Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for overall health, and regular dental cleanings play a vital role in preventing dental problems such as periodontal disease. In today’s blog, your Prairie Village, KS, dentist explains when a routine cleaning is necessary and when a deep cleaning becomes important to control periodontal disease.
Preventative Cleanings
Regular dental cleanings, also known as prophylaxis, are typically recommended every six months for individuals with good oral health. During this visit, a dental hygienist will use various tools, including an ultrasonic scaler that uses high-frequency vibrations and water spray to remove plaque, tartar, and other debris from the teeth. We can also thoroughly polish the teeth and apply fluoride treatments to keep your smile bright and strong.
Healthy Gums
At your dental check-ups, the hygienist will measure gum pockets around your teeth. If they are 1-3 mm deep with no bleeding, then you are most likely healthy. A regular cleaning is usually sufficient for individuals with healthy gums and little to no tartar build-up. These visits are primarily focused on maintaining oral health, preventing gum disease, and providing general maintenance of the teeth and gums.
Infected Gums
If the pockets measured by the hygienist are 4mm or deeper with bleeding and inflammation action needs to be taken to control a more serious infection. Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, occurs when the gums become infected due to the build-up of plaque, tartar, and bacteria. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and other serious health complications. In such cases, a routine cleaning may not be enough, and a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, becomes necessary.
What Is a Deep Cleaning?
This procedure involves removing plaque and tartar both above and below the gum line, along with smoothing the root surfaces to prevent further bacterial growth and facilitate gum tissue reattachment. Typically, after a deep cleaning, you will enter periodontal maintenance. These cleanings are every three to four months and arrest the periodontal disease process by controlling the bacteria that have been thriving under the gum tissues. Once you get to a healthier state free of bleeding and inflammation, you may be able to move back to a six-month cleaning routine. Our team will partner with you and make appropriate recommendations to keep your health at its best.
Schedule Your Next Check-Up Today
Whether you require a regular cleaning or a deep cleaning depends on the health of your gums and the extent of plaque and tartar build-up. Please reach out to our Prairie Village, KS dentist’s office at 913-901-8585 and we can help determine the most appropriate cleaning procedure for your specific circumstances. Remember, prevention and early intervention are key to achieving optimal oral health.
