Deep Cleaning

The gums, ligaments, and bone around the teeth – collectively known as the periodontium – form the foundation for your teeth. When the periodontium is not healthy, it jeopardizes all the teeth. During your regular checkup, we may determine that your periodontium would benefit from a deep cleaning to keep your teeth healthy.

Signs of unhealthy periodontium (gum disease) may be as follows: gums that are red and bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gums that have pulled away from the tooth, loose teeth, and changes in the position or bite of the teeth. Any of these signs may mean something is wrong. With the proper care, however, it may be possible to return them to a healthy state. This is where appropriate gum treatments come in.

The procedure usually involves a deep cleaning or root planning done under a local anesthetic. If the gum disease gets too severe, surgery or extraction may need to be used to treat this. Early detection is key to successful treatment.