Periodontal Cleaning

Target Gum Disease with Precision Periodontal Care

Periodontal Cleaning at Adams Dental Associates

At Adams Dental Associates in Sacramento, we understand the importance of maintaining not only the health of your teeth but also the health of your gums. Periodontal cleaning, often known as deep cleaning, is a specialized service designed to treat and prevent periodontal disease, which affects the gums and the bone that supports your teeth. This page will explain what periodontal cleaning is, why it is necessary, and how it differs from regular dental cleanings.

Understanding Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It is typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — to build up on the teeth and harden. In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums; painful chewing problems; and even tooth loss.

What Is Periodontal Cleaning?

Periodontal cleaning is a method used to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. This procedure goes beyond the standard dental cleaning that you receive during a routine visit. While regular dental cleanings are preventive by nature, focusing on the surfaces of the teeth and the space between teeth and gums, periodontal cleaning involves cleaning the pockets below the gum line and smoothing the tooth root to remove bacterial toxins.

The Need for Periodontal Cleaning

If the dentist finds signs of gum disease during an examination, we may recommend a periodontal cleaning. Common indicators include:

• Deep pockets between your teeth and gums
• Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose or shifting teeth

These symptoms suggest that plaque and tartar may have accumulated below the gum line, creating conditions ripe for bacterial growth and infection.

The Periodontal Cleaning Process

The periodontal cleaning process, often referred to as scaling and root planing, is performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Scaling: Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. Our dental hygienists use specialized instruments to gently and effectively clear away the buildup.
2. Root Planing: Root planing goes a step further by smoothing out your teeth roots. This helps your gums reattach to your teeth once the tartar is removed. Smoothing the root surfaces also makes it harder for plaque to accumulate in the future.
3. Follow-Up Care: After your periodontal cleaning, we may recommend more frequent dental cleanings to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Depending on the severity of the gum disease, we might schedule periodic follow-up visits to monitor your gums and ensure that they heal properly and remain free of further disease.

Benefits of Periodontal Cleaning

Periodontal cleaning offers several benefits that go beyond those provided by regular dental cleanings:

• Prevents Disease Progression: By removing plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line, periodontal cleaning helps stop the progression of gum disease.
• Reduces Pocket Depth: Effective cleaning reduces the depth of the periodontal pockets, decreasing the risk of serious infections that could lead to tooth loss.
• Improves Overall Health: Treating gum disease can improve your overall health. Research has linked periodontal disease to other health problems like heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
• Enhances Breath: Removing trapped food particles and bacteria improves your breath and reduces odor.

Caring for Your Teeth Post-Periodontal Cleaning

After a periodontal cleaning, it’s important to take care of your teeth and gums to ensure healing and prevent further issues:

• Follow Our Care Instructions: We will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your mouth after the cleaning. This might include specific brushing and flossing techniques or products.
• Regular Dental Visits: Continue visiting Adams Dental Associates for regular check-ups and cleanings. Regular visits allow us to monitor your oral health and quickly address any new or recurring issues.
• Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Maintain a healthy diet and quit smoking if applicable. Both of these factors significantly impact the health of your gums.

Take Action Against Gum Disease

Periodontal cleaning is a vital service for anyone experiencing signs of gum disease. At Adams Dental Associates, our skilled team is committed to providing thorough periodontal care tailored to your unique needs. As a trusted provider of dental cleanings in Sacramento, we are dedicated to helping you maintain optimal oral health through preventative care and specialized treatments like periodontal cleanings.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease, or if it’s been a while since your last dental visit, contact us today. Early intervention with periodontal cleaning can save your smile and improve your health. Schedule your appointment with Adams Dental Associates and take the first step towards healthier gums and a healthier life.