When you see your Ankeny, IA dentist for a routine checkup, you can anticipate both a regular teeth cleaning and an evaluation of your smile. What might surprise you is the news that you should actually receive a periodontal cleaning, and not the cleaning that you are accustomed to. This is a change in preventive care that addresses gingivitis, an infection of the gums that can worsen in time. By performing a periodontal cleaning, we can remove bacteria that are already present below your gum line. The removal of these microbes will give your tissues the chance to recover, protecting you from the potentially serious consequences of more advanced gum disease!
Are You At Risk For Periodontal Problems?
A good oral hygiene routine and a commitment to checking your gums for signs of gingivitis can help you avoid periodontal trouble over time. On a daily basis, you should protect these tissues by flossing and brushing thoroughly. As important as a good routine is, it should be accompanied by regular dental exams. These appointments provide dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar that can cause gingivitis; they also provide early warnings about any problems that can negatively affect your smile. Those who are not consistent with preventive care, and those who do not work to keep their gums clean between visits, are more likely to experience the onset of gingivitis.
Undergoing A Periodontal Cleaning
What separates periodontal cleanings, or deep cleanings, from the care you receive at a typical checkup. While both cleanings are thorough, and both can help you deal with tartar formation, a periodontal cleaning will actually remove harmful bacteria from below your gum line. When bacteria start to gather under these tissues, you can experience problems with bleeding, tissue swelling, and more difficulties with bad breath. Eventually, an infection can progress, leading to more difficulty in treating the problem and more serious threats. One threat to watch out for is tooth loss.
Other Benefits To Consistent Dental Exams
Every regular dental exam provides valuable feedback about the health of your smile. The early detection and treatment of a cavity will protect you from a possible infection of a tooth. Early care also reduces the damage done to your enamel, so we can place a dental filling instead of having to cover your tooth with a crown. Of course, we should note that regular teeth cleanings remove substances that cause cavities, so these visits make any serious problems with decay less likely.
Talk To Your Ankeny, IA Dentist About Scheduling A Periodontal Cleaning
Your Ankney, IA dentist’s office is ready to help you protect your teeth and gums. When necessary, we can actually perform a periodontal cleaning to remove bacteria that have gathered under your tissues and are starting to cause issues with gingivitis. To find out more, contact Dental Impressions at (515) 965-0230 to schedule a visit.
