed after a thorough exam of the gums and teeth. Your dentist, will take dental X-rays, perform visual exams, and make a diagnosis before recommending or beginning these procedures.
Depending on the current condition of the gums, the extent of tartar present, the depth of the pockets, and the progression of the periodontal disease, local anesthesia may be used.
Scaling
This part of the treatment is performed with special dental instruments and may include an ultrasonic scaling device. The scaling instrument removes plaque and tartar from the surface of the crown and root surfaces. In many cases, the scaling device includes irrigation of the gingival pockets that can be used to administer an antibacterial agent below the gums to reduce the density of oral bacteria.
Root Planing
This procedure is a specific treatment to remove the surface dentin and cementum that is embedded with unwanted microorganisms, calculus, and toxins. The root of the tooth is mechanically smoothed to promote good healing. Having smooth and clean root surfaces stops bacteria from colonizing in the future.
After this deep cleaning procedure, the gingival pockets may be treated with antibiotic agents. This will alleviate inflammation and irritation and help the gum tissues to heal faster.
On the next appointment, the New York dentist or hygienist will thoroughly examine the gingival tissues again to see how the pockets have healed. If the pockets still measure more than 3mm in depth, additional and more intensive treatments may be recommended.
If you’re looking to schedule appointments with Manhattan dentist surgeons, visit Doctors Network!