Gum Disease: When Dental Deep Cleanings Become Necessary

If you have gum disease (also known as periodontal disease), it might not be as scary as it sounds. In fact, moderate cases of gum disease are more common than you think. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take periodontal disease seriously to ensure it doesn’t become worse. By catching gum disease early, getting a deep cleaning, and practicing good oral hygiene, you can reverse the effects of gum disease and go back to having a healthy, happy smile.

What is Gum Disease? 

Gum or periodontal disease is an infection of the gum tissue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of adults in the United States, over the age of 30, have periodontal disease. The main cause of gum disease begins with plaque and tartar on your gums. If not removed by brushing or flossing your teeth, bacteria from the plaque and tartar will irritate and inflame your gum tissues. Removing the bacteria with regular home oral care and visiting your Green Meadow dentist for routine dental cleanings can help to prevent gum disease. However, once gingivitis or periodontal disease is present, specialized treatment may be needed.

Gum or periodontal disease can cause some or no symptoms. In the early stages, you may not experience any symptoms even though your gum tissue is changing. Some of the possible symptoms that occur with gum disease include:

• Receding gums
• Bleeding 
• Red or swollen gums
• Bad breath
• Tender gum tissue

As the gum tissue deteriorates, there are pockets that form around the teeth. This allows more areas for bacteria to hide. Without treatment, the gum tissue and bone can deteriorate until teeth are in jeopardy of loss.

Deep Cleaning Procedure to Treat Gum Disease

If you have symptoms, it is important to seek treatment. Gum disease can be controlled and even reversed in some cases. Treatment for gum disease starts with thorough dental cleanings at your local dentist in Newington, CT. Depending on how serious the gum disease is, patients may require deep cleanings or more frequent cleanings. 

A deep dental cleaning procedure helps to prevent gum inflammation from worsening into periodontitis, the advanced stage of gum disease. During your deep cleaning, your Green Meadow dentist will clean plaque from your teeth and periodontal pockets from deterioration with a scaler and other manual tools. They will then smooth the teeth’s roots so the gums can reattach to them afterward. Scaling and root planing may require more than one dental appointment, depending on the extent of the infection.

A local anesthetic may be applied to help reduce discomfort during the procedure. Medications may also be recommended to eliminate any infection present around the teeth and gums. Patients will get the best suggestions for aftercare based on their needs, including diet and oral hygiene routines.

Schedule a Deep Cleaning with your Green Meadow Dentist

Your oral health can decrease significantly if gum disease becomes severe. Deep cleanings can help to reverse gum disease and restore your mouth back into a healthy smile. After your gum disease treatment and improved oral hygiene, you may notice less sensitivity, swelling, and bleeding in your gums. Don’t let your gum disease go untreated and schedule an appointment today by contacting our dental office in Newington, CT.  We accept most dental insurance plans and have financing available – ask about our financial options.