Blog

Deep Cleanings: What You Should Know

Did you know that almost half of the U.S. adult population suffers from periodontal (gum) disease (1)? Gum disease results from bacteria, plaque, and tartar that accumulate in your mouth and cause infections. If left untreated, this can lead to the deterioration of the bone that supports the tooth and eventual tooth loss.

You might already be familiar with the dental cleaning process that is recommended to be completed two to four times per year, depending on the individual patient’s oral health. This regular professional cleaning routine mainly focuses on eliminating bacteria and calculus (tartar) on the surface of and in between your teeth as well as the areas above the gum line. If you have significant build up in the area below the gum line, it may be time for a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planning.

This non-surgical treatment is recommended for patients whose gum pockets measure 5 mm or greater, X-rays showing isolated or generalized bone loss, and for patients who show presence of extensive tartar underneath the gums. In addition to that, if the patient also experiences gum disease-related symptoms like inflammation and/or bleeding of gums while brushing or flossing as well as malodor due to infection, deep cleanings might also be recommended.

For more information about gum disease and deep cleanings, please schedule a comprehensive consultation with Ericson Dental today. Our experienced clinicians are at your service to help you achieve healthier gums towards a better oral health.

See A Few Before & Afters of Our Wonderful Patients..

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015, March 10). Periodontal Disease. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/periodontal_disease/
Scroll to Top