Blog

When You Need More Than a Routine Teeth Cleaning

Jan 05, 2018

It’s for the good of your health. Sometimes your dental care requires us to say, “No!” so we can say “Yes” to the best treatment for you.

Periodontal (gum) disease is one of those occasions. The inflammatory disease is serious enough that we would recommend something other than a routine teeth cleaning.

More required

Periodontitis is among the gum disease conditions that affects over 30 million in the U.S. As important as a teeth cleaning (every six months) is for you and your family, gum disease demands a deeper procedure.

Plaque is the sticky, bacterial film that causes problems. It can be removed during your routine cleaning but not when it reaches into the pockets between your teeth and gums.

Your gum pockets can become inflamed. You might notice bleeding or infection also.

The longer the plaque remains within the pockets the more gum disease progresses. It’s essential that a deeper cleaning be used to remove the plaque and prevent the spread of oral bacteria.

Teeth cleaning by another name

Scaling and root planing is necessary to remove hardened plaque. Each procedure targets those hard to reach areas within your gum pockets where disease has formed.

Scaling eliminates the plaque build-up. Ultra-sonic technology gives the treatment leverage on the stubborn and harmful plaque on your tooth surfaces below your gums.

Root planing smooths your tooth root. The cleansing and smoothing effect gives plaque less surface to adhere to.

Each procedure promotes healing. And it helps your gum tissue to reattach to your tooth – reducing the size of each pocket.

Gum disease is serious enough for us to steer you beyond a routine cleaning. Contact your Roswell family dentist about any gum pain, bleeding, or other symptoms of gum disease.

© 2025 Dentist in Roswell – Shenk Dental Care | Privacy Policy | Web Design, Digital Marketing & SEO By Adit
Click to listen highlighted text!