Deep Cleaning in Renton, WA
Deep Cleanings in Renton, WA
If you have gum disease, a deep cleaning at Valley Smiles from our dentists is a great way to treat your problem in its early states. Dr. Christine Chen is experienced in providing deep cleanings to treat periodontal disease. If you would like to find out more or to schedule an appointment in Renton, Washington, we invite you to contact our office at 425-271-1727.
What if I Have Periodontal or Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the gums and bone that support the teeth. If left untreated, it can get worse and lead to tooth loss. Fortunately, periodontal disease can be treated with a deep cleaning called “scaling and root planing.” At Valley Smiles, our experienced hygienists offer deep cleanings to patients with active periodontal disease.
So, What Exactly Is a Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning is a non-surgical procedure that usually includes:
- Scaling – removing dental plaque and hardened tartar from below the gum line using an ultrasonic scaling tool
- Root Planing – smoothing the root surfaces and removing cementum (the bonelike connective tissue covering the root of a tooth) and surface dentin that is infected with bacteria, toxins, and tartar
What to Expect From Your Deep Cleaning
Most deep cleanings require a local anesthetic to make sure that you are comfortable during the procedure. Our hygienists use both ultrasonic instruments and manual scaling tools to remove the bacteria down to the bottom of the periodontal pocket. This allows the gum tissue to heal and reattach to the teeth. Deep cleanings may take multiple visits, depending on your needs. Our team at Valley Smiles will work with your schedule to make these appointments as convenient as possible.
Why a Deep Cleaning Can Be Necessary
When plaque and tartar are left on teeth, bacteria start taking over. You may start to notice that your gums bleed more easily when brushing or eating, which indicates the earliest stage of gum disease, or gingivitis.
If left untreated, the inflammation in the gums will work its way down to the roots of the teeth, causing the formation of “periodontal pockets” and giving bacteria another avenue for causing damage. Gum disease can break down the supporting bone structures and loosen the teeth. Once that happens, the damage to the bone is irreversible. Only the thorough deep cleaning services provided by a dental professional can help halt gum disease in its tracks and set you on the road to recovery.
The Amazing Benefits of Deep Cleanings
The main benefits from treatment are that once the treatment is complete, you will have healthier gums and go back to having regular dental cleanings. However, our dentists may recommend more frequent cleanings, every 3-4 months in order to maintain your dental health.
Since bacteria can travel through the blood stream, oral infections tend to affect other areas of the body such as the heart and lungs. A good deep cleaning is a great way to eliminate harmful bacteria and reduce the risks for heart and respiratory disease.
Keeping your teeth firmly rooted in your gums is definitely important. The risk for gum disease increases when periodontal pockets are more than 3mm deep, but a deep cleaning will clean out the bacteria and allow the gums to grow back.
By removing harmful bacteria, scaling and root planing decreases the level of gum inflammation and increases the aesthetic appearance of your smile. It will also reduce bad breath, remove superficial stains, aid in avoiding cavities, and leave you with beautiful, clean teeth.
Care After Treatment
Once your periodontal treatment is completed, your hygienist may recommend more frequent cleanings, every 3-4 months. This will help to monitor your gums and prevent a return of the disease. It is also essential to maintain good oral hygiene at home. Our hygienists will work with you and give you ideas to help maintain your oral health.
If you are interested in learning more about deep cleanings, please call us at 425-271-1727 or fill out a form to contact us!
Will It Hurt?
The level of discomfort from a deep cleaning depends on the severity of gum disease. If the periodontal pockets are not too deep, there may be little to no discomfort. For more severe cases, a dental health professional can numb the area to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.