Restore Your Gum Health with Scaling and Root Planing
What Is a Dental Deep Cleaning?
A dental deep cleaning is more intensive than a regular teeth cleaning. It involves scaling and root planing to treat gum disease in its early to moderate stages. Here’s how it works:
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Scaling: This process removes plaque and tartar buildup from both above and below the gumline. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that can build up on your teeth, while tartar is hardened plaque that cannot be removed through regular brushing and flossing.
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Root Planing: After scaling, the dentist will smooth the surfaces of the tooth roots to help your gums reattach to the teeth. This step helps eliminate bacteria that can contribute to further gum infection and disease.
The goal of a deep cleaning is to stop the progression of gum disease, prevent tooth loss, and reduce the risk of other health complications.
Why Do You Need a Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning is necessary when your gums become inflamed due to plaque and tartar buildup. Common signs that you may need a deep cleaning include:
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Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing.
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Red, swollen, or tender gums.
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Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.
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Receding gums or pockets forming between the teeth and gums.
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Loose teeth or changes in your bite.
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious dental issues, including tooth loss. By addressing these symptoms early with a deep cleaning, you can prevent the condition from worsening and protect your oral health.
Benefits of a Deep Cleaning
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Prevents Tooth Loss: By treating gum disease early, a deep cleaning can prevent the need for more invasive treatments like tooth extractions or gum surgery.
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Improves Gum Health: The procedure helps to eliminate bacteria and plaque that cause gum inflammation, improving overall gum health.
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Reduces Bad Breath: Deep cleaning removes the sources of persistent bad breath, allowing you to enjoy a cleaner, fresher mouth.
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Saves You Time and Money: By addressing gum disease early, you can avoid more costly and complex procedures down the line, such as root canals or dental implants.
The Deep Cleaning Process
The deep cleaning process typically involves two appointments, especially if extensive treatment is required. Here's what you can expect:
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Initial Examination: We’ll examine your gums and teeth, and take X-rays to assess the extent of gum disease. We will discuss your medical history and any risk factors for gum disease.
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Scaling and Root Planing: During the cleaning, we use specialized instruments to remove plaque and tartar from both above and below the gumline. For deeper pockets, we may apply a local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process.
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Follow-Up Care: After your deep cleaning, we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to check your progress. This may include further cleanings or adjustments to your oral hygiene routine to ensure your gums heal properly.
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Ongoing Maintenance: In some cases, we may recommend more frequent cleanings or treatments to maintain your oral health and keep gum disease at bay.
Maintaining Your Oral Health After a Deep Cleaning
After your deep cleaning, it’s important to follow proper at-home care to maintain your results and ensure long-term gum health:
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Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
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Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.
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Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to reduce bacteria in your mouth.
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Attend regular check-ups and cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
We’ll provide you with specific care instructions to ensure your gums heal properly and that you achieve the best possible results.
Why Choose Us for Your Deep Cleaning?
We understand that dental procedures can be intimidating, especially when it comes to deep cleanings. That’s why our team is dedicated to making the process as comfortable and stress-free as possible. With personalized care and gentle techniques, we ensure that your treatment experience is both effective and positive.
We also use the latest technology and tools to provide the most thorough cleaning possible. Our goal is to help you maintain healthy gums and teeth so you can enjoy a lifetime of good oral health.
Schedule Your Deep Cleaning Appointment Today!
At our practice in Antioch, we offer professional deep cleanings to help patients achieve healthier gums and maintain their smiles. A deep cleaning is often recommended when regular cleanings aren’t enough to address gum disease or buildup that’s developed over time. If you’ve noticed signs of gum disease or are due for a more thorough cleaning, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule your dental deep cleaning consultation in Antioch. Our team is ready to help you achieve healthier gums and a brighter, fresher smile.