Deep Teeth Cleaning

There is teeth cleaning and then there is deep teeth cleaning. The latter treatment is targeted at early gum disease and designed to remove infection that has settled in before it can spread and cause greater damage to your oral health. At Natural Smiles in Louisville, KY, Dr. Kiran Gill and her experienced dental team use an advanced deep teeth cleaning method to fight gingivitis and restore good oral health.

The Deep Teeth Cleaning Method

Also known as teeth scaling and root planing, the deep teeth cleaning method is done either using laser therapy or dental tools that manually scrape away the infection. This soft tissue management is intended to create clean, healthy gums and is initiated after a thorough dental examination and determination that gingivitis does indeed exist.

• Prep: Deep teeth cleaning begins with numbing of the infected gums using a local anesthetic, so discomfort is minimized during the procedure.
• Treatment: A gum infection is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar which must be meticulously scraped or lasered away from under the gumline. The gums are pulled back and the area is carefully cleaned in teeth scaling and root planing. Laser therapy breaks up plaque and tartar while also encouraging the rejuvenation of good gum health. The more serious the infection, the longer it takes to remove the buildup.
• Prevention: A major part of deep teeth cleaning is preventive dental care that stop the gingivitis from returning. Tooth enamel is smoothed after cleaning to eliminate bumpy surfaces that plaque likes to latch onto.
• Recovery: Patients can expect their gums to feel sensitive and swollen post-treatment and may experience minor bleeding. This temporary discomfort is easier to manage when remembering that it is the result of achieving an infection-free mouth.

Signs of Early Gum Disease

Gum disease is a common problem among adults and a serious concern. If left untreated it can lead to serious pain and tooth loss in the advanced stages of periodontal disease, where the gums pull away from the teeth and the teeth begin to move in their sockets

The earliest stage of gum disease is not always easy to identify on your own, but if you keep up with your dental visits every six months, your Louisville dentist will recognize the problem immediately and address it.

Gum disease does not go away on its own, it only gets worse. See your dentist immediately if you recognize any of these common signs of gingivitis:

• Swollen gums
• Tender gums
• Bleeding gums
• Red gums
• Bad breath

Prevention of Gingivitis and Advanced Gum Disease

Some people are predisposed to the development of gingivitis and eventually gum disease because of certain health conditions or even genetics. Most patients, however, can avoid the fallout from this uncomfortable and dangerous infection by simply taking good care of their teeth and gums. Prevent gum disease by:

• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day.
• Flossing at least once a day, more if needed.
• Avoid tobacco products.
• Get professional teeth cleanings and checkups twice a year.
• Visit your dentist at the first sign of pain, infection, or problems.

Get a Deep Teeth Cleaning in Louisville to Treat Gingivitis

It is certainly not fun to have gingivitis, and while it may be embarrassing or inconvenient, if you are living with any sort of gum tenderness, swelling, or discomfort, it’s time to get your Louisville dentist involved. Rely on Dr. Gill and her dental team at Natural Smiles to deliver an accurate diagnosis, start dental treatment right away, and correct any oral health problems you’re experiencing. Contact us for an appointment.