When you have serious plaque and tartar buildup, or gums that feel sore or bleed easily, then you may need a procedure to start managing gum disease and keep your smile whole. We can help with a deep cleaning, a procedure also known as a scaling and root planing. Your Dallas, TX, periodontal treatment office talks about how we manage your periodontal health with a scaling and root planing.
The Warning Signs and Dangers of Periodontal Disease
How do you know if you have gingivitis or the early stages of periodontal disease? You may experience soreness as we discussed above, as well as gums that appear redder than usual. There could be bleeding when you brush and floss, and swelling. You could also see recession, in which the tissues pull away from the teeth to make teeth appear longer and uneven. Without treatment, the disease will grow in severity until it reaches a stage known as periodontitis, which can cause tooth loss! But we can help in these early stages with a deep cleaning.
The Scaling and Root Planing Process
With a scaling and root planing, our team will use the same ultrasonic scaling device and a pick that is employed as part of a traditional cleaning. Only instead of only removing the plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth, we also remove them from the exposed portions of the roots and from beneath the gum line. Since this is a more involved procedure, we will numb the smile beforehand, and for some, this could take multiple visits. We then polish the teeth to brighten them and make it harder for plaque and tartar to cling to the teeth before your next cleaning appointment.
Managing Periodontal Concerns
Flowing the deep cleaning, we may recommend a traditional one every three or four months, so we can control plaque and tartar buildup and in the process, control inflammation in the gums. At home, you should be sure you brush and floss, and avoid tobacco products and too much sugar in your diet. These actions help safeguard your teeth and gums, so you can enjoy a full smile.
If you have any questions about our scaling and root planing procedure, or if you want to schedule a consultation, then contact our team today to learn more. Now is a great time to see us, as you can put your remaining 2024 dental insurance benefits to use before they expire.
Talk To BC Perio in Dallas, TX, About Our Deep Cleanings
Our team wants to help kids enjoy better oral health and a smile that looks good. If you would like to learn more about managing poor gum health, then call our Dallas, TX periodontal treatment office at 214-443-0876.