What Is Involved in Gum Deep Cleaning?

When plaque and tartar stick to the surface of the teeth and between the teeth and gum lining, bacteria thrive and cause inflammation. Your dentist may recommend gum deep cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing. This procedure is necessary to restore gum health and prevent periodontal disease from worsening.

What Is Scaling?

• Scaling is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease also known as periodontal disease. During scaling, tartar and hardened plaque known as calculus are removed from the surface of the tooth.

What Is Root Planing?

• Root planing is another form of deep cleaning that involves cleaning debris such as calculus from the surface of the root. This procedure also smooths irregular sections of the root exterior.

How Is It Done?

• Gum deep cleaning is performed with both electrically powered scalers known as ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments. These instruments come in different sizes and your dentist or hygienist will pick those suited to the shape of your teeth and surfaces they will be cleaning.

What Happens After a Deep Gum Cleaning?

• After a deep gum cleaning, follow the directions given to you by your dental health practitioner regarding oral hygiene. A follow-up visit will be required to ensure that proper healing is taking place.

Warning

• Contact you dental professional immediately if you develop a fever or have excessive bleeding, pain and swelling after your deep gum cleaning procedure.