When you have serious inflammation in your gums, or the early stages of periodontal disease, then you may need a deep cleaning. Also known as a periodontal cleaning, a scaling and root planing can help protect your smile and keep complications like tooth loss at bay. In today’s blog, your Encinitas/San Diego, CA, periodontist talks about the deep cleaning process.

The Signs You Need a Deep Cleaning

When you have gingivitis, or gum inflammation, this could lead to soreness in your gingival tissues, as well as a redder appearance and even bleeding when you brush and floss. As the gingivitis progresses into the early stages of periodontal disease, the symptoms could grow in severity. When you experience these changes and sensitivity in your smile, please let us know right away. Our team will conduct a detailed diagnosis with advanced imagery systems so we can assess the cause and severity of your periodontal issues, and see if you may benefit from a scaling and root planing.

The Scaling and Root Planing Process

The deep cleaning process is more involved than a traditional cleaning, and is used to reverse gingivitis or begin managing gum disease to keep smiles healthy and whole. The procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth using an ultrasonic scaling technology and manual pick to remove deposits from the exposed roots and beneath the gum line too. Doing so helps ease inflammation. The procedure could take one visit, or in some cases up to four, it all depends on the severity of your buildup. We numb the smile beforehand so you’re comfortable, and afterward we polish the teeth. The polishing not only brightens your smile, but makes it difficult for plaque and tartar deposits and layers to form on the teeth in between your future visits.

What Happens Next?

Afterward, you may need a traditional dental cleaning or a Supportive Periodontal Maintenance procedure every three to four months to keep the inflammation under control, so you avoid bleeding, redness, and receding tissues. These actions manage your periodontal disease to prevent complications like tooth loss. At home, you should brush and floss regularly, and avoid tobacco products or a diet high in sugar and starch, which can worsen your periodontal concerns.

If you have any questions about how our team uses a periodontal cleaning to protect your smile, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, then contact our team today to learn more.

Speak With Your Encinitas/San Diego, CA Periodontist About Periodontal Cleanings

Our team wants to help you maintain optimal gum health, so you have a full and beautiful smile. If you would like to find out more about reversing your inflammation, then please call Dr. Kania’s laser periodontal office in Encinitas/San Diego, CA, at (760) 642-0711.