The goal of deep cleaning is to physically remove harmful factors that cause inflammation of the gum tissue and surrounding jawbone. Common etiologic factors removed by this conventional gum therapy include tartar or calculus. Doctors Network has simplified the process of scheduling an appointment with a periodontist near you that accepts your insurance.
These periodontal procedures which thoroughly cleanse the gum pockets, work extremely miraculously for individuals suffering from gingivitis or moderate to severe periodontal disease.
Why consider scaling/root planingScaling and root planing can be used both as a prophylactic procedure as well as a stand-alone service. Scaling and root planing is performed as a preventative measure for a periodontitis sufferer.
These are a few reasons why these dental procedures may be needed:
- Aesthetic effects
Scaling and root planing helps remove calculus and plaque from the teeth and below the gumline. As an added bonus, if yellow or brown stains are present on the teeth, they will be cleaned during the process of the deep cleaning procedure. - Tooth protection
When gum pockets exceed 3mm in depth, there is an increased risk of periodontal disease. As gingival pockets deepen, they house more harmful bacteria. Sooner or later, an inflammatory response by blood cells begins to destroy bone and gingival tissue which could lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease is the number one etiology of tooth loss in the world. - Disease prevention
The anaerobic oral bacteria that cause periodontitis can travel in the bloodstream to other parts of the body. Research shows that lung infections and heart disease have been linked to harmful periodontal bacteria. Deep cleaning removes these bacteria and prevents periodontal disease from progressing, thus preventing the infection from traveling to other parts of the body. - Better breath
One of the most common symptoms of periodontal disease is halitosis. Food and bacteria can cause a bad odor in the mouth which is alleviated with treatments such as deep cleaning.
To find out how to treat gum disease in Brooklyn, NY, visit Doctors Network.
Based on the condition of the gums, the amount of calculus present, the depth of the pockets, and the severity of the periodontal disease, local anesthesia may be used.
ScalingThis part of the procedure is performed using special dental instruments and may include an ultrasonic cleaning tool. The scaling tool removes plaque and tartar from the surface of the crown and root surfaces. In many cases, the scaling device includes an irrigation process that can be used to administer an antibacterial agent below the gumlines that can help reduce the density of oral bacteria.
Root PlaningThis part of the procedure is the treatment that serves to remove the surface dentin and root cementum that is infested with unwanted bacteria, toxins, and tartar. The root of the tooth is smoothed to promote healing. Having smooth and clean root surfaces stops bacteria from colonizing in the future.
After these deep cleaning procedures, the gingival pockets may be treated with antibiotic agents. This will alleviate inflammation and irritation and help the gum tissues heal quickly.
On the next appointment, the Brooklyn dentist or hygienist will thoroughly examine the gums again to see how the pockets have healed. If the pockets still measure deeper than 3mm, additional treatments may be suggested.
If you have any concerns or questions about deep cleaning or scaling and root planing in Crown Heights, Brooklyn Heights, Fort Greene, Park Slope, Clinton Hill, or any other parts of Brooklyn, please ask Dr. Pooria Shahin DDS, your dentist at 1st Impression Dental (www.1stidental.com).