Periodontal disease is a widespread concern that impacts half of adults ages 30 and older, and could lead to tooth loss in advanced cases! But our team can help manage the disease to protect smile stability. In today’s blog, your Livonia, MI, dentist talks about our scaling and root planing procedure, also known as a deep cleaning.
Plaque Buildup and Periodontal Disease
When we eat foods high in sugar and starch, and especially if we don’t brush and floss properly, this enables harmful oral bacteria to consume the particles and create plaque buildup. This sticky material coats the teeth and weakens enamel to make the risk of tooth decay much higher. The buildup is also linked to gingivitis and periodontal disease, and hardens into tartar with time, brushing and flossing can limit how much forms on your teeth but only a professional cleaning can remove the buildup. If these layers are so severe you begin to develop gingivitis or periodontal disease, then you may need a deep cleaning to protect your smile.
The Deep Cleaning
Our team will numb your smile to keep you comfortable before our team removes the plaque and tartar. Using an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual pick, we will remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and along the gum line. We also conduct a root planing, removing buildup from the exposed roots and from beneath the gum line. The procedure is more involved than a traditional cleaning, and could take between one and four visits. We then polish the teeth to make it more difficult for plaque to adhere to the surfaces before your next visit. After the deep cleaning, we will recommend a traditional cleaning every three to four months.
Managing Your Periodontal Health
Along with traditional cleanings every few months, you can help by avoiding tobacco products and cutting back on the sugar and starch in your diet. Be sure you brush twice a day for two minutes in the morning and again at night and floss every evening too. These actions help protect your smile and limit buildup from occurring before your next visit with our team. If you have any questions about how we clean your teeth and help protect your gum health, then contact our team today to learn more. Now is a great time to make a consultation to keep your smile healthy and strong, and we’re ready to help!
SCHEDULE YOUR NEXT DENTAL APPOINTMENT TODAY!
If you have discomfort in your gums or notice redness or bleeding, then please contact us at (734-425-4400) your earliest convenience to schedule an appointment with Dr. Stewart at our Livonia office for periodontal treatment. Our team can help you enjoy good gum health and avoid complications like tooth loss, so your smile stays beautiful and full.