Periodontal cleaning is a specialized procedure recommended by dentists to treat advanced periodontal disease, known as periodontitis, which is caused by plaque and tartar buildup. In advanced gum disease, routine dental cleanings may no longer be sufficient. Instead, periodontal maintenance is considered necessary. In this blog post, we will explain how periodontal cleaning is performed, what you can expect during the procedure, and its benefits.
What is Periodontal Cleaning?
Periodontal cleaning, also known as periodontal maintenance, deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a non-surgical dental procedure used to treat advanced gum disease, namely periodontal disease. This procedure involves the removal of plaque and tartar (calculus) from below the gum line to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Usually, a dentist or dental hygienist performs periodontal cleanings to treat periodontal disease. In more severe cases, a periodontist, who specializes in the gums and the bone supporting the teeth, may be needed. Patients diagnosed with periodontal disease may require multiple dental visits for deep cleaning, and in some cases, a local anesthetic is necessary to ensure comfort during the procedure.
Difference between Regular Cleaning vs. Periodontal Maintenance
Regular dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is typically performed on patients with good oral health. This type of cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar from above the gum line, eliminating surface stains, and polishing the teeth. Regular teeth cleaning is prescribed to maintain overall dental health and prevent gum disease. It is a preventative cleaning procedure that helps keep your teeth and gums healthy by removing tartar and plaque buildup.
In comparison, periodontal cleaning is a more intensive form of dental cleaning used to treat existing gum disease. When periodontal disease has resulted in periodontal pockets deeper than 4 millimeters, a deep cleaning is performed. This process involves scaling and root planing to remove tartar from below the gum line, where regular cleaning cannot reach. Scaling removes tartar and bacteria from the tooth surfaces and below the gums, helping to reduce inflammation and shrink gum pockets.
When Do You Need Periodontal Cleaning?
Your dentist will recommend periodontal cleaning if you have signs of advanced gum disease (periodontitis), such as gum recession and pockets between teeth and gums. Regular cleanings are not enough to reduce the effects of gum disease in these cases.
Periodontal disease develops as a result of poor oral hygiene. When you don’t care for your teeth at home on a daily basis, dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, forms on your teeth. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by professional dental cleanings. The buildup of plaque and tartar leads to gum inflammation, known as gingivitis.
Gingivitis is reversible with improving oral hygiene habits and professional teeth cleaning. However, If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of periodontal disease that results in damage to the gums and periodontal bone loss.
Healthy gums have a shallow sulcus, a natural pocket around each tooth, with a depth of 1 to 3 millimeters. When periodontal disease develops, these pockets deepen to more than 4 millimeters, creating gum pockets. These deeper pockets trap food particles and bacteria, making it difficult to clean them with regular brushing and flossing. As the bacteria accumulate, they cause further inflammation and infection, leading to gum recession and bone loss around the teeth.
Signs & Symptoms of Periodontitis
Gingivitis is the initial stage of gum disease characterized by redness and swollen gums that bleed easily when flossing or brushing. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis. The signs and symptoms of periodontitis include:
- Visible tartar build-up on teeth surfaces.
- Formation of deep pockets between the teeth and gums
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
- Persistent bad breath even after brushing teeth
- Gum recession and teeth appear longer than usual
- Pus discharge and bad taste in the mouth
- Shifting teeth
- Loose teeth
- Pain when biting or chewing
If periodontitis is left untreated, it can destroy the bone and tissues that support teeth, leading to tooth loss. Also, advanced gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of developing serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
If you have any of the previous symptoms, it’s important to go to the dentist for an evaluation. Maintenance cleanings are crucial for patients experiencing gum infection, as they help remove tartar from below the gum line and maintain gum health.
How is Periodontal Disease Diagnosed?
Diagnosing periodontal disease involves a thorough examination by your dentist or periodontist. The process usually includes:
- Visual inspection: The dentist will examine your gums and teeth for signs of inflammation, gum recession, and visible tartar build-up.
- Probing: Using a periodontal probe, the dentist measures the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums. A depth greater than 4 millimeters can indicate periodontal disease.
- Dental X-rays: X-rays are taken to assess the bone loss around each tooth. These images help determine the extent of periodontal damage.
- Assessment of symptoms: The dentist will ask about symptoms such as persistent bad breath, sensitivity, and pain when biting or chewing.
Dental insurance often covers regular cleanings and periodontal maintenance as they are considered a basic service essential for maintaining oral health.
How Is Periodontal Cleaning Performed?
Periodontal cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing or deep teeth cleanings, may involve multiple visits, depending on the severity of gum disease. Your dentist may use a local anesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable. This thorough cleaning is essential as periodontal disease can lead to serious dental issues if not treated properly.
The first step is teeth scaling. During this stage, the dentist or dental hygienist will remove tartar and plaque deposits from above and below the gum line and between your teeth. The dentist cleans the entire length of each tooth using a hand or ultrasonic scaler.Â
Next is root planing, where the root surfaces of your teeth are smoothed to help prevent future tartar build-up. This process also encourages your gums to reattach to your teeth, aiding in reversing periodontal disease. Infected gum pockets are cleaned thoroughly during this stage. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help control any infection present in the gums, further supporting the healing process.
In severe stages of periodontal disease, your periodontist may recommend gum flap surgery, also known as pocket reduction surgery. This periodontal surgery involves raising a small portion of the gums for more effective periodontal maintenance. Additional procedures, such as bone and tissue grafting, may be necessary to restore damaged gums and bones. Gum flap surgery and bone graft for periodontitis are done under local anesthesia.
What to Expect After Deep Cleaning?
After a periodontal cleaning treatment, also known as scaling and root planing, you may experience some soreness or discomfort in the treated area. This is normal, especially given the severity of your periodontal disease. Over-the-counter painkillers or medications prescribed by your periodontist can help relieve pain after teeth cleaning. Minor bleeding may also occur but should stop shortly after the procedure.
Some patients may experience loose teeth after deep cleaning due to the advanced stages of periodontal disease that has resulted in bone loss. Schedule an appointment with your dentist or periodontist every three months to monitor the healing progress.
Proper care of your teeth and gums at home is crucial after deep cleaning. You will receive instructions on brushing techniques, flossing, and rinsing with an anti-bacterial mouthwash. This preventative care helps maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevents the recurrence of gum disease. Periodontal maintenance is considered a basic service and is covered by most dental insurance plans.
How to Maintain Healthy Teeth and Gums?
Maintaining optimal oral hygiene is essential for ensuring long-term dental health and preventing common issues such as tooth decay and gum infections. To achieve this, it’s crucial to adopt a consistent oral care routine that includes:
- Brush twice daily: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day. This helps remove plaque and food particles from your teeth and gums.
- Floss daily: Flossing once a day helps remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and under the gumline, areas your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash: Rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash helps reduce bacteria in your mouth and freshen your breath.
- Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides essential nutrients for healthy teeth and gums. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks that can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Avoid tobacco products: Smoking and using other tobacco products can increase your risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps wash away food particles and bacteria from your mouth, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and gum disease.
- Regular dental checkups: Schedule an appointment with your dentist or periodontist every six months for regular cleanings and examinations to ensure any issues are detected and treated early.
- Wear a mouthguard: If you play sports or grind your teeth at night, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth from damage.
Regular Cleanings (Prophylaxis) for Oral Health
Regular cleanings, or prophylaxis, are considered a preventive procedure for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. During the procedure, your dental hygienist will remove tartar and plaque from above the gum line, polish your teeth, and check for any signs of oral health issues. Regular cleaning is usually done every six months. This routine helps prevent the onset of periodontal disease by removing the buildup of plaque and tartar that daily brushing and flossing might miss.
Regular cleanings and periodontal maintenance differ significantly in their purpose and frequency. Routine cleanings are preventive procedures designed to maintain oral health and are usually performed every six months. In contrast, periodontal maintenance is necessary for patients with periodontal disease. These maintenance appointments occur more frequently, typically every 3 to 4 times a year, and involve a more thorough cleaning.
Maintenance removes tartar that regular cleaning might leave behind, addressing deeper areas affected by the disease. Periodontal maintenance appointments are crucial for patients with periodontal disease to manage and treat their condition effectively.
Conclusion
Periodontal cleaning, also known as deep cleaning or scaling and root planing, is essential for treating periodontitis, an advanced gum disease. This procedure includes the removal of plaque and tartar buildup from your teeth surfaces and below the gum line. It often requires several visits to the dentist to ensure comprehensive treatment.
In addition to deep cleanings, effective long-term management of periodontitis involves lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining regular oral hygiene at home. Your periodontist will recommend using an anti-bacterial mouthwash and scheduling regular dental visits for professional teeth cleanings. These steps are crucial to prevent the recurrence of periodontal disease.
To ensure the best care for your gums and teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist to learn more about regular cleanings and periodontal maintenance, and which one is suitable for you.
