Deep Dental Cleanings In Phoenix, AZ
While gum disease is manageable in its earliest stages, failing to effectively treat it can lead to a more serious infection that results in the destruction of the tissue surrounding the tooth. Only professional deep cleanings can remove the bacteria responsible for the infection.
Gum disease is a serious dental condition affecting a large number of people, affecting up to half of all adults in the US, according to some studies. Periodontal disease results in the destruction of the tissue surrounding the tooth, leading to tooth loss, or infections that can force you to have a tooth extracted.
Your Phoenix Periodontist, Dr. Trujillo, can help ensure that you act on gum disease as soon as possible, recommending the right treatment based on the stage of the disease and what can best be done to treat it effectively. Here, we’re going to look at one of the solutions that might work best for you: a deep dental cleaning. We’re going to explore what it is, what to expect from your appointment, and why it’s so important.
Signs of Gum Disease
As mentioned, gum disease is a condition that can get worse over time, so the signs and symptoms can vary from person to person. The first noticeable signs might include a swollen, receded look and bleeding when brushing or flossing, but if it proceeds to periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis, symptoms can get even worse.
Here are some of the most recognizable symptoms. If you experience any of the following, you should get in touch with your periodontist:
- Bad breath
- Swollen, red gums
- Receding gums
- Feelings of tenderness or pain, that can get worse when chewing
- Your teeth feel loose
- Sores inside the mouth
- Bleeding when brushing, flossing or eating a meal
The sooner you act on the signs of gum disease, the better your chances of treating it before it has the chance to develop into something more severe. When it turns into periodontitis, your chances of tooth loss rise significantly.
Treatments For Gum Disease
Gum disease is best managed through a combination of at-home treatments and in-office procedures. At home, the best way to improve the health of the gums is to ensure a thorough dental hygiene routine through brushing and flossing. Mouthwash can help as well, with certain mouthwashes being specifically designed to fight gum disease. Furthermore, changes to your diet can help, such as reducing the intake of sugary foods and drinks that contribute to bacteria buildup.
In-office treatments can differ widely. Regular cleaning with your dentist can tackle some of the earliest kinds of gum disease by effectively removing all plaque, tartar, and bacteria above and below the gum line. If it is left to progress to a more serious condition, then periodontal surgery may be necessary. This involves cutting away infected areas of the gum before suturing the remaining tissue back together.
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Which In-Office Treatment Will Work Best For You?
Depending on the stage of the gum disease, we have a range of different treatments that can ensure your teeth and surrounding tissue are clean enough to recover. The bacteria and plaque growing can open pockets between the teeth and gums and cleaning it out can help the gums reattach to the teeth.
Often, we start by probing to see which areas of the mouth are affected by gum disease. In some cases, it may be relegated to one or two areas of the mouth, but in other cases, it can affect the entire mouth. Depending on what we find, we may recommend scaling and root planing as part of a deep cleaning procedure.
About Deep Dental Cleaning
To begin with, your periodontist will perform a full dental examination. They will look visually and use a probe to see the extent of your gum disease. They may also use X-rays if they have reason to suspect further damage, such as abscesses, decay, and damage to the jawbone caused by periodontitis.
Also known as scaling and root planing, the procedure involves removing all the plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth above and below the gumline, like a regular cleaning. However, it also involves cleaning the pocket area between teeth and gums, which can open as a result of worsening gum disease. This part is performed using electric, manual, or ultrasonic scaling tools. After the scaling and root planing, your teeth will be polished and sometimes flossed to ensure a complete clean.
There should be no need for local anesthetics during a deep dental cleaning as it is not thought to be a painful treatment. However, your periodontist will do what it takes to ensure your comfort if your teeth or gums are particularly sensitive.
After The Treatment
At the end of a deep cleaning treatment, all of the plaque and bacteria causing gum disease should be removed. You will be able to go back to daily life immediately, but your gums may feel tender, to begin with. It’s essential that you keep up with a thorough dental hygiene routine and we can offer tips on which products to use if necessary. Plaque and bacteria will begin to build up again so multiple treatments may be necessary, but good hygiene practices can diminish how many times we need to provide deep cleaning.
At a minimum, deep dental cleaning will take two visits: one for the cleaning process and one to see the condition after and to see whether further procedures are necessary. If your periodontist believes that deep dental cleaning alone isn’t enough to treat the condition, they may recommend periodontal surgery or LANAP® laser treatments that can destroy the infected area, instead.
Schedule An Appointment For Phoenix Deep Dental Cleaning Today
If you’re concerned that you’re suffering from gum disease, it’s recommended you get in touch with your Phoenix periodontist today. In some cases, at-home treatments alone may be enough to get your gums back in shape, but it’s important you have a consultation to confirm whether or not that is the case.
We are glad to answer any questions you might have about the different treatments we provide for gum disease. Furthermore, we can help you arrange a cleaning, deep dental cleaning, periodontal surgery, or whatever is necessary to help get your gums in good health. The longer you leave gum disease, the worse it can get. Schedule an appointment today
Deep Dental Cleaning in Phoenix, AZ
1717 W. Northern Ave., Suite 104, Phoenix, AZ 85021
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