Dental Services : Periodontics : Gums Cleaning, Deep Clean & Root Plan

Gums Cleaning, Root Planning and Deep Cleaning

Gums cleaning is also known as root scaling, root planing or deep cleaning. Gums cleaning is the process whereby plaque and tartar deposited below the gumline are removed. Plaque is a thin film of bacteria that feeds off the food you eat and occasionally off your own tissues. The digestive enzymes and waste these bacteria secrete are toxic to gum and bone tissue. Plaque is able to reside just below the gum line, making it difficult to see and remove.

If plaque is not cleaned off consistently, the bacteria, toxins, and food gathered solidifies into tartar or calculus that can only be removed by scaling treatment by your dentists. If tartar is not treated, gum disease may occur.

The term deep cleaning refers to gums cleaning in quadrants. There are 4 quadrants for a full mouth clean. Root plan refers to gums cleaning only that specific tooth area.

Symptoms of Gum Diseases

As we get older, a checkup with your dentist is important to monitor periodontal condition, especially if your bite feels different and does not fit as they previously. Below are some symptoms of possible gum issues:

  • Inflammed or swollen gums 
  • Gums may appear bright red or sometimes purple in color
  • When touched, the gingival area fees pain
  • There is receding gums making your teeth look longer
  • Gaps or extra spaces appear between the teeth
  • There is abscess between the teeth and gums
  • Gums bleed when brushing your teeth or flossing
  • Some people gets a metallic taste in the mouth
  • Bad breath or smell
  • Teeth feels loose
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Deep Cleaning  

If you gums bleed, feel swollen or your teeth feels loose. Get a checkup with our professional periodontist today. Simple deep cleaning can prevent and treat early stages of gum problems. 

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Periodontal Diseases

Periodontal disease may be categorized into 2 types:

  1. Gingivitis
  2. Periodontitis
gingivitis

What is gingivitis?

The first stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. If gingivitis is not treated, more gum and bone tissue is destroyed. The second stage of gum dieases is known as periodontitis. Gums cleaning may be done at your dentists office easily in just one or two visits to prevent gum diseases or treat early stages of gingivities in avoiding periodontitis. Periodontitis in its advance stages can causes tooth loss, mouth odor, bad breath or halitosis.

periodontitis

What is periodontitis?

Periodontitis is the an inflammation around the tooth and is a gum disease. When the affected gum and bone areas is attacted by bacteria and plaque, your immune system launches a reaction. Smoking increases the risk of gum disease.

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Benefits of Gums Cleaning

There is a difference between a deep cleaning and a regular teeth cleaning visit. During deep cleaning, local anesthesia is normally required as your dentist cleans both above over teeth surfaces and under below your gumlines. You may require several follow up visits to check that the gum infection is cleared and your gums heal properly.

  • Deep cleaning or root plan stops the advancement of gum diseases.
  • It treats a current infection and enables healing.
  • Many cases have bad breath caused by gum disease that can be improved or your breathe freshened.
  • Treating gum problems protects the roots of your teeth.

Procedure for Gums Cleaning or Deep Cleaning

  1. First Evaluation and diagnosis
    • An oral examination on gum health
    • Relevant medical history are recorded. Do ensure that you report to your dentist any problems with any previous dental experience such as bleeding problems, medical conditions or allergies to medications and supplements
  2. Site tooth preparation
    • Local anesthetize may be given to “numb up” the tooth, jawbone and surrounding gums to make treatment more comfortable; but this is optional
  3. Gum cleaning is done
    • Your periodontist cleans and scraps off (scales) along teeth surfaces and gum margins
    • Gum tissue may be loosened and lifted to clean underneath the  gums 
  4. Instructions on post care directions given

Recovery Expectations

It is common for bleeding to occur after root planning or deep cleaning. This however should stop within 15-30 minutes after the operation and may take longer in some case.

Slowly sip cold water to help the bleeding stop faster. You may follow your regular daily activities, avoiding excessive exertion typed of activities such as exercising or sunbathing.

Postcare Instructions after Gum Cleaning

  1. If mild bleeding occurs, hold cold salt water in the mouth until it warms to body temperature.
  2. Avoid smoking and alcohol.
  3. Mild pain can be controlled with pain relieve medications as directed by your dentist.
  4. Complete taking the course of your prescribed antibiotic medication as directed.
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