Deep Cleaning
What is Deep Cleaning (Deep
Scaling & Root Planing)?
If plaque and tartar is
left on the teeth, as we
mentioned before, it
provides the right
conditions for bacteria
to thrive. The bacteria
irritate the gums, which
means that they bleed
more easily. You may
notice this if you are
brushing your teeth, or
eating, and sometimes
your gums may bleed a
bit. This is the early
stage of gum disease
called gingivitis.
If you have gingivitis,
your dentist or
hygienist
will
clean your teeth by
scaling and polishing
them. They may also
recommend an antiseptic
mouthwash containing
chlorhexidine and show
you how to brush and
floss your teeth
effectively. Most adults
have some degree of gum
disease.
Periodontal Disease:
Periodontal
disease is the major
cause of tooth loss in
adults. It is an
inflammatory disease
that results in the
destruction of
tooth-supporting bone.
The gum inflammation is
caused mainly by the
accumulation of
bacterial plaque below
the gumline.
Bacterial plaque is a
soft, sticky, toxic mass
which attaches to teeth
along and underneath the
gumline. If the plaque
is not removed by
regular brushing and
flossing, it hardens and
becomes tartar. As the
tartar develops, it
forms a cohesive bond
with the root surface of
the tooth. Tartar can
only be removed by the
dentist or hygienist
through Scaling and Root
Planing.
Unremoved bacterial
irritants and toxins
cause the gums to become
inflamed and tender. The
tooth-supporting bone
responds to this
inflammation by simply
"melting away". Left
untreated, the resulting
bone loss will leave
behind pockets in the
gum around the affected
teeth. These pockets
will harbor still more
plaque and tartar in an
area that is
inaccessible to the
patient. The progress of
the disease will usually
accelerate. Periodontal
disease is often
painless in it's early
and moderate stages.
Scaling & Root Planing
refers to the meticulous
polishing of the root
surface and cleaning of
the surrounding tissues,
establishing an
environment necessary
for healing. In many
instances, SRP is the
only procedure
necessary. However, in
more advanced cases
additional treatments
may be necessary to
eliminate periodontal
pockets. For your
comfort, sometimes a
local anesthetic is used
during the procedure.
If you have any
questions about how
Scaling & Root Planing
can help you preserve
your beautiful smile,
please ask the doctor or
hygienist.
