There’s no great secret involved with keeping your teeth healthy. Problems like cavities and gum disease are highly preventable when you brush and floss diligently and stay current with your six-month dental cleanings and exams.
Periodontal (gum) disease is a significant problem because it’s an infection that attacks the structures that hold your teeth in place. Unfortunately, you may not be aware that it exists until our Allentown, PA dentist finds it during a routine examination.
Why You Need a Deep Periodontal Cleaning
It’s easy to treat the early stage of gum disease called gingivitis, and usually, a thorough dental cleaning and improved oral hygiene on your part are all that’s needed.
If gingivitis goes untreated, however, it can lead to periodontitis, where spaces or “pockets” open up around teeth. You may notice that your teeth feel loose, and if we don’t treat periodontitis promptly, you are at serious risk for tooth loss.
Periodontitis is much more detrimental to your oral health, and your Allentown, PA dentist would recommend scaling and root planing—a deep cleaning procedure that’s required to eliminate the infection.
The Scaling and Root Planing Procedure
If your dentist or hygienist detects periodontitis, they will recommend a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing. Scaling involves gently scraping away plaque and tartar from all surfaces of your teeth.
Root planing gets under your gum line and smooths rough spots on your tooth roots that could attract bacteria and also makes it easier for gum tissue to reattach to your teeth as they heal.
Before your deep cleaning, your hygienist will numb your gums so you don’t feel anything. Since scaling and root planing is a procedure that takes time, however, your dental hygienist will typically break the procedure into two appointments for your comfort.
Schedule Your Next Dental Exam and Cleaning
Diligent oral hygiene and cleanings and exams and Evolve Dental Care are your best bet for avoiding gum disease. Please call us to schedule your next teeth cleaning appointment at our Allentown, PA dental office.
