A Deep Clean That Goes Beneath the Gumline
Ordinary brushing and flossing cannot reach the plaque and tartar that build up below the gumline once gum disease takes hold. Left untreated, this buildup can lead to an infection and inflammation of the soft tissues and bone surrounding the teeth, eventually causing teeth to loosen or fall out.
At Harmony Cosmetic Dentistry & Implants, we offer scaling and root planing, a deep-cleaning procedure that removes this hidden buildup and smooths the tooth root, helping your gums reattach and heal. It is often the first step in getting gum disease under control before it progresses further.
Scaling and root planing, sometimes called a “deep cleaning,” is a two-part, nonsurgical treatment for gum disease. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and from the pockets that form between your teeth and gums.
Root planing then smooths the root surface, making it harder for bacteria to reattach and giving your gum tissue a clean surface to heal against.
Gums that bleed during brushing, flossing, or eating, or that appear swollen and tender, are often one of the earliest signs that plaque and tartar have built up below the gumline.
Ongoing bad breath or a persistent bad taste in your mouth that does not improve with regular brushing can indicate bacteria trapped in deep pockets of the gums.
Gums that appear to be pulling away from the teeth, or teeth that feel loose or have started shifting, can signal that the infection has progressed to affect the supporting bone and tissue.
Your deep cleaning is completed in a way that is designed to be thorough and as comfortable as possible. Here is what you can expect during a typical treatment:
Dr. Haider measures the depth of the “pockets” between your teeth and gums to determine how far the infection has progressed and to guide the treatment plan.
Using specialized instruments, plaque and hardened tartar are carefully removed from the tooth surface and from beneath the gumline, where a regular cleaning cannot reach.
The root surface is smoothed to remove rough spots where bacteria tend to collect, making it easier for your gum tissue to reattach to a clean, healthy surface.
The treated pockets may be flushed with an antimicrobial rinse to help reduce bacteria and support a clean healing environment as your gums recover.
As the tooth root heals, your gum tissue begins to reattach naturally, closing the pockets that once trapped bacteria.
A follow-up visit allows us to check your progress and determine whether additional treatment is needed.
The earliest stages of gum disease are easily reversed, and even advanced stages can be successfully managed with the right care. If you have noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or it has been a while since your last periodontal exam, scaling and root planing may be the first step toward getting things back on track.
Please contact our practice to schedule your consultation and find out whether scaling and root planing is right for you.
Located in Magnolia, TX
Mon - Sat: 8AM to 5PM Sun: Closed
