Gum disease, even in its mildest form of gingivitis, can cause significant discomfort and should be treated without delay. At Dentist of Anaheim, our deep teeth cleaning treatment can restore your smile's health and ensure it remains that way.
A deep cleaning differs from a routine cleaning as it targets hard-to-reach areas to remove tartar buildup. These areas include below the gum line, in the pockets surrounding your teeth, and occasionally as deep as the roots of your teeth. At Dentist of Anaheim, we use periodontal scaling and root planing (SRP) to remove this stubborn buildup. Although the name may sound intimidating, it's merely the process of scraping off the tartar. If manual scraping is ineffective, an ultrasonic removal device may be used.
Regular teeth cleanings are mostly preventative, while deep teeth cleaning and periodontal maintenance address existing oral health problems and prevent their progression. For example, patients with gingivitis may require an initial deep cleaning to establish a baseline of treatment, followed by regular periodontal cleanings.
If you experience symptoms of gum disease, you may need a deep teeth cleaning. These symptoms include receding or pulling away of gums from teeth, swollen or inflamed gums, tender gums, bleeding gums, bad breath, painful chewing, and loose teeth. In particular, any pocket deeper than three millimeters is an indication of gum disease and requires immediate attention. A deep teeth cleaning can help address these issues and prevent the progression of periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. It starts with the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gum line. If not removed through proper oral hygiene practices like brushing and flossing, the bacteria in the plaque can cause inflammation of the gums (gingivitis). Over time, if left untreated, this inflammation can progress and cause the destruction of the bone and tissues that support the teeth, leading to periodontal disease. The disease can cause symptoms like gum recession, bleeding gums, bad breath, and tooth loss if left untreated. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings, along with good oral hygiene practices, can help prevent and manage periodontal disease.
The symptoms of gum disease can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In the early stages, gum disease (gingivitis) may cause symptoms such as:
As gum disease progresses to periodontitis, the symptoms can become more severe, including:
It is important to see a dentist or periodontist if you experience any of these symptoms, as early detection and treatment can help prevent further damage to your gums and teeth.
There are several factors that can increase a person's risk of developing periodontal disease, including:
Before starting the deep cleaning procedure, the team at Dentist of Anaheim will carefully assess your teeth and review your x-rays to identify any underlying issues and determine the areas that require the most attention. Additionally, they will use a special probe to measure the depth of your gum pockets to identify any signs of gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
To ensure that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure, your Anaheim dentist will apply a local anesthetic to your gums. The deep cleaning treatment will be performed one quadrant at a time, focusing on specific areas that require attention. Depending on the extent of treatment needed, your dentist may only clean one or two quadrants during each visit and schedule follow-up appointments to address other areas.
Patients may experience some discomfort or sensitivity during and after a deep dental cleaning, but it shouldn't be painful. The team at Dentist of Anaheim will typically use a local anesthetic to numb the gums before the procedure, which should help minimize any pain or discomfort. Additionally, patients can use over-the-counter pain medication or apply ice packs to alleviate any discomfort after the procedure. It's important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dental team to ensure proper healing and to avoid any complications.
As deep teeth cleanings require more time and use of local anesthesia, they are usually more expensive than routine cleanings. However, most dental insurance policies cover a portion of these costs. We understand that this expense can be a concern for some patients, and we are happy to work with you to create a treatment plan that allows you to spread out the costs over several visits, rather than paying everything upfront.
Stop Gum Disease in Its Tracks!
If you think a deep teeth cleaning might be the right choice for you, call our office at [phone number] to learn more or schedule an appointment.
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