Cleanings & Maintenance

Preventive Dental Healthcare

Regular cleanings with our skilled hygienists and comprehensive dental exams ensure the longevity of your teeth and promote healthy gums, the foundation of your dental health.

Regular Dental Cleaning

Healthy patients should schedule a regular dental cleaning every six months to maintain healthy teeth and gums. This is for patients without periodontal concerns, and otherwise healthy gums. Many times, this treatment is enough for patients with gingivitis.

What is Gingivitis?
Caused by inadequate oral hygiene gingivitis results in red, swollen gums which bleed easily. Gingivitis is reversible with professional cleanings and good oral home care. Left untreated this condition can lead to periodontitis (periodontal or gum disease).

What is Periodontal or Gum Disease?
When gingivitis is not adequately treated, bacteria in the form of plaque, calculus or tartar, produce toxins which causes inflammation of the surrounding gums and bone. The result is the destruction of the supporting attachment and bone surrounding the teeth and the formation of a “pocket”, where the gums and supporting bones pull away from the tooth or teeth. Left untreated, this pocket can become a breeding ground for bacteria, further worsening the destruction of the supporting gums and bone, which could result in tooth loss. In order to properly clean to that depth, and to make the procedure more comfortable, a local anesthetic is typically used (See Scaling and Root Planing).

Scaling and Root Planing – Treatment for Periodontal or Gum Disease

Scaling and root planing (also known as a deep cleaning) is necessary for patients with periodontitis (periodontal or gum disease) and periodontal “pockets”, a condition where there is a large number of bacteria in the form of plaque, calculus or tartar, below the gum line. In order to properly clean to that depth, and to make the procedure more comfortable, a local anesthetic is typically used.

* Scaling refers to the removal of plaque above the gum line on the tooth; while root planing refers to cleaning below the gum line.

Periodontal (Gum) Disease Maintenance

After scaling and root planing, the majority of patients will need ongoing periodontal maintenance to maintain health every 90 days. Disinfecting these areas regularly prevents worsening conditions and potential tooth loss in patients with gum disease. If maintenance schedule is not followed, then scaling and root planing retreatment may be needed.