When is Periodontal Cleaning Needed?

Periodontal Cleaning in Aliso Viejo CA Area

If you’re having problems with gum disease, we may recommend periodontal cleaning. Periodontal disease (advanced gum disease) can have a devastating impact on your smile as it can lead to premature tooth loss. That’s why it’s essential to get prompt treatment. For many people, the treatment starts with periodontal cleaning, aka scaling and root planing.

Drs. Chithra Tiruveedula and Joseph C. Yang from Advanced Dental answer your questions about periodontal cleaning here:

What is periodontal cleaning?

Periodontal cleaning is often referred to as deep cleaning or scaling and root planing treatment. It’s a non-surgical dental procedure used to treat gum disease. This two-part treatment entails scaling your teeth to remove plaque, tartar and bacteria buildup under the gum line, particularly around your tooth roots. Root planing is the process of smoothing out the root surfaces of your teeth to discourage plaque buildup in the future. We’ll also eliminate pockets of bacteria that have formed between your teeth and gums to give your gum tissues a chance to heal. This comprehensive treatment is done under local anesthesia to avoid pain and generally takes several dental visits to complete.

How does periodontal cleaning differ from routine dental cleanings?

At Advanced Dental, we encourage our patients to schedule routine cleanings twice a year. At this time, we’ll clean your teeth at and above the gum line to remove plaque and tartar that can cause decay and gum disease. Routine cleanings are a preventive measure against periodontal disease. Periodontal cleanings are designed to treat gum disease. Scaling and root planing eliminate plaque and tartar under the gum line to curtail the spread of infection and help restore your gum health.

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New Patients: (949) 289-9993 | Existing Patients: (949) 362-8523

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How do I know I need periodontal cleaning?

Your dentist at Advanced Dental can detect signs of gum disease during a routine dental exam. Depending on the severity of your condition, we may recommend periodontal cleaning or other gum disease treatment. We’ll consider the overall state of your teeth and gums, take X-rays to examine your bone health and measure the depth of periodontal pockets to determine the best treatment for you.

Are periodontal cleanings safe?

Absolutely! Periodontal cleanings are considered routine procedures performed by most dentists today with minimal risks. We’ll numb your mouth for this treatment to prevent discomfort and pain.

What are the benefits of periodontal cleanings?

Although there’s no cure for periodontal disease, periodontal cleanings help manage your condition to avoid losing your teeth. Through scaling and root planing treatment, our team can keep the bacterial infection in check to prevent further damage to your gums and teeth. Periodontal cleanings minimize gum disease symptoms like inflammation, recession and bleeding to give your gums a chance to regenerate and heal.