Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease frequently starts between the teeth because it is there that a patient typically neglects to clean. Over time, the bone loss continues until the pockets become deeper and deeper, eventually fanning around the tooth and under the gumline which begins to damage the bone on the inside and outside of the teeth. The presence of calculus under the gumline forms a haven for bacteria to gather, and cannot be removed by regular brushing, flossing or with a regular dental cleaning. If left untreated, the infection and inflammation continue deeper under the gum line, resulting in loose teeth and bone loss, which leads to the loss of teeth.
Once pockets caused by the Periodontal disease measure 4 to 6 mm between the teeth, the disease has progressed to a more severe classification. A deep dental cleaning, or root planing, is recommended to remove bacteria, calculus (tartar), and debris that has collected under the gum line. In contrast, a regular cleaning focuses on the surface of the teeth and between teeth above the gum line.
During your consultation, Dr Chen will determine the severity of your periodontal disease and determine if a specialist is necessary.
What are the steps involved in a Deep Dental Cleaning?
The treatment for this classification of periodontal disease is root planing. The hygienist will typically numb the area to be treated and carefully work under the gum line to clean away the calculus and debris. Since there is more root exposed above the bone line to plane, the work is done with two separate visits, one-half of the mouth per visit.
Periodontal Maintenance
Once the initial periodontal treatment has been carried out, these patients are frequently placed on a three or four-month recall schedule to receive periodontal maintenance cleaning rather than the regular cleaning every six months.