Feb
If you don’t care for your teeth and gums as you should from home or if you do not visit your dentist regularly for cleaning and exams, you may need a deep cleaning due to developing periodontal disease. The team at Natalie K. Provenzano, DDS Inc. in San Jose, California, can perform a deep cleaning, which includes scaling and root planing.
Not everyone needs a deep cleaning, so how do you know if it is necessary for you? Many patients who have gone years without a standard cleaning, those with severe gum disease, or those with a serious build-up of tartar above and below the gumline may all need a deep cleaning to prevent future tooth loss, decay, and more extensive damage.
Because gum disease does not always present itself via obvious symptoms, it can be difficult to know if you need a deep cleaning. Common warning signs could include:
When you go in for your deep cleaning, your dental professional will use a dental scaler to scrape the plaque off your teeth above and below the gum line. An ultrasonic device may also be used, with a vibrating metallic tip, in combination with a water spray to wash the broken-up tartar away. If root planing is required, more of a rubbing motion will be used to smooth out the roots of your teeth. This makes it more difficult for bacteria to adhere to them. In many instances, a deep cleaning will take place over two appointments. The first appointment is dedicated to half of your mouth, and the second is to the other half.
Scaling and planing can be uncomfortable, so a local anesthetic will be applied so that your gums are numbed throughout the procedure. Following the procedure, your gums may be tender, and will aslo start to improve within a few days. Your dentist will let you know what you should expect following your cleaning.
Please call (408) 226-2542 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Natalie Provenzano or Dr. Simel.
Dr. Natalie Provenzano
Dr. Or Simel