Gum disease usually develops with little to no warning. You might start noticing traces of blood when brushing your teeth, or you may have noticed that your gums appear to be reddish in color. Often, people tend to ignore these signs since they’re minor issues. But what they don’t realize is that this problem can quickly escalate into an infection.
This is where deep cleaning becomes extremely important. The process is commonly referred to as scaling and root planing. This effective method allows us to tackle the infection from within.
Understanding the Deep Cleaning Process
A standard dental cleaning focuses on the surface of your teeth above the gumline. A deep cleaning is entirely different because it targets the hidden areas where bacteria hide. It is during this stage that plaque and tartar accumulate on your teeth, making your gums recede, which creates pockets.
Your food debris and bacteria become lodged in these pockets because your toothbrush cannot reach them. The first step in the procedure, referred to as scaling, requires the use of instruments by your dentist to remove tartar deposits. This occurs in the areas just above and below your gumline.
Next is root planing. This process is to polish the rough surfaces of your tooth roots. Healthy, smooth roots are considerably less likely to be colonized by new bacteria, giving your gums a clean slate to heal.
Breaking the Infection Cycle
Left untreated, gum disease acts like a slow-burning fire in your mouth. This will lead to an ongoing battle between bacteria and the immune system. Although the body fights to get rid of the infection, the chronic inflammation will ultimately start to destroy the bone and soft tissue that keep the teeth anchored into place.
Scaling and root planing stop the destructive process. Once the problem is addressed, inflammation is stopped. The treatment significantly reduces bacterial load and helps restore gum health over time. Once the bacteria are gone, the swelling goes down, the bleeding stops, and your immune system can finally rest.
Helping Your Gums Reattach
The ultimate goal of a deep cleaning is to help your mouth repair itself. When those deep pockets are full of tartar, your gum tissue treats your teeth like foreign objects. It pulls away to avoid the irritation.
After your roots are clean and smooth, your gums can finally do their job. The tissue begins to tighten around your teeth once again. This shrinks the pockets, closing the doors on future bacterial invasions.
Safeguarding this connection protects the underlying bone structure. You protect yourself from loose teeth, shifting smiles, and eventual tooth loss.
What to Expect During Treatment
Most people worry about discomfort during a deep cleaning, but modern dental practices keep your comfort in mind. Dentists typically use a local anesthetic to numb the area before they begin work.
You will experience some pressure and vibrations during the procedure, but you won’t experience any kind of pain. Your dental professional will either treat the issue in one sitting or divide it into two appointments, depending on the level of infection. Your provider will take care of one side of your mouth at a time.
Once the numbing effects wear off, your gums will feel a bit sensitive. It is absolutely normal since your mouth needs some time to get used to the cleanliness.
Protecting Your Smile Long-Term
A deep cleaning is the best approach to take control of your dental health before permanent damage occurs. It prevents a silent infection from becoming a serious medical problem.
If you have persistent foul breath or bleeding gums, you need to get the situation under control fast. At Matouk Family Dentistry, our staff can analyze your gums, measure your pocket depths, and give the exact care you need to stop gum disease in its tracks. Schedule your appointment now by calling us at (281) 484-3675.