Your gum health is crucial to your overall well-being. Yet, many people neglect their gums and focus solely on their teeth. However, the truth is that healthy gums are the foundation for a healthy smile. Without proper gum care, you could be putting yourself at risk for various dental problems, such as gum disease and tooth loss. If your gums are ravaged by gum disease, the dental team at Spring Green Family Dental will likely prescribe dental deep cleaning (scaling and root planing).
In the United States, 2 in 5 adults are affected by some form of gum disease, and scaling and root planing (SRP) is typically the first line of defense against this prevalent public health problem. Some reasons why our dentists might recommend periodontal cleanings include:
The procedure begins with a thorough oral examination. Your dental team will assess your gum health, measure the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums, and may take X-rays to identify any underlying issues.
Our dentists administers local anesthesia to numb the area being treated to ensure comfort and minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Our dentists will carefully remove plaque and hardened tartar from the tooth surfaces and below the gumline using specialized dental instruments. These instruments can be hand scalers or ultrasonic instruments that use vibrations to break up the tartar.
After scaling, the focus shifts to the tooth roots. Our team smooths out the root surfaces, making it more challenging for bacteria to adhere and form new plaque or tartar. Also, root planing facilitates the reattachment of the gums to the tooth surfaces.
While the procedure can cause some discomfort, local anesthesia is typically used to numb the area, making the process more comfortable. After the procedure, you may experience some soreness and sensitivity, which generally subsides in a few days.
The most common side effects include gum tenderness, bleeding, and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. These issues are usually temporary and can be managed with proper aftercare. Serious risks are rare but can include infection or persistent inflammation.
After your deep cleaning, it's important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash. Regular dental check-ups are also a must to monitor your gum health.
Additional treatments depend on the severity of your gum disease and how well your gums respond to the deep cleaning. Consistent follow-up visits with our dentists will help determine if further intervention is necessary.
Our Katy, TX, dentists offers custom sports mouthguards to help prevent dental trauma, such as broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and cuts to the lips or tongue, thereby ensuring athletes can play safely and confidently.
If you need a dental deep cleaning, don’t get embarrassed. Instead, get the help you need at Spring Green Family Dental. We understand the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and are equipped to provide the necessary care without judgment. Recognizing the need for scaling and root planing is the first step toward achieving optimal gum health. Take the initiative and schedule that appointment—your gums will thank you.
