During a normal hygiene appointment, our hygienist assesses the condition of your teeth and gums, and your teeth are cleaned professionally right down to and just below the gum line. The hygienist uses special tools to loosen hardened dental plaque, a substance called calculus or tartar, which contains harmful bacteria that could otherwise infect and inflame the gums if left for too long. Treatment is non-invasive and should not feel painful; afterwards, your teeth will feel beautifully smooth, fresh and clean. They may also look slightly brighter as your hygienist can polish them gently, removing some surface stains. We can also provide useful oral health advice during this appointment, helping you improve and maximize the efficacy of your daily oral care routine. Questions about your dental health are always encouraged, especially gum health, as gum disease is a particular concern and is unfortunately very common.
What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease in Courtice is a bacterial infection caused by a buildup of dental plaque and tartar. The bacteria in these substances produce toxins that infect and inflame the gums. The inflammation is due to the body’s immune system trying to fight the infection, resulting in the gums pulling away from the teeth. As they pull away, pockets or gaps called periodontal pockets begin to form between the teeth and gums. These pockets can become quite deep, so they are tricky to clean with a toothbrush, enabling harmful bacteria to build up and thrive. Eventually, without dental treatment, the infection and inflammation will destroy the jawbone, resulting in teeth becoming loose. This is when a deep dental cleaning can help.
What is a Deep Dental Cleaning?
Deep dental cleaning is also known as a scaling and root planing treatment in Clarington, using special techniques to clean your teeth thoroughly and any exposed tooth roots. It is a useful treatment when someone has signs of more advanced gum disease and when the gums have started to recede.
During this treatment, teeth are cleaned professionally. The treatment cleans exposed tooth roots and the deep pockets between teeth and gums, getting rid of the bacteria causing the infection. The surfaces of the affected tooth roots can become roughened by plaque and tartar buildup, so after they are cleaned, they are smoothed or planed. The smoother surfaces make it harder for more plaque and tartar to build up, and at the same time, it is easier for gums to start to reattach to teeth. After a deep cleaning, periodontal pockets can start to shrink as gums become healthier, but you may need ongoing treatments to maintain the results and must be vigilant about oral care.
How Will I Know If I Need a Deep Dental Cleaning?
Whenever you have a dental checkup, our dentists look carefully for any signs of gum disease. The gum around each tooth is assessed, and measurements are taken to see if you have any periodontal pockets using a special probe. Other signs of gum disease include gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss. Your gums might also start to look red, swollen, or feel tender to touch. As your gums recede, your teeth can appear longer than before.