Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning is another name for scaling and root planing. It is needed when gum disease has moved below the gum line into pockets created by the gum detaching from the tooth root.
Our hygienists know how to get deep into the pocket to effectively clean it out, often eliminating the necessity for more invasive treatments.
Scaling is the action of removing plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) and tartar (calculus), which is hardened plaque. We use ultrasonic scalers that gently remove the plaque and tartar with sonic vibrations.
Root planing is the action of detailed scaling of the root surface using curettes (hand instruments) to smooth out any rough areas and remove any residual tartar. For gum disease treatment to be successful, it is vital that the root surface is left smooth and clean. This encourages the gum to reattach to the root, closing up the pockets that have been fostering the further growth of bacteria.
Get Thorough And Gentle Deep Cleanings With Our Highly Trained And Experienced Hygienists
Our excellent team of hygienists not only help Drs. Hendry and Henriod with treatment of severe gum disease, they also provide deep cleaning for mild to moderate gum disease.
All our hygienists have been with us for many years, working side by side with Dr. Hendry and Dr. Henriod, and have seen and treated a full range of periodontal disease. They are highly trained in periodontal disease education and treatment, and in fact, train other hygienists.
We offer our expert and thorough deep cleaning as a service to any patient with gum disease.
If we think patients with moderate to severe gum disease have a good chance of avoiding surgery – laser-assisted or traditional – we start their periodontal treatment with deep cleaning. As our deep cleaning treatments are so thorough, in many cases we can fully handle the dangerous stage of periodontal disease through this procedure alone.
Dr. Hendry and Dr. Henriod also perform deep cleaning at the same time as laser-assisted therapy for severe gum disease.
Gum Treatment Consultation
- Consultation with the doctor
- Periodontal evaluation
- Find out about our gum treatment options, including non-surgical laser gum disease treatment (LANAP)
- Review your options
- Get all your questions answered
- Written treatment plan
To make an appointment, call (626) 796-5386 or click here to request an appointment online.
Why Is Deep Cleaning Gums Necessary?
Our periodontists will recommend a dental deep cleaning if we find that you have symptoms of gum disease, or periodontitis.
Periodontitis is an infection of the gum tissue caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar. It is most often the result of poor oral hygiene, namely a lack of daily flossing, and has a variety of symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
Common symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Tender gums
- Swelling of the gums
- Gums that bleed easily
- Receding gums
- Tooth sensitivity
- Bad breath (halitosis)
- Bone loss
- New spacing in teeth
- Abscesses around teeth
- Loose teeth
- Tooth loss
COMPREHENSIVE PATIENT EDUCATION
We offer our expert and thorough deep cleaning as a service to any patient with gum disease.
If we think patients with moderate to severe gum disease have a good chance of avoiding surgery – laser-assisted or traditional – we start their periodontal treatment with deep cleaning. As our deep cleaning treatments are so thorough, in many cases we can fully handle the dangerous stage of periodontal disease through this procedure alone.
Without good home oral care, even the most thorough periodontal treatment can fail. Our expert hygienists work with you on how to be most effective with your oral hygiene.
They will show you how to brush your teeth without destroying your gums. They will also teach you about the different oral hygiene tools available, such as water picks, types of toothbrushes, types of floss and about small brushes (proxy brushes) for small spaces.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about receiving a Dental Deep Clean:
The best way to tell whether you’re in need of a dental deep cleaning is to consult one of our periodontists. You may be experiencing some of the symptoms of periodontitis, but those symptoms are not a surefire indicator of gum disease, as they can be associated with other issues with your oral health.
We recommend that you schedule an appointment as soon as possible if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of gum disease.
At your appointment, we will give you an oral examination, use tools to check below your gum line, and potentially take some x-rays to see if any bone loss has occurred.
Should we find that you’re exhibiting signs of gum disease, we will perform a dental deep cleaning to remove the infection-causing plaque, tartar, and bacteria and help to restore your oral health. We will also give you some tips and possibly even a prescription medication that will help you care for your gums better at home.
If you’re the type of person who has dental anxiety, then you may be reluctant to receive a dental deep cleaning out of fear that it may be painful. The truth is that there can be some discomfort involved in the dental deep cleaning procedure, but a local anesthetic is used to make the process as easy as possible.
You shouldn’t feel anything more than a bit of tenderness and possibly some increased sensitivity for a little while after your procedure.
Dental deep cleaning teeth costs will vary depending on a few different factors. One of the most important among them is whether you have dental insurance.
Our friendly team is more than happy to discuss your treatment and outline a flexible financing plan that works for your budget needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out to get the conversation started today!