Teeth Cleaning San Antonio, TX
A professional teeth cleaning from a periodontist involves cleaning below the gum line as well as above and may involve additional steps and more frequent appointments. Those dealing with some form of gum disease will need a teeth cleaning that goes beyond the routine cleaning their dentists usually provide. These deep teeth cleanings are vital for keeping the mouth healthy and gum disease at bay.
If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, we can help. Periodontal teeth cleaning is available at AD Perio & Implants in San Antonio and the surrounding area. Call our office at (210) 805-8400 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
What is a Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Most people are familiar with the standard dental cleaning that is recommended twice each year. In this type of cleaning, plaque and tartar build-up are cleaned from above the gum line. However, close to half of all adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease. This means plaque and tartar have spread below the gum line calling for a deeper cleaning by a periodontist to halt the progression of gum disease.
This teeth cleaning is often referred to as scaling and root planing, deep cleaning, or periodontal cleaning. It is more involved than the standard dental cleaning and takes longer as it removes tartar and plaque from below the gum line and by the roots. This type of cleaning is often done over a few appointments.
“It is more involved than the standard dental cleaning and takes longer as it removes tartar and plaque from below the gum line and by the roots.”
Benefits of a Teeth Cleaning
The main benefit of this teeth cleaning is that it stops the spread of periodontal disease and prevents the destruction of the bones and gums which support the teeth. Scaling and root planing is considered the "gold standard" treatment for chronic periodontal disease. This procedure helps reduce the need for surgical interventions such as pocket reduction surgery, bone grafting, and gum grafting. Besides slowing or stopping the advancement of gum disease, the treatment prevents infection and promotes healing. Periodontal deep cleaning also helps fight bad breath.
“Scaling and root planing is considered the “gold standard” treatment for chronic periodontal disease.”
Preparing for Treatment
This procedure does not require much preparation. Patients will want to take part in the recommended daily oral hygiene routine. Some prefer to take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help with the discomfort. However, the periodontist will numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic. Immunocompromised individuals may need to take oral antibiotics for a few days prior and for a few days after because of the risk of infection after the procedure.
“Patients will want to take part in the recommended daily oral hygiene routine.”
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The Treatment Process
A deep teeth cleaning from a periodontist or scaling and root planing is a process that unusually takes place over a few appointments. For the purpose of the cleaning, the mouth is divided into four quadrants: upper right teeth, lower right teeth, upper left teeth, and lower left teeth. During the first appointment, the practitioner may do one side (or two quadrants) of the mouth and do the other side during an appointment about a week later. If a patient needs extensive cleaning, the process may take four appointments, where the practitioner cleans one quadrant per appointment.
Each appointment begins with the periodontist using a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area in the mouth. Then, they will use a scaler to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. The procedure has been described as a "rubbing motion" used to polish and smooth out rough spots on the teeth.
“During the first appointment, the practitioner may do one side of the mouth and do the other side during an appointment about a week later.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is a periodontal cleaning?
Q. What are the advantages of a periodontal teeth cleaning?
Q. What should patients do to prepare for the procedure?
Q. What happens during a scaling and root planing?
Q. What is the recovery period like?
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Post-Procedure and Recovery
Patients may experience discomfort after the procedure. The discomfort is typically minimal, and many patients do not even need to take an over-the-counter pain reliever for it. People are able to return to their regular activities with no downtime. However, it is recommended that patients avoid acidic food and drink for a few days after and keep the mouth hydrated. The periodontist may prescribe antibiotics or a special mouthwash to help prevent infection.
“The discomfort is typically minimal and many patients do not even need to take an over-the-counter pain reliever for it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How often will I need a teeth cleaning from a periodontist?
A. Some people do not need scaling and root planing, especially if they are younger, have healthy teeth and gums, and keep up with their regular dental checkups. However, as people age, their risk of periodontal disease increases. Those with a form of periodontal disease may need a deep teeth cleaning twice a year or more. The number of deep cleanings you will need depends on where you are at with your oral health.
Q. What are the symptoms of gingivitis?
A. If gum disease is caught at its earliest stage, gingivitis, it can be reversed, and scaling and root planing can help. Unfortunately, it can be hard to tell if one has gingivitis. People usually find out from their dentist. However, signs you may have gingivitis include red or swollen gums, bad breath, and bleeding after brushing.
Q. Are there any risks involved with scaling and root planing?
A. The most significant risk of scaling and root planing is infection being introduced into the bloodstream. However, this is rare. If you are someone at risk for this complication, your practitioner may have you take antibiotics before and after the procedure. Let our team know if you experience fever or increasing pain that gets worse after the procedure. We are prepared to deal with any potential complications.
Q. How much does the procedure cost?
A. This varies by patient. However, dental insurance often covers at least a portion of scaling and root planing. We recommend patients check with their provider for specifics on their plan.
Q. What happens if I do not have deep cleanings?
A. Deep cleanings are crucial to reversing gingivitis and keeping periodontitis from progressing. Besides risking tooth loss, skipping this important procedure increases gum recession, contributes to bad breath, and makes mouth infections more likely. Skipping these deep cleaning procedures can even lead to bone loss.
Start Feeling Better – Visit Us Today
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
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Call Us Today
A deep teeth cleaning from a periodontist is crucial to keeping gum disease in check. The procedure involves no downtime and is an important measure to prevent tooth loss and other dental problems. Call AD Perio & Implants today at 210-805-8400 to schedule an appointment for a consultation.
Helpful Related Links
- American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). 2023
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Periodontal Disease Page. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Periodontal Disease Page. 2023
- WebMD, What Is a Periodontist?. WebMD, What Is a Periodontist?. 2023
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