Continue reading for more information about what deep cleanings are, why you need one, and what this treatment means for you.
Gum disease known as periodontal disease occurs when the bacteria count in the mouth is not regulated by proper home care. Over time, bacteria begin to eat away at both the gum and bone tissue, causing the patient to experience recession in both the gums as well as the bone. Symptoms commonly experienced with periodontal disease include:
Periodontal disease can be affected by a number of different factors, including tobacco use, genetic predisposition, poor home care, prescription medications, chemotherapy, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.
Most people, upon learning that they are in need of a deep cleaning, wonder why they can’t simply have the problem taken care of with a regular cleaning.
Deep cleanings, clinically known as scaling and root planings, are treatments specially designed to help treat periodontal disease.
Because periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that reside and multiply below the gum line, and slowly eat away at the tissues holding in the teeth. A scaling and root planing is needed to remove that bacteria. Regular cleanings simply care for the area above the gum line, while deep cleanings go below and remove harmful bacteria.
After the hygienist has thoroughly cleaned both above and below the gums, they will place an antibiotic solution in the pockets of the teeth to ensure that bacteria growth is stunted and discouraged. You will then be asked to return every three months rather than every six months; this allows your dentist and dental hygienist to keep a close eye and intercept any issues that may arise. It’s important to keep in mind that while gum disease can not be reversed, it can be prevented from getting worse with the correct treatment plan. For this reason, they may place you on a periodontal maintenance program. This is usually done every three months and the hygienist can go scale and root plane the areas that need it until the pockets have decrease everywhere.
Here at Willow Glen Dental Specialists, we are proud to offer comprehensive deep cleaning and other gum disease treatment services in San Jose, California.
To learn more about deep cleanings or to get scheduled for a consultation in our San Jose dental office, give us a call anytime at 408-478-9081.
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