Periodontal Cleaning and Treatment
When you diligently stick to your recommended schedule of checkups and cleanings, you have a good chance of avoiding things like gum disease and the problems they can cause. However, if gum disease does develop, then we can help you protect your smile with periodontal cleaning, or scaling and root planing. If your gum disease is more serious, then we may also recommend treatment from a trusted periodontal specialist for optimal results.
What Periodontal Treatment Means
Periodontal cleaning is known as deep cleaning because it’s more involved than regular dental cleaning. Instead of focusing on your teeth crowns – the visible portions of your teeth – deep cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar from surfaces of your teeth roots. This involves carefully accessing the roots underneath your gums to effectively clean them (scaling), and then smoothing the root surfaces (root planing) to make it harder for bacteria to cling to them. With the oral bacteria gone, your gums can heal and reattach to your teeth roots. Depending on the extent of your gum disease, you may also need more specialized care to repair severely damaged gum tissues and restore your good oral health.
Signs that You Might Need Treatment
Periodontal cleaning is typically recommended when you exhibit signs of gingivitis – the first stage of gum disease. This includes several symptoms resulting from the bacterial infection in your gums, such as:
- Red, angry-looking gums
- Swelling and gum inflammation
- Sensitivity in the tissues around your teeth
- Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
- Growing pockets between gums and teeth
- And more
Learn if You Need Periodontal Cleaning
If you have gingivitis or more serious gum disease, then we can help you improve your smile with help from a periodontal specialist. To find out if you need periodontal treatment, schedule an appointment with us by calling MMC Dental in Houston, TX, today at 713-926-8896.
