Deep Cleaning in Holly Springs and Raleigh, NC

A routine, professional dental cleaning is just that:  routine.  It’s a preventative check-up that everyone needs and everyone can benefit from.

But sometimes, you need a little more than a check-up.  A deep cleaning is used to treat periodontitis, or gum disease.  It works best in the early stages of the disease, and prevents both its progression as well as future surgery.

In the expert hands of Klooster Family Dentistry’s hygienists, you’ll get the care you need.

Signs of Gum Disease

Periodontitis is the progressive degeneration of your gums.  Sometimes it also affects the alveolar process, a ridge of bone that supports your teeth.  Over time, plaque and tartar build on these surfaces. Bacteria and microorganisms cling to and grow on the plaque, releasing toxins that inflame your gum tissue.  Your body’s subsequent immune response accelerates the breakdown.

One of the worst parts of periodontitis is its relative stealth in the early stages.  Symptoms do not usually manifest until after the disease has progressed, but at that point become obvious.  Sufferers experience:

  • Red, swollen gums
  • Bleeding between teeth
  • Excessively bad breath or taste in the mouth
  • Shifting or loose teeth

A deep cleaning is the most conservative way to treat periodontitis.  It destroys the plaque buildup that harbors these bacteria, and keeps your condition from worsening.

The Procedure

Deep cleaning usually occurs after the exam and x-rays are completed.  Because deep cleaning is a more involved procedure, it usually requires a local anesthetic for the patient’s comfort.

The first step in a deep cleaning is scaling.  Your hygienist uses a variety of tools to scrape the plaque from your teeth.  Some of these are hand tools, others vibrate ultrasonically to break down the plaque.

Root planing goes deeper to the roots of your teeth, the part of your enamel hidden beneath the gums. Your hygienist thoroughly removes the plaque attached to their surfaces, which makes it more difficult for bacteria to reattach.

A deep cleaning typically requires three appointments: one for each half of your mouth, and another for follow-up and polishing.

What it Prevents

Because periodontitis is effectively a form of bone loss, progression of the disease causes serious problems.  Your pain may significantly interfere with your daily life, and you could eventually lose your teeth altogether!

The degenerative nature of gum disease means that it becomes harder to treat as it worsens.  A deep cleaning early on is crucial to lessen the effects.  If you’re experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, give Klooster Family Dentistry a call today and let’s figure out your next steps.