Periodontal disease is a very widespread issue, and one that could lead to missing teeth and other serious complications. Which is why we want to offer a way to prevent the disease and/or manage it. In today’s blog, your Pella, IA, dentist talks about how we save smiles with a periodontal cleaning.
The Presence of Periodontal Disease
When should you contact our team about treating gum disease? If you attend routine checkup and cleaning visits every six months, then we can catch the issue in the earliest stages of inflammation, so we can manage it to protect your smile. Otherwise, you may not realize you need care until the disease reaches a more advanced state, at which point you could experience sore, red, bleeding, and even receding tissues. When you notice any changes to your gums, let us know!
Scaling and Root Planing
Our team will take a close look at the surfaces of the smile with an intraoral camera to assess the presence of inflammation and disease. We also use digital x-rays to look at potential attachment loss in the tissues connecting the teeth and gums, and any damage to underlying bone structure. With this information, we can plan treatment to help manage the disease and keep your smile full.
With a scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, we will manage periodontal cleanings by removing all plaque and tartar from the teeth, roots, and from beneath the tissues. We do so using an ultrasonic scaling device, which emits gentle vibrations to remove the harmful layers from the teeth. We also have a pick to remove stubborn portions of tartar. We then polish the teeth for a brighter appearance and to limit buildup before your next appointment. The process could take one visit or several, and we will numb the smile to keep you comfortable.
Managing Your Gum Health
Following your periodontal cleaning, we will recommend a traditional dental cleaning every six months to control buildup, and also discuss better brushing and flossing habits at home. Our team will also suggest cutting back on the sugar and starch in your diet, and avoid tobacco use. These actions help protect your smile from inflammation and disease, and fight tooth decay and infection too. If you have any questions about how we help improve your gum health, or if you would like to schedule an appointment for an exam, then contact our team today to learn more.
Schedule a Visit and Protect Your Gums with Allen & Neumann
We want to help you enjoy good oral health and avoid gum disease. To schedule an appointment for periodontal treatment, call Allen and Neumann Family Dentistry in Pella, IA, at 641-628-1121 today.