Were you recently told you need a deep cleaning?

What is the difference between a deep cleaning and a regular cleaning and how do you benefit from this procedure? 

A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing,  is when your hygienist will go below your gum line to clean the root surface where your toothbrush and flossing can’t reach. 

“My teeth look and feel fine.  Do I really need a deep cleaning?”

The picture above shows what a healthy mouth looks like.  You can see when the gums are pulled back on the model that the bone covers the entire root surface and no bone loss or calculus has built up on the tooth.

The picture above shows what a mouth with periodontal disease looks like, one that will benefit from a deep cleaning.  While the gum tissue appears similar to the healthy mouth, hiding below the gum tissue is the bone loss and calculus build up that your hygienist was talking about.

“What will happen if I wait or decide not to do my deep cleaning?”

Without a deep cleaning the calculus will continue to accumulate  and more bone loss will occur.  Once you have lost bone it can’t be re-grown so it is very important to maintain it.  If the bone loss gets worse the teeth will loosen over time and could require extraction.  A deep cleaning followed by regular visits will help maintain and prevent further damage.

At Persona Dental we are committed to the prevention of periodontal disease.  If you have, however, been diagnosed with periodontal disease our team will work together to plan the best treatment for you.  We want to ensure that you are able to keep your teeth for a lifetime!  If you have any further questions please don’t hesitate to give us a call! 320-251-2972