We recommend a deep dental cleaning when gum disease has reached the advanced stage called periodontitis. This develops when bacteria, tartar, and plaque build up over time beneath the gum line and trigger the body's inflammatory process.
Without treatment, gums pull away from the teeth, and the inflammation attacks their supporting bone and structures, causing them to break down. As the bone deteriorates, teeth become so loose that they eventually need to be removed. In fact, periodontitis is the number one cause of adult tooth loss.
What Happens during a Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning is also called scaling and root planing. Scaling involves completely removing plaque and tartar buildup under the gumline. Root planing is the process where we smooth the tooth's roots to remove uneven surfaces where bacteria hide and also encourage the gums to reattach to the teeth.
We typically perform deep cleanings over two appointments under local anesthetic for your comfort. We can't cure periodontitis, but with scaling and root planing and frequent periodontal cleanings during the year, we can help prevent it from progressing.
Do You Have Signs of Gum Disease? Call Our Farmington Hills Clinic
If your gums are puffy or inflamed or bleed when you brush, you likely have gingivitis gum disease. Please call our Farmington Hills, MI, dental office so we can tailor a dental cleaning tailored to meet your needs and get your oral health back on track.