The objective of deep cleaning is to remove etiologic factors that cause inflammation of the gum tissue and jawbone. Common harmful factors removed by this conventional gum therapy include plaque and calculus. Doctors Network, a time-saving app for finding the best New York dentists in 2024, has streamlined the process of scheduling an appointment with a periodontist near you who accepts your insurance.
These non-surgical procedures which completely cleanse the periodontium, work very effectively for patients experiencing gingivitis and moderate to severe periodontal disease.
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Reasons for Needing Deep cleaning
Deep cleaning can be used both as a prophylactic measure and as a stand-alone service. Deep cleaning is performed as prevention for patients suffering from periodontitis.
Here are some reasons why scaling and root planings may be required:
- Aesthetic effects
Deep teeth cleaning helps remove plaque and tartar from tooth roots and below the gumline. As an added bonus, if stains are present on the teeth, they will be removed during the process of the deep cleaning procedure. - Tooth protection
When gingival pockets exceed 3mm in depth, there is a greater risk of periodontal disease. As gum pockets deepen, they tend to house more colonies of harmful bacteria. Eventually, an inflammatory response by blood cells begins to damage bone and gingival tissue which may cause tooth loss. Periodontal disease is the number one etiology of edentulism in the world. - Disease prevention
The anaerobic oral bacteria that cause periodontal infections can travel in the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Research supports that heart disease and infections have been linked to harmful oral bacteria. Scaling and root planing removes bacteria and halts periodontal disease, thus preventing the bacteria from traveling to other parts of the body. - Better breath
One of the most detectable symptoms of periodontal disease is halitosis or bad breath. Bacteria and decaying food can cause a foul odor in the oral cavity which can easily be alleviated with treatments such as scaling and root planing.
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What does scaling and root planing entail?
Deep cleaning procedures are performed after a thorough examination of the oral cavity and teeth. Your dentist, will take dental X-rays, conduct visual examinations, and make an evaluation before recommending or beginning these procedures.
Depending on the current condition of the gingival, the extent of tartar and plaque present, the depth of the pockets, and the degree of the periodontitis, local or topical anesthetic may be used.
Scaling
This part of the treatment is performed using special dental instruments and might include an ultrasonic scaling tool. The scaling device removes plaque and tartar from the surface of the crown and root surfaces. Most of the time, the scaling tool includes an irrigation process that can also be used to deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gumlines to reduce the density of oral bacteria.
Root Planing
This part of the procedure is the treatment that serves to remove the cementum and surface dentin that is embedded with unwanted bacteria, toxins, and tartar. The root surface of the tooth is smoothed to promote periodontal healing. Having clean, smooth root surfaces prevents bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.
Following this procedure, the gingival pockets may be treated with antimicrobial agents. This will alleviate inflammation and irritation and help the gums to heal quickly.
During the next appointment, the New York dentist or hygienist will thoroughly examine the gums again to see how well the pockets have healed. If the gum pockets still measure more than 3mm in depth, more aggressive treatments may be recommended.
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