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Deep Dental Cleanings: Should I Get One?  

Deep Dental Cleanings: Should I Get One? 

A deep dental cleaning, also known as gum therapy, is a treatment that cleans between the gums and teeth all the way down to the roots. The hygienist or dentist will clean the tooth, gum line, and sides of the teeth, just like a routine cleaning. Additionally, tartar below the gum line to the root of the tooth is removed.

What is a Deep Cleaning?

It is more thorough than a conventional cleaning and is intended to cure and prevent gum disease from worsening. In this article, our dentist in Lexington, KY, discusses deep dental cleanings and if you should get one. 

Hygiene and Periodontal Health

Because your mouth is full of bacteria and plaque, it’s recommended that you brush twice a day and floss daily. Routine checkups and cleanings aid in the removal of plaque that accumulates on your teeth on a daily basis. The majority of the plaque is found along the gum line, which most of us overlook when brushing. Plaque hardens to tartar, which your dental hygienist will remove during routine cleanings.

If you don’t brush your teeth on a regular basis, or if you are at risk for gum disease, your gums may develop gingivitis. Symptom so of gingivitis includes red, swollen gums that bleed easily when touched. If left untreated, this can progress to periodontal disease, a more severe stage of gingivitis. Dr. Kim urges you to treat your gingivitis before it develops into tooth loss.

Gum Disease

Suspect you have gum disease? Visit our dental office in Lexington, KY, for an evaluation. To determine if there is an infection, we will take dental x-rays and assess the depth of the pockets. This is standard practice. You’ve probably heard your hygienist readout numbers while evaluating each tooth. 

Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Teeth Cleaning

Comparing routine teeth cleaning to a deep teeth cleaning is akin to comparing apples and oranges, says our friend Dr. O’Grady, a dentist in Denver, CO. He explains that the two treatments accomplish very different tasks. A regular cleaning’s purpose is preventative maintenance, whereas a deep teeth cleaning’s purpose is to halt periodontal disease.

Do I Need a Deep Cleaning?

Only your dentist or dental hygienist can be certain. If your dentist finds considerable pockets—those four mms or larger—you are at risk for (or in the early stages of) periodontal disease. This qualifies you for a deep cleaning. A dental deep cleaning visit will stop the periodontal disease from getting worse. Without treatment, the bacteria that caused your gum pockets will continue to cause plaque, tartar, and bone loss.

You are not alone if you have been informed that you need a deep cleaning at the dentist. Gum disease is one of the most common dental problems today. Luckily, gum disease or periodontal disease is preventable. As mentioned above, it’s crucial that you follow a good oral hygiene regimen and visit your dentist every six months. 

Contact Dentist in Lexington, KY

Need a deep cleaning? Contact Park Hills Family Dentistry! Our team of professionals will take good care of you and your little ones. Our dental office is located in Lexington, KY. We offer a wide range of dental services. Dr. Kim and Dr. Oberst look forward to meeting you soon!