Dental Deep Cleaning (SRP)
Gum disease isn’t pleasant. Besides discomfort, it can quickly spread into more serious periodontal disease or bone loss and require tooth extraction if left untreated. Fortunately, care is available to turn around your gum health for the better at Bayshore Family Dental. To stop the spread of gum disease and reverse negative effects, a dental deep cleaning might be just the procedure you need.
Is a Dental Deep Cleaning Right For Me?
If you have signs of gum disease or gingivitis, we may suggest a dental deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar located beneath the gum line. During a routine examination, we check the depth of the gums between the teeth. If these pockets have recessed or are deeper than expected, it’s most commonly a sign of gum disease that could benefit from a scaling and root planing treatment. Below are other gum disease symptoms to look out for:
- Painful, swollen gums
- Reddening or darkening of the gums
- Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
- Receding gum line
- Chronic bad breath, or halitosis
- Increased sensitivity to hold or cold temperatures
Procedure Expectations
A dental deep cleaning is different from your routine cleaning treatment. Although tartar is removed and the teeth are polished during a normal cleaning, the scaling will stop at the gum line. A deep dental cleaning extends below the gum line to remove tartar and plaque buildup that contribute to periodontal disease.
The procedure begins with an examination of the health of your teeth and gums. Digital x-ray imaging and periodontal probes measure the distance between your teeth and gums, and a visual examination spots signs of periodontal disease. If a scaling and root planing is recommended, the area will first be numbed for increased patient comfort. Dental tools are then carefully used to remove tartar below the gum line. Depending on the progression of the periodontal disease, a follow up appointment might be necessary to complete the procedure across all the teeth. During your next appointment, the gums will be checked once again to confirm the receding has reduced.
Treatment Maintenance
Root scaling and planing is often pain-free, but you might experience sore gums the rest of the day. Over-the-counter pain medication is recommended to relieve any discomfort. Brush carefully to avoid agitating the gums, and in the next couple days the soreness will go away.
A deep cleaning from the dentist is an effective way to treat gum disease, but daily oral hygiene practices will prevent it from coming back. Brush and floss twice a day, paying special attention to gently brush the gum line to remove plaque. Don’t neglect scheduling regular cleanings and checkups with us every six to twelve months to remove tartar before it can cause problems.
Reverse Gum Disease Today
A dental deep cleaning could be just what you need to kick out tartar and turn around gum disease. For compassionate care and healthy gums, schedule an appointment with us at Bayshore Family Dental. Contact us today and find a time that’s right for you.
