What to Expect After Deep Cleaning of Teeth
If you are not meticulous about your daily brushing and flossing, you may need a dental deep cleaning. Even if you’re doing everything right, there may still come a time when you will need to undergo the procedure. Our dentists in Jupiter, FL are experts at deep cleaning your teeth. Before we lay out what to expect after a deep cleaning of teeth, let’s take a look at what might cause you to need it.
Why You Might Need a Deep Cleaning
Periodontitis
Gum disease is a possibly serious, progressive condition that involves bacterial infection of your gums and surrounding bones. Research has shown that nearly one-third of the population may be innately predisposed to gum disease, although other factors often trigger it.
Some can be prevented, while others cannot. It includes hormone fluctuations experienced during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause. The triggers that can be prevented include tobacco use. It lets plaque and tartar build up on your teeth. Tartar is the most common source of periodontitis.
Plaque is being continuously formed, and if it stays on the teeth, it can harden into tartar and irritate your gums. Tartar is more problematic to remove than plaque, and it also emits bacterial toxins that break down the adjacent gum tissues. The gums begin to separate from the teeth, creating gum pockets beneath the gum line. If your plaque and tartar are not promptly removed, it will result in gum degradation and infection.
Tooth Loss
Periodontitis can lead to tooth loss and negatively impact your overall health if left untreated. It has also been linked to some cardiovascular conditions. Regrettably, early gum disease may go unnoticed. If you think you have gum problems, we will physically assess your gums for signs of puffiness, redness, and bleeding, which indicate gum inflammation.
We use a periodontal probe to assess the severity of your gum condition by measuring the depths of the gum pockets between your teeth and gums. If pocket depths exceed three millimeters, periodontal disease is likely present. We will also assess the mobility of your teeth. A loose tooth strongly indicates a loss of bone support from gum disease.
We may perform a series of X-rays to confirm any bone loss. Fortunately, deep dental cleaning can remove plaque buildup and prevent periodontitis from developing or worsening. The procedure includes root planing and scaling, and is usually utilized to manage early-stage gum disease.
Deep Dental Cleaning Techniques
Scaling – The process by which we scrape off the plaque and tartar buildup on the surfaces of your teeth. Generally, we perform scraping by hand; however, we also combine manual scraping with an ultrasonic scaler to significantly speed up the process when the accumulation is excessive.
Root Planing – It is the second part of deep cleaning. It involves manually cleaning out the gum pockets of plaque. The root surfaces of your teeth are smoothed over after the pockets are cleaned out. It lets the gum tissue heal and reduces the likelihood of future plaque buildup.
Depending on the severity of the condition, more than one treatment may be necessary. Root planing is slightly more invasive than a regular prophylactic dental cleaning. However, any possible discomfort can be managed with local anesthesia.
The procedure aims to remove cementum and is performed on the roots of your teeth that exhibit bone loss and tissue recession. It thoroughly cleans teeth contaminated with damaging bacteria. This treatment may be sufficient in controlling progressing gum disease, depending on the extent of the damage.
When utilized together, the two parts of deep dental cleaning can stop the development of mild to moderate periodontitis. We may also prescribe antibiotics to control any underlying bacterial infection. In severe cases of gum disease, periodontal surgery may be needed.
Even after a successful deep cleaning, good daily oral hygiene should remain your top priority. Brush and floss twice a day to keep your teeth plaque-free. Dentist visits every six months are also essential to prevent the recurrence or worsening of gum disease.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Gum disease may be asymptomatic in its early stages, but visit us as soon as possible for deep cleaning if you observe any of the following symptoms:
- Changes in your bite
- Loose tooth
- Unpleasant breath
- Gums separating from your teeth
- Presence of pus between teeth and gum
- Changes in the fit of partial dentures
- Swollen, reddened, bleeding, or tender gums, especially when you’re brushing your teeth
Contact Shoreline Smiles
Practicing proper oral hygiene is vital, but deep cleaning is crucial in preventing the onset or progression of gum disease. If you want to learn more about deep cleaning in Jupiter, FL, feel free to contact us, and we’ll answer all of your questions