Scaling is the process of the periodontist dentist or dental hygienist removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces. The type of scaling used is dependent upon the amount of plaque and tartar that is found on the tooth surface. The dentist or hygienist will usually perform the procedure by hand. But, with advances made in dentistry, the use of electronic scalers, such as a cavitron has been introduced to the deep dental cleaning process. Cavitrons use sound waves to remove tartar and can help to decrease the amount of time it takes to perform a dental deep cleaning. However, ultrasonic scalers can only remove at least half of tartar buildup, so to achieve the best results, both the electric and manual scaling are often done in combination during the dental visit. It is important to note that the use of ultrasonic scaling should not be performed on individuals who wear pacemakers. This is because the ultrasonic sound can interfere with the function of the pacemaker.

Root planning is the process of cleaning the gum pockets (located beneath the gum line) in order to stop gum problems from advancing. When gums are inflammed, the gum pockets become deeper and lose its connection to the bone. The deeper the pocket, the easier it is for plaque deposits to become trapped and worsen the condition of the gums. Root planning involves the dentist or hygienist inserting the pointy front of handle scalers into the pockets to clean out the plaque. The tooths root surfaces are then smoothed or planed to allow the gum tissue to heal and make additional plaque accumulation in this area difficult. Because root planning is a little more invasive that a regular prophy cleaning, the use of local anesthesia is sometimes used to reduce any discomfort. Also, depending on the extent of the problem, this procedure can take several dental visits. The dentist may also recommend, prescribe, or administer medications to help control the infection and to facilitate the healing process.

The amount of time needed for a dental deep cleaning depends on such factors as the amount of plaque involved and your overall gingival health. Obviously, the more tartar and plaque you have, the more appointments you will need. In moderate cases of gum disease, the cleaning should take about 25 to 30 minutes. Treatment often depends on how far the condition progressed and how well the body responds to treatment. At your follow-up visit, the gums will be checked for healing and to see if there has been a decrease in the pocket size. If the pockets continue to exceed 3mm, additional measures may need to be undertaken. In certain cases, periodontal surgery may be recommended to treat periodontal disease when non-surgical treatment is ineffective. Dental procedures such as pocket reduction, soft tissue grafts or bone regeneration may be advised as alternative treatment methods. If a tooth has been lost due to periodontal disease, dental implants are always an option for permanent tooth replacement. Therefore, it is also very important to return for regular dental visits (at least every six months), to ensure that the process is working and to remove excessive plaque build up. Failure to follow-up regularly can lead to further gum problems, as well as tooth decay.

Following your dental deep cleaning, the dentist should provide you with instructions on caring for your healing teeth and gums. In between visits to the dentist, develop a good daily oral hygiene program. This includes brushing twice a day, and cleaning between teeth daily with floss or another interdental cleaner. There are many portable dental products available that makes it convenient for you to clean your teeth, even when away from home. Good oral hygiene and follow-up visits are essential to help prevent gum disease from worsening or reoccurring.

Symptoms and signs include of periodontal disease include:

• Red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums (especially while cleaning the teeth)
  
• Gum recession, or gums pulling away from teeth
  
• Loose or separating teeth
  
• Pus between the gum and tooth
  
• Unpleasant odors from the mouth
  
• Bite changes
  
• Change in the fit of partial dentures
  
  

If you notice any of the above signs or symptoms, please see a dentist as soon as possible for a dental deep cleaning. Remember, over time, progression of gum disease can lead to severe inflammation, bone loss, gum recession and tooth loss.

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