Deep Cleanings: For Total Mouth Health
Gum disease is the number-one cause of tooth loss for American adults. The condition has also been associated with increased risk for stroke, heart attack, diabetes complications, low weight births, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other serious overall health problems. At your checkup or hygiene visit, we’ll assess your gum health and let you know if gum disease is a concern.
In the mildest cases, periodontal disease may be treated with improved oral homecare and close monitoring. However, oftentimes a deep cleaning proves most helpful. Our hygienists perform scaling and root planing for deep cleanings. Scaling involves removing hardened plaque, called tartar or calculus, from below the gum line. In root planing, rough areas on the roots of teeth are smoothed to reduce the potential for plaque buildup. Arestin antibiotic treatment may be prescribed to destroy bacteria and promote reattachment of gums to teeth. After deep cleaning, patients are encouraged to attend more frequent visits so that the hygienist can monitor gum health and address concerns immediately.
