Basic &
Deep Cleanings
(Periodontal Disease)
General Cleanings
Oral cleaning is a crucial preventive measure all individuals must take to ensure a healthier oral cavity. Although we may brush and floss our teeth thoroughly twice a day, microbes get deposited on the teeth throughout the day. Over time, they get accumulated on the teeth in the form of dark patches teeming with microbes, called tartar. They can often be found near the intersection of two teeth, the occlusal grooves, or near the gum line. Failing to remove them regularly can lead to a lot of inconveniences, as they lead to cavities and gum diseases.
What is oral cleaning?
The procedure of removing the accumulated plaque and tartar deposits from the teeth using ultrasonic scaling is called oral cleaning. The procedure is simple, less time-consuming, and painless. It is advisable to get oral cleaning done at least once every six months, as the tartar deposits formed on the teeth have to be removed periodically.
We use an ultrasonic scaling tip for this procedure, which has a stainless steel metal tip vibrating at ultrasonic frequencies. When the scaling tip is brought in contact with the tartar deposits, they will be dislodged and washed away using a jet of water. There is absolutely nothing to worry about the procedure, as it is entirely painless and minimally invasive.
What is deep cleaning?
Deep cleaning or root planing, as the name suggests, is the process of removing the tartar deposits from the tooth roots. Patients who have deep gum pockets or suffer from gum diseases often have loosened gum tissues. This allows the food debris to get deposited in the gum pockets, which act as the food for microbes. With time, they form tartar deposits on the roots, thus affecting the soft gum tissues.
During a deep cleaning, the hygienist inserted the scaling tip between the gums and tooth roots. The tartar deposits will meticulously be removed without harming the tooth root or gum tissues. Additionally, we will smoothen the surface of the tooth roots to remove the imperfections, as they can promote microbial deposition. The gum pockets will be cleared out to give you healthier gums, which would facilitate their healing (in case of gum diseases).
How can periodontitis be treated using deep cleaning?
Periodontitis is by far the most invasive gum disease. It is caused due to the decay of the soft tissues by the toxins released by tartar. When you visit your hygienist for periodontal therapy, one of the first treatments they recommend is deep cleaning. Removing the tartar deposits, clearing the gum pockets, and extracting the decayed tissues are vital in periodontal therapy. Since the procedure can be slightly painful, we would administer local sedatives before commencing the treatment.
Please do reach out to your oral hygienist to get a better understanding of how oral cleaning is conducted and how you could benefit from it.
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