What Should Patients Know About Periodontal Cleanings?

Have you undergone a periodontal cleaning? Some patients will go through a routine dental exam without needing one, as they will not exhibit any signs of gingivitis. This should be your goal – through consistent care at home, you can prevent an infection from forming. If you are someone who has not had a periodontal cleaning because you have not given your dentist a chance to check for signs of infection, you can be vulnerable to an infection that is more serious than you realize. In time, gingivitis will grow more severe if it is not being managed. When the condition worsens, you can experience problems with periodontitis that affect your overall health as well as your risk for tooth loss! Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office can carefully evaluate your gums and teeth to determine if you might benefit from a periodontal cleaning, or any other dental service.

Periodontal Cleanings Target Signs Of Gingivitis

A periodontal cleaning is not recommended during every routine checkup. This service takes care to clean the roots of teeth, areas that are not typically addressed during a routine cleaning. If you are showing signs of gingivitis, this treatment – also known as a scaling and root planing – will make the removal of bacteria responsible for your infection possible.

Gum Disease Worsens When It Is Not Treated In Time

If you do not have treatment for gum disease in time, your condition can grow severe enough to cause long-term difficulties for you. Problems with periodontitis, another term for advanced gum disease, can be difficult to manage. This infection leads to a serious risk for tooth loss, as you can suffer attachment loss as gum and bone tissues supporting teeth are destroyed. The persistent presence of periodontal bacteria can also lead to problems with your general health, as bacteria that move through your bloodstream can create problems in other areas.

You Can Avoid Gum Disease With Good Daily Care

If you take consistent care of your smile at home, you can stop bacteria from accumulating on the roots of teeth and causing gingivitis. You protect yourself effectively when you make the most of both brushing and flossing practices. Cleaning at the base of teeth will be important, as the concentrations of microbes in these spaces put you at risk for infection. Of course, a good routine will also protect you from dental decay, which means you avoid difficulties that require dental fillings and dental crowns.

Enjoy Periodontal Care At Your Ankeny, IA Dentist’s Office

At our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office, patients who show signs of poor periodontal health can receive treatment to stop an infection from worsening and creating long-term oral health concerns. To learn more, contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.