Did you know that about 47.2% of adults age 30 and older have periodontitis? This number jumps up to 70.1% for adults age 65 and older. The good news is that we offer so patients can avoid receding gums, tooth loss, and other consequences of poor gum health.
If you suspect you have gum disease, be sure to ask our dentists if you’re a candidate for periodontal deep cleanings.
Our dentists use scaling and root planing to manage periodontal disease. During the procedure, we use an instrument to remove plaque that has hardened into tartar. We gently scrape plaque both above and below the gums. Our dentists then smooth the rough spots on your teeth to help your gums reattach.
After , we use a gritty paste to remove plaque and polish teeth. This makes a smooth surface that’s difficult for plaque to build up again. Yet, it’s important to remember that this effect won’t last forever. You’ll need to maintain good oral hygiene at home to protect your teeth and gums.
After the procedure, our dentists will measure how deep your gum pockets are around teeth. Depending on the results, we may recommend further periodontal treatment. Our dentists can help you plan your next steps for periodontal disease treatment.
It’s important that you maintain good oral hygiene at home. Before you leave, we’ll give you instructions on how to prevent plaque from building up again. In general, we recommend brushing twice a day and flossing once daily. Our dentists may also recommend a fluoride mouth rinse to strengthen tooth enamel. Following our instructions will help you remove plaque on teeth and down to 2mm below the gums.
You may need a deep cleaning if you have gum pockets deeper than 4mm, bleeding or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, or gum recession. Dr. [dentist_last] will measure pocket depths and assess your gum health during examination.
We use local anesthesia to numb the area, so you should feel minimal discomfort during the procedure. Some patients experience mild soreness for a few days afterward, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
A full-mouth deep cleaning typically requires 2-4 appointments, with each session lasting 45-90 minutes. We usually treat one quadrant at a time for thorough cleaning and comfort.
It’s normal to experience gum tenderness, slight bleeding when brushing, and tooth sensitivity for a few days. We’ll provide aftercare instructions, and most patients see significant improvement within a few weeks.
Most patients only need an initial series of deep cleanings. However, you’ll need more frequent maintenance cleanings (every 3-4 months) to prevent gum disease from returning.
Most dental insurance plans cover deep cleanings when medically necessary, typically 50-80% of the cost. We’ll help you verify your benefits and provide a treatment estimate before beginning treatment.
Our family dentists in Grandville, MI, can help you restore oral health. To request an appointment and learn if you’re a candidate for a periodontal deep cleaning, call the Grandville Dental Health Center at (616) 739-6001. We look forward to hearing from you!