As part of our ongoing endeavors to help patients attain and maintain their healthiest smiles, we recommend preventative dentistry checkups and teeth cleanings. Although one of our skilled dental hygienists can remove caked-on plaque through routine dental cleaning, scaling and root planing is a more thorough cleaning procedure. Dental professionals use scaling and root planing to clean below the gum line, which is too deep for regular dental cleaning tools to reach.
Scaling and root planing can stop gingivitis (the earliest stage of gum disease) in its tracks with the power of deep cleaning. Dentist Dr. Matthew L. Bridges diagnoses and treats gingivitis through scaling and root planing. Contact our Duncan, OK team today to check on your gum health and learn more about our services.
The purpose of scaling and root planing is to remove any bacteria in the mouth affecting one’s oral and overall health. Do you think that you could benefit from a deeper dental clean? Here are four signs that you might need to undergo deep cleaning with our dentist:
Bleeding Gums
Do you notice any bleeding while flossing or brushing? Even if a bit of blood doesn’t bother you, this symptom should not be disregarded. Bleeding gums signify that the gums are agitated, and that plaque is not being removed sufficiently on a daily basis. Plaque buildup is the primary cause of bleeding gums and is one of the first indicators of gum disease.
Deep Periodontal (Gum) Pockets
At regular dental checkups and cleanings, our dentist gently probes the gums and measures the depth of the soft tissue surrounding the teeth. Healthy gums sit snugly against the teeth. Although it may appear like the gums are connected to the teeth, there’s actually a small space (about 2 to 3 millimeters) between the teeth and the gum tissue.
However, scaling and root planing may be necessary if the pocket depth is more than five millimeters. Over time, bacteria, food debris, and tartar collect in the pockets and continue to deepen without intervention.
Inflamed Gingival (Gum) Tissue
As periodontal pockets grow more profound, you may notice that your gums appear swollen or red. Inflammation signifies that your immune system is at work and attempting to fight bacteria or heal an injury.
However, chronic (long-term) inflammation enters the bloodstream and is linked with systemic conditions, especially atherosclerosis (thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by plaque accumulation). So, controlling inflamed gingival tissue may positively impact the symptoms associated with these systemic conditions.
Noticeable Gum Recession
Gum recession may occur for several reasons, including aging, physical wear, and poor oral hygiene. As gums recede, the gum line can appear to shrink and pull away from the tooth. Gum recession deepens the gum pockets and eventually expose the tooth root. Thus, advancing gum disease.
Discover a Deep Cleaning Dentist in Duncan, OK
Catching and treating deep periodontal pockets in time can save your smile from more extensive periodontal disease treatment, bone atrophy, and tooth loss. If you’re suffering from any symptoms mentioned above, it’s worth scheduling an oral health examination.
Dr. Bridges can check the condition of your oral health and determine if scaling and root planing is essential. Book an appointment with our deep cleaning dentist by calling (580) 255-4880 or messaging us online.
