With a regular dental cleaning every few months, we can help protect your smile from gum disease. But what happens if your smile already has gingivitis or disease? In a situation like this, your Leawood, KS, dentist can offer relief with a scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning.
The Signs of Gingivitis and Gum Disease
When do you need to have a deep cleaning? If you attend a routine checkup visit every six months, then we can likely catch issues in the earliest stages of inflammation, offering preventive actions. Otherwise, you may not know you need this intervention until you exhibit red and bleeding gums, recession or swelling, or sensitivity. When you experience sudden changes in your gum tissues, then you need to see our team right away for possible solutions, such as a scaling and root planing.
Scaling and Root Planing
The process uses the same tools as a traditional cleaning, but with a few key differences. The presence of gingivitis and gum disease could mean portions of the roots have been exposed by recession, which are more vulnerable to tooth decay and infection, causing sensitivity. With the deep cleaning, we use an ultrasonic scaling device to remove buildup from the teeth, but also these exposed portions of the gums. We even destroy pockets of harmful bacteria from beneath the gums. The process is more involved than your traditional cleaning, so we will numb your smile to keep you comfortable. The procedure could take one visit, or as many as four, it all depends on the extent of your buildup. The final step is to polish the teeth, which offer a more attractive appearance and limit the ability for plaque and tartar to form before we see you again for a checkup every three to four months.
Dental Anesthesia
We want to ensure the entire process is a positive one for you, so we will administer a local anesthesia to help numb the areas we will be treating. We could also discuss sedation if you have special needs or high anxiety levels that could complicate your ability to undergo even minor treatments. We want to ensure your visit is a positive one, so you will look forward to seeing us, and we can continue to help you enjoy a healthier and more attractive smile for years to come. If you have any questions about a scaling and root planing, or if you want to schedule a checkup for you and your family, then reach out to our team today.
Protecting Your Smile From Gingivitis and Disease
Our team is ready to help improve the health, beauty, and stability of your smile. Call Dreem Dentistry in Leawood, KS, today at (913) 681-5500 to schedule your visit with our friendly team.
