Why Dental Visits Sometimes Include Periodontal Cleanings

Routine dental appointments can proceed differently for different patients. At every appointment, our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office is committed to making sure our approach to preventive care truly benefits you. In the course of your evaluation, we will look for signs of poor periodontal health that need to be addressed. When necessary, we can respond to these signs of infection with a special periodontal cleaning that removes harmful bacteria from beneath your gum line. If you want to avoid these more involved cleanings at future visits, make sure that your daily routine is keeping you safe against periodontal problems. You can do this by taking care to thoroughly clean at the base of your teeth to fight bacteria that can gather at your gum line.

Are You Currently Dealing With Gingivitis?

There are symptoms of gingivitis that you can detect on your own, and that you should be aware of. Those signs include gums that bleed easily when you brush and floss, gums that look swollen or appear discolored, and changes in your gum line. You should also be aware that poor periodontal health can lead to more frequent issues with bad breath! If you know that something is wrong, it can encourage you to focus more on cleaning at your gum line to protect against infection. It can also be a reminder to stay consistent with routine dental visits!

How Periodontal Cleanings Help You Avoid Long-Term Problems

A periodontal cleaning goes beyond the type of care that is typically provided by your hygienist during your exams. This service takes care of the portions of your teeth that remain below your gum line. Bacteria that are present beneath your gums are responsible for causing gingivitis. If too much time passes before they are dealt with, they can progress to a more serious condition, periodontitis, which is more difficult to manage. After cleaning away harmful microbes beneath your gums to address gingivitis, your tissues will have time to heal and recover before there are long-term consequences.

Other Services Provided During Routine Dental Exams

Dental exams have value because they protect you against periodontal problems and dental problems. In addition to helping you avoid long-term issues with gingivitis, dental cleanings help you stay free of cavities by cleaning harmful tartar buildup. If a cavity is identified at your appointment, we can recommend having a dental filling placed. Early detection and treatment leads to easier restorative dental services that preserve more of your tooth structure.

Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist’s Office About Periodontal Cleanings

Our Ankeny, IA dentist’s office is prepared to help patients when they show signs of having gingivitis. If you have questions, or if you wish to make an appointment, contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.