Over time, the presence of major plaque and tartar buildup on the surfaces of your teeth could lead to gum inflammation and periodontal disease. To help manage the disease and avoid issues like tooth loss, we could offer care to remove harmful buildup. In today’s blog, your Brooklyn, NY, periodontist and dental implant expert talks about how to manage buildup with deep cleanings and more!
The Link Between Plaque/Tartar and Gum Disease
When the particles of sugar and starch from the foods and drinks we consume remain trapped on and between the teeth, this is a chance for harmful oral bacteria to break them down. The process creates plaque, which coats the teeth and hardens into tartar with time. These layers then irritate and inflame the gums to increase the risk of periodontal disease. While brushing and flossing, combined with routine cleanings every six months, can control the buildup and protect the smile, often people don’t take these precautions, which leads to the onset of periodontal disease and eventually, the risk of tooth loss. When you begin to develop sore, red, and bleeding gums, then you need periodontic treatment, and for many that could include a scaling and root planing.
The Deep Cleaning Process
Also known as a deep cleaning, the scaling and root planing involves our team gently and thoroughly removing all plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth, the exposed roots, and from beneath the gum line. In the process, this destroys harmful pockets of bacteria. Our team then polishes the teeth to brighten them and make it more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate in between visits. The procedure could take one sitting or multiple visits, depending on the severity of your buildup. We will numb your smile ahead of time to ensure you remain comfortable.
What Happens Next?
Following your deep cleaning, we will recommend better homecare actions, such as proper brushing and flossing, to help control buildup. We may also suggest a traditional cleaning or Supportive Periodontal Maintenance every three to four months to remove plaque and tartar and manage inflammation, keeping the disease in check. If you see us and have a more severe case of periodontal disease, then our team may recommend care with dental lasers, which can help remove diseased tissues and reshape the gum line, destroying harmful bacteria in the process.
If you have any questions about how we help smiles with a scaling and root planing, then contact our team today to learn more and start your treatment journey.
Schedule an Appointment with Brooklyn Periodontics for Periodontics
We want to provide treatment to help smiles stay free of inflammation and disease! For more information on treatment options for periodontal disease, please call Brooklyn Periodontics & Implantology in Brooklyn, NY at (718) 444-3800 today.
