Deep Teeth Cleaning: Foundation for Good Oral Health
When a dental patient is diagnosed with early gum disease, deep teeth cleaning is the first step to combat this condition. The goal is to thoroughly remove the infection before it spreads and significantly damages oral health. The team at Philadelphia Dentistry uses an advanced, thorough deep teeth cleaning method to fight gum disease and re-establish the foundation of good oral health. Visit Philadelphia dentists Dr. Ken Cirka, Dr. Mimi Jeon, Dr. Evan Ridge, and team in our Center City dental office for gentle gingivitis treatment.
How Deep Teeth Cleaning Works
Deep teeth cleaning is more intense than conventional teeth cleaning. This treatment involves the removal of infection from tooth enamel and under the gums. Sometimes referred to as teeth scaling and root planing, which involves the manual scraping away of infection, deep teeth cleaning treatments are commonly administered using laser therapy which also rejuvenates good gum health.
Here is how the deep teeth cleaning method typically works:
- Consultation. If you have red, swollen, or irritated gums and see your Philadelphia dentist for help, a dental exam will determine if gingivitis is present.
- Preparation. The infected gums are numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the cleaning procedure, which can be time-consuming.
- Cleaning. For this type of soft tissue management, gums are pulled back so the plaque and tartar in the infected areas can be thoroughly cleaned away and buildup eliminated. The more severe the infection, the longer it takes to remove buildup and complete the deep teeth cleaning.
- Prevention. An essential step in deep teeth cleaning is to smooth out tooth enamel to remove any bumpy surfaces that plaque can latch onto. This simple but powerful measure can help prevent gingivitis from reappearing.
- Recovery. After treatment, patients can anticipate sensitivity, swollen gums, and minor bleeding. Discomfort is temporary and signals that the infection has been treated. Healing is usually complete in about two weeks, then it’s time to focus on maintaining good oral health. This may include frequent professional teeth cleanings for a short time.
Gum Disease Prevention
Part of the recovery stage of deep teeth cleaning is gum disease prevention. It’s so important to know how to keep your teeth and gums healthy so there is no repeat of gingivitis. A few daily tasks and lifestyle changes can make all the difference in oral health.
- Visit your Philadelphia dentist. See your oral health team every six months for a teeth cleaning and dental exam to ensure that any potential gingivitis is addressed immediately and does not have room to progress.
- Prioritize at-home dental care. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day, more if needed. Be gentle but thorough with your efforts.
- Say no to tobacco. Avoiding tobacco products of any kind reduces the likelihood of developing gum disease as well as oral cancer.
- Get help immediately. If you have any tooth pain, an abscess, noticeable changes to your oral health, or recognize symptoms of gingivitis again, see your Philadelphia dentist immediately.
Deep Teeth Cleanings from Philadelphia Dentists in Center City
Don’t be ashamed if you suspect that you’re suffering from gingivitis. This problem is incredibly common among adults, some people are even predisposed to gingivitis because of genetics or certain health conditions. Your dentist is ready to help you address whatever is wrong as soon as possible.
Deep teeth cleaning is the best way to thoroughly and meticulously manage a gingivitis infection that has set into the gums. Left untreated, severe pain and eventual tooth loss will be the result. If you have swollen, tender, red, bleeding gums, or bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth, contact us to make an appointment.
