What Are Periodontal Deep Cleanings and Why Do They Matter?

Periodontal deep cleanings are a crucial part of maintaining your oral health, especially if you’re dealing with gum disease. At Dr. Douglas Geiger’s practice in Pineville, we emphasize the importance of deep cleanings to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. 

This blog post will explain what periodontal deep cleanings are, why they are necessary, and how they can help you maintain a healthy smile. We’ll also discuss what to expect during the procedure and the long-term benefits of keeping your gums in good shape. 

Understanding Periodontal Disease

Before diving into the specifics of periodontal deep cleanings, it’s important to understand periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It’s typically caused by poor oral hygiene, which allows plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden.

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, consists of two stages:

• Gingivitis: The earliest stage of gum disease, characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily.
• Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that collect debris and can become infected. Periodontitis is a serious oral health concern that can result in bone loss.

What is a Periodontal Deep Cleaning?

A periodontal deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a procedure designed to treat gum disease and prevent it from progressing. Unlike a regular dental cleaning, which focuses on the surface of the teeth, a deep cleaning goes below the gumline to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the roots of the teeth.

• Scaling: This part of the procedure involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline.
• Root Planing: After scaling, the roots of the teeth are smoothed out (planed) to help the gums reattach to the teeth and to reduce the spaces where bacteria can gather.

Why Are Periodontal Deep Cleanings Necessary?

Preventing Tooth Loss

One of the most important reasons to undergo a periodontal deep cleaning is to prevent tooth loss. As gum disease progresses, the bone and tissue supporting your teeth can be destroyed, leading to loose teeth or even tooth loss.

• Preserving Bone and Tissue: By removing the bacteria and tartar that cause gum disease, deep cleanings help preserve the bone and tissue that support your teeth.
• Reattachment of Gums: Smoothing the roots encourages the gums to reattach to the teeth, reducing the depth of pockets and further protecting against tooth loss.

Reducing Inflammation and Infection

Periodontal deep cleanings are essential for reducing inflammation and infection in the gums. Chronic gum inflammation is not only painful but can also lead to more serious health issues.

• Bacterial Removal: By removing harmful bacteria from below the gum line, deep cleanings reduce inflammation and help prevent the spread of infection.
• Promoting Healing: Removing tartar and bacteria allows the gums to heal and become healthy again, reducing the risk of further complications.

Improving Overall Health

Gum disease has been linked to several other health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. By addressing gum disease through periodontal deep cleanings, you may also be protecting your overall health.

• Reducing Systemic Risks: Treating gum disease can lower the risk of it contributing to other systemic health problems.
• Better Oral Hygiene: Regular deep cleanings encourage better oral hygiene practices, which can have a positive impact on your overall well-being.

What to Expect During a Deep Cleaning

Understanding what happens during a periodontal deep cleaning can help ease any anxiety you might have about the procedure.

The process typically involves:

• Initial Examination: Your dentist will first conduct a thorough examination of your gums, often using a probe to measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth.
• Anesthesia: To ensure your comfort, local anesthesia may be used to numb the areas being treated.
• Scaling: Using specialized tools, plaque, and tartar will be carefully removed from above and below the gum line.
• Root Planing: The roots of your teeth will be smoothed to help the gums reattach and to prevent bacteria from collecting in the future.

After your periodontal deep cleaning, it’s important to follow proper care instructions to promote healing and prevent further gum disease.

• Oral Hygiene: Maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash as recommended.
• Follow-Up Visits: Regular follow-up visits will be necessary to monitor the health of your gums and perform any additional cleanings if recommended by your dentist.
• Lifestyle Changes: You may be advised to make certain lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, which can exacerbate gum disease.

Ready to conquer gum health? Give us a call!

At Dr. Douglas Geiger’s practice in Pineville, NC, we are committed to providing the highest quality care to ensure the health of your teeth and gums. If you suspect you may need a deep cleaning or have been diagnosed with gum disease, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with Dr. Douglas Geiger today. Let us help you maintain a healthy smile for life! 704-889-7395