Do I Need a Deep Cleaning?

If too much time has lapsed since your last dental checkup and cleaning, you may be wondering about the health of your teeth and gums. Maybe you’ve heard stories about friends, neighbors, or family members who needed to visit the dentist several times for a deep cleaning.

According to the state of your dental health and your overall health, there are a number of different types of cleanings that your Saint Charles, MO dentist may recommend for you. When the gums and teeth are healthy, a routine cleaning will typically be suggested every six months.

When there are signs of gum disease, a deeper form of cleaning called scaling and root planing may be required.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, occurs when there is an infection in the tissues that support your teeth. It’s typically a bacterial infection caused by the accumulation of bacterial plaque above and below the gumline. Both plaque and tarter can be so irritating that they can trigger an infection that warrants professional care. Patients with gum disease often notice visible tarter buildup, inflammation, bad breath, and bleeding. As the disease progresses, you may be unable to control it with your toothbrush and floss alone.

Using specialized instruments, ultrasonic technology, and antimicrobial solutions, your dentist and hygienist can remove the hard and soft buildup. Where bone loss has occurred or pockets have formed under the gum tissue, plaque and tarter can travel several millimeters beneath the gums. To remove the irritation and create a healthy environment for the gums and bone to heal, the plaque and tarter will need to be scaled (or removed) from the tooth surface and the root surfaces will be planed (or smoothed). Thus, scaling and root planing defines the procedure in which the teeth and gums are deeply and thoroughly cleaned.

You’ll need to be evaluated by your dentist in Saint Charles, MO to know for sure if scaling and root planing is right for you. To schedule your examination, call for an appointment today.