Every six months you should have a routine dental cleaning to remove plaque and safeguard your smile. However, for those at risk of developing gingivitis or gum disease, we may recommend a deep cleaning for our Richfield, MN, patients. Do you have questions about our deep cleanings? What makes them different from normal cleaning visits?
Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Cleanings
Question: How does this differ from a regular cleaning?
Answer: A routine dental cleaning occurs every six months and removes all plaque and tartar from the teeth. The procedure helps limit the risk of gingivitis and gum disease. However, if you already have gingivitis or the early stages of gum disease, then we may suggest a deep cleaning, also known as a scaling and root planing.
Question: What happens during a scaling and root planing?
Answer: The procedure involves the use of an ultrasonic scaler to remove all plaque and tartar from the teeth and the root canals as well. The procedure reduces the severity of gum inflammation and helps manage the disease, protecting your smile from periodontitis, the advanced stage responsible for adult tooth loss.
Question: How do I protect my gums?
Answer: After treatment, you can take steps to safeguard your smile. We suggest flossing daily to remove food particles from between your teeth. You also need to brush your teeth twice a day, once when waking up and again before bed. Every few months you should have a dental cleaning to control plaque buildup.
Question: What happens if gum disease forms?
Answer: If you do have gum disease, we will discuss the necessary steps to protect your smile’s health. We want to safeguard your smile’s health and stability and prevent the premature tooth loss that often occurs as a result of untreated periodontal problems. If you have any questions, or if you’re ready to schedule a cleaning, then contact our team today.
Do Your Gums Need Treatment?
We want to help your smile stay free of periodontal disease. To learn more, schedule a consultation with Dr. Keller by calling Cedar West Family Dentistry in Richfield, MN, today at (612) 861-7188.
