Why Do I Need a Deep Cleaning?
When it comes to keeping your teeth healthy and clean, most of the time, a routine dental cleaning gets the job done. In some cases, though, your dentist might recommend a deep cleaning. Let’s take a look at what deep cleaning is and why you might need one.
What is a Deep Cleaning
For healthy patients, the space between the teeth and gums is small—usually 3mm or less. But for patients with gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, this space is deeper, which means food and bacteria get trapped there. A deep cleaning, sometimes called scaling and root planing, is a procedure used to remove hard-to-reach plaque and tartar from deep pockets in the gums.
Is Gingivitis Reversible?
Often, gingivitis and periodontitis are confused, but they’re actually two separate conditions. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of periodontitis. Bleeding of the gums, inflammation, and gum pain are all common signs of gingivitis. Luckily, with proper treatment, it is often reversible. Good hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, can stop gingivitis before it turns into full-blown gum disease.
Left untreated, however, the bacteria that cause gingivitis will cause significant damage to your teeth and gums. Once gingivitis becomes periodontitis, you’re more likely to lose bone that can’t be recovered. That’s why, it’s important to take the early signs of gum disease seriously.
Benefits of a Deep Cleaning
Deep cleanings are an important part of treating gum disease and preventing further complications. While a deep cleaning visit might look slightly different from routine dental cleanings, it has several important advantages, including:
The sooner you’re able to follow up on your dentist’s deep cleaning recommendation the better. Ideally, you’ll be able to return to routine cleanings after receiving your deep cleaning. Your dentist will advise on what makes the most sense for your specific smile.
What to Expect
A deep cleaning is a bit more invasive than a standard hygiene visit, so your dentist or hygienist will administer an anesthetic before beginning the cleaning to make the process more comfortable. Generally, your hygienist will only treat one-quarter or one-half of your mouth at once. Using hand instruments or ultrasonic tools, the hygienist will carefully remove any buildup on your teeth and along your gums. You might also receive a special mouthwash designed to keep bacteria at bay.
After your deep cleaning, it’s important to continue doing your part to keep your smile healthy and clean by flossing and brushing regularly. Follow the advice of your dentist and hygienist between appointments to keep gum disease under control and maintain your pearly whites.
Have more questions about deep cleanings? Ready to schedule your appointment? Let us know! You can call us at (757) 564-0804 or request an appointment through our website. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon.
We hear some version of this pretty regularly at Norge Dental Center. A patient gets settled in the chair and, before we’ve even had a chance to take a look, says, “I’m sorry, I know my teeth are a mess,” or, “Please don’t judge me, I haven’t been to the dentist in years.”Sometimes they laugh when they say it, but we can usually tell they’re genuinely embarrassed. They may have put off making the appointment because of it, and by the time they finally come in, they’ve already imagined all the things we might say about their teeth.Here’s what we wish those patients knew before they ever walked through our doors: you don’t need to apologize to us.
Read MoreIt’s hard to believe it’s already back to school time! Backpacks are packed, lunches are being made, and families are getting back into their school year routines.We know how busy this time of year can be. Between school, homework, sports, activities, and everything else on the calendar, dental care may not always be at the top of the list.At Norge Dental Center, we want to help make keeping your family’s smiles healthy a little easier. Here are a few simple dental tips to keep in mind as everyone heads back to school.
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Read MoreWhether you’re new to the Williamsburg area, or new to the Norge Dental family… we welcome you to a new dental experience. We are so thankful you are here.
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