What is a Deep Cleaning or Periodontal Scaling and Why are They Needed?

It can be confusing when you come into the dental office for a professional cleaning and they say you need to come back for more visits of deep teeth cleaning or periodontal scaling. If it isn’t explained well, you may even feel like you are being taken advantage of.

We understand how you might be concerned and want to help make things more clear.‍

A regular teeth cleaning, called a prophylaxis, is very different than periodontal scaling.

Regular Cleaning = Cleaning and polishing the surfaces of your teeth and areas between your teeth that are above the gum line.

Periodontal scaling, root planing, or deep teeth cleaning = Removing hard tartar deposits, bacteria, and other debris that are below the gum line.

In most cases deeper teeth cleanings are recommended if:

• There is infection or a lot of bacteria present
• Your gums or the bone that supports your teeth are being compromised
• You have periodontal (gum) disease
• There is hard tartar and bacteria below the gum line
• Measurements of the pockets around your teeth are 4 mm or more – a symptom  of gum disease that puts your teeth and gums at risk

Periodontal scaling helps treat and prevent periodontal disease, which is the number one cause of tooth loss, infection and chronic inflammation in the mouth.‍

We often see these symptoms in people who haven’t been to the dentist in a while or don’t brush or floss regularly. Seniors and patients who have a limited ability to brush or floss are also at risk.

Our goal with these additional visits is to clean out the hard tartar that creates places for bacteria to live, heal the infection, and provide tools and information that will help you keep your mouth healthy. Occasionally, additional dental treatment will be recommended, especially if the bone or gum loss is severe, your teeth are loose, or have damage that needs to be repaired.

No one wants to be told they need additional dental treatment, but not taking care of your teeth and gums will lead to problems that are much harder to handle and will cost more in the long run. Any overload of bacteria in your mouth where they can be swallowed and get into your blood stream is never a good thing.

If you are told that you need additional treatment of any kind, we want to be sure you understand why before scheduling. Let us know if you have any questions. We will be happy to answer them and provide the evidence you need to know that you can trust us.

Our goal is to partner with you to ensure that your teeth look good, feel good, and last a long time. If you don’t already have a dentist you love, give us a call. We promise to take great care of you.‍

 KN Dentistry – Orange, CA – (714) 633-2562

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