Hygiene & Teeth Cleaning
Periodontal Hygiene & Teeth Cleaning
If you’ve been putting off your periodontal cleaning, now is the time to schedule your appointment! We understand that many of our patients have been nervous about scheduling their necessary cleaning and maintenance appointments. Rest assured that our staff is taking every precaution to keep you safe and healthy while you are in our office.
The Importance of Regular Periodontal Cleaning Appointments for Your Gums & Teeth
Gum disease affects nearly 75% of American adults and is the leading cause of missing teeth in adults. Periodontal maintenance and periodontal cleaning appointments are vital to preventing gum disease from spreading and progressing into more advanced periodontal disease stages. In addition, the treatment of gum disease is crucial to your overall health, as the inflammation present in gum disease can have a lasting impact on other parts of your health and may even make you more susceptible to other infections.
How Often Do I Need Teeth & Gum Cleaning?
Once someone is diagnosed with gum disease, it is generally recommended that they see a periodontist for deep cleaning followed by periodontal maintenance appointments four times a year.
Preventing the Progression of Gum Disease with Periodontal Deep Gum Cleaning
Gum disease has different stages, depending on how advanced the disease progresses.
Gingivitis / Mild Gum Disease
Gingivitis is the least severe stage of periodontal gum disease. When a patient has gingivitis, the plaque that forms on teeth accumulates and hardens. The bacteria in the plaque produce toxins which causes gum inflammation. This inflammation appears as swollen gum tissue that bleeds easily with regular brushing and flossing.
While many patients experience gingivitis, it’s crucial to take care of it as quickly as possible. The inflammation in the gum tissue, if not treated, can lead to more advanced periodontitis. When caught early enough and with appropriate treatment, the progression of gum disease can not only be stopped but also reversed.
Periodontitis / More Severe Gum Disease
Periodontitis occurs when the plaque on teeth spreads and grows beneath the gum line. When this happens, the bacteria in plaque begin to produce toxins and further irritate the gums. The toxins then trigger a chronic inflammatory response. This inflammatory response exacerbates the breakdown of the tissues and bone that support the teeth.
At this stage of gum disease, the gum will begin to separate from the teeth, leaving pockets that can easily become infected. The infection further destroys more gum tissue and bone, which can lead to tooth loss.
Periodontal Deep Gum Cleaning
During a deep cleaning appointment, your periodontal hygienist will:
- Gently remove tartar and plaque buildup from your teeth and the space between your gum tissue and teeth down the entire pocket
- If inflammation or infection is present, your hygienist may also irrigate (rinse) the pocket between your gum tissue and teeth with a mild antiseptic medication
If your periodontist recommends that you need further periodontal procedures, they will discuss their recommendations with you and go through what the process will entail.
During your evaluation, you can also expect your periodontist to:
- Examine inside and outside of your mouth to detect non-periodontal oral diseases or conditions
- Examine your teeth, gums, and any dental implants
- Take measurements of pockets between your gum tissue and teeth
- Evaluate and measure gum recession and attachment
- Assess levels of plaque and gingivitis
Schedule Your Periodontal Cleaning and Maintenance Appointments Today!
Regular tooth and gum care is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. If you are unsure of your dental benefits, our office will be happy to work with you to determine your coverage.
Contact Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester today with any questions and schedule your next appointment at
Care Beyond Your Expectations
