What Is A Periodontal Cleaning?
If you’re conscientious about your oral health care, you’re certain to see your dentist at least twice a year for regular check-ups. As a result of these visits, you have likely become familiar with the regular professional cleaning that takes part each time. This professional cleaning is an important weapon in your battle against the decay that results from the plaque and tartar that remains after even the most conscientious at-home cleaning. Without consistent at-home dental hygiene practices and regular visits to your dentist, you’re at risk of developing periodontal disease.
What Is Periodontal Disease And How Can I Prevent It?
We’re all familiar with the plaque and tartar that are responsible for tooth decay, and most of us take care to brush, floss, and use mouthwash daily to eliminate it. When these substances build up on our teeth as the result of poor dental hygiene, infrequent dental visits, or the presence of medical conditions that leave us vulnerable, periodontal disease can result. You’ll recognize periodontal disease, or gum disease, by the following common symptoms:
- Puffy gums
- Tender gums
- Gums that bleed when brushed, or when eating
- Loose Teeth
Advanced periodontal disease requires more than just regular brushing, flossing, and mouthwash to reverse. In most cases, you’ll need the assistance of a dentist and a thorough periodontal cleaning followed by maintenance.
Periodontal Cleansing and Maintenance
When regular professional cleaning isn’t enough to address periodontal disease, your dentist will pull out the next tool in their dental health kit. Eliminating the plaque and tartar that cause infection, inflammation, and decay that is happening under the protective layer of your gums needs special attention. The process used is known as ‘periodontal cleaning’ or, more specifically, scaling and root planing. This procedure uses special tools to remove the plaque and tartar below the gum line. The planing process polishes the surface of your dental roots to prevent plaque and tartar from forming before it can heal.
Once you’ve received this specialized form of cleaning, your dentist is likely to order a period of periodontal maintenance. This simply means that you’ll be heading back to see your dentist more than twice this year, each time receiving a new cleaning to help ensure your gums will properly heal and seal back against your teeth. With time and commitment, your smile will be as beautiful as ever, and your oral health back at peak.
This disease is a serious issue that faces many patients, resulting in extensive damage to the teeth, gums, and in serious cases, the jawbone itself. Periodontal cleaning is a necessary part of the process that leads to the elimination of this disease and the restoration of good oral health. Summit Dental proudly serves the Lees Summit, MO, area with routine and specialized dental care and cleanings. If the symptoms of periodontal disease have you concerned for your oral health, it’s time to reach out to us and schedule an appointment today! Dr. Brian Schowengerdt is waiting to welcome your family to ours!