For people with major plaque and tartar buildup, and issues like sore gums that bleed easily, a periodontal cleaning could be necessary to help improve your gum health and avoid issues like tooth loss. In today’s blog, your Ankeny, IA, dentist talks about how we help smiles with a scaling and root planing, also known as a periodontal cleaning.
The Risks of Plaque and Tartar Buildup
When we eat foods and drinks with lots of sugar and starch, this leaves behind particles for bacteria to consume. In the process, this elevates oral acidity and creates plaque and tartar buildup, which then erodes enamel to cause cavities. The same buildup is also linked to bad breath, teeth stains, and even gingivitis and gum disease. When you begin to develop the early stages of gum disease, then our team could help control it with a deep cleaning, removing all buildup from the teeth and the exposed roots.
The Scaling and Root Planing
With the scaling and root planing, we will use an ultrasonic scaling device and a manual tool to gently but thoroughly remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth and the roots. We can also destroy pockets of harmful bacteria that form under the gums. The procedure could take one visit, or as many as four, depending on the extent of the buildup. Our team will numb your smile beforehand to ensure you are comfortable, as this is more involved than a traditional cleaning. Our team will complete the procedure by polishing your smile, making it more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate before your next six-month appointment.
Managing Gum Health
The scaling and root planing will make the disease manageable with preventive treatments moving forward, so we can control it and protect you from the advanced stages linked to adult tooth loss. We will recommend a traditional cleaning every three to four months to control the buildup and keep an eye on inflammation. Our team will also suggest you avoid tobacco products, eat a healthier diet low in sugar and starch, and find time to brush and floss daily. These actions help protect your smile from periodontal issues and other complications too, such as tooth decay.
If you have any questions about how our team will improve your gum health and help you avoid tooth loss with a scaling and root planing, then contact our team today to learn more.
Dental Impressions Offers Better Gum Health
Our team wants to offer treatment to help manage gum disease and keep your smile whole, so you can feel confident in your smile. To find out more about treating smiles with periodontal cleanings, call Dental Impressions in Ankeny, IA today at (515) 965-0230.
