A routine cleaning removes plaque and tartar to help protect the health of your smile. However, sometimes you may need more than just a regular dental cleaning. For a more substantial cleaning, your Houston, TX, dentist may suggest a scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, with an ultrasonic scaling device. Find out how we use this unique treatment to preserve your smile’s health and stability!
The Warning Signs of Periodontal Trouble
How do you know if you have gingivitis or the early stages of gum disease? Gingivitis develops when various factors inflame the gum tissues, causing swelling, soreness, and redness. As the issue grows more severe, the gums could bleed and the onset of periodontal disease could begin. Possible causes include cigarettes and other tobacco products, certain medications, inflammatory illnesses, and a family history of periodontal issues. Poor oral hygiene, which enables plaque and tartar to coat the teeth and irritate the gingival tissues, could also be to blame. If you notice bleeding, soreness, or redness, then let us know right away! Remember, we can reverse gingivitis, but the disease cannot be cured, and will need routine care to manage and prevent complications like tooth loss.
Ultrasonic Scaling and Root Planing
A deep cleaning allows our team to carefully remove all plaque and tartar, a bacterial byproduct of certain bacteria breaking down food and drink particles, and lower the risk and severity of gum issues. We remove buildup from the teeth and the roots, and the process could take between one and four visits, depending on the extent of your buildup. We then polish the teeth for a smoother finish and more attractive appearance. Along with providing smile health, this also improves your breath’s freshness and tooth color!
Other Steps for Safeguarding Your Smile
Following the procedure, we may suggest a routine cleaning every three to four months to control buildup. These visits also remove buildup, buy only from the surfaces of the teeth themselves. At home, you should brush and floss daily to remove trapped food and drink particles, controlling buildup in between routine visits every few months. Try to avoid tobacco products too! If you have any questions about diagnosing and treating periodontal disease, or about preventing the issue completely, then contact our team today.
OUR HOUSTON, TX DENTIST’S OFFICE PROVIDES PERIODONTAL TREATMENT
At our Houston, TX dentist’s office, our team will be here to help you remove dangerous buildup and improve your overall oral health. Caring for your smile as a whole not only keeps keep them bright and beautiful, but also keeps dangerous complications at bay. Find out more about how our team helps preserve and protect your smile’s health by calling Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry at (281) 974-4494.
