North Dental Studio

If you’ve missed a few dental cleanings or haven’t kept up with your oral care routine at home, you may need more than a regular cleaning—costing you more time and money in the long run.

What Is a Regular Cleaning?

A routine dental cleaning is clinically referred to as a prophylaxis (or prophy cleaning). It’s a preventive measure designed to reduce the risk of periodontal disease. This type of cleaning involves:

  • Removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and gumline.
  • Using hand instruments to clear away hardened plaque (tartar).
  • Finishing with a polish using a fluoridated abrasive scrub that leaves your teeth smooth and sparkling.

When Is More Than a Regular Cleaning Needed?

If you’ve missed several professional cleanings, plaque and tartar can build up beyond what a standard cleaning can remove. In some cases, the tartar may accumulate below the gumline, which can’t be reached by hand instruments alone. When this happens, your dentist may recommend a periodontal cleaning, also known as deep cleaning, root planing, or deep scaling.

This type of cleaning goes beyond the surface, often requiring anesthetic and multiple visits to remove the buildup effectively. This additional treatment is more expensive and time-consuming but essential to prevent further dental issues.

Gingivitis: The First Stage of Gum Disease

If tartar is left below the gumline, it leads to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. Common symptoms include:

  • Bleeding gums when touched or brushed.
  • Swollen and tender gums.
  • Persistent bad breath.

The good news? A professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene habits at home can often reverse gingivitis. If you commit to a regular hygiene schedule and at-home care, you can prevent gingivitis from worsening.

Periodontitis: When Gum Disease Progresses

If left untreated, gingivitis progresses into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease. This stage involves:

  • Tartar buildup below the gumline, creating deep pockets between the teeth and gums.
  • Chronic inflammation and infection that damage the surrounding bone.

At this point, routine cleanings may not be enough. Specialized instruments like ultrasonic scalers and a more frequent recare schedule become necessary to maintain oral health and manage the disease. Without consistent care, advanced periodontal disease can lead to tooth and bone loss.

Treating Advanced Periodontal Disease

For advanced cases, your dentist may recommend additional treatments, such as:

  • Laser periodontal therapy to manage infection.
  • Bone grafting to repair damaged areas.
  • Time-release antibiotics placed directly into periodontal pockets.

Each of these procedures requires a commitment to strict homecare and more frequent dental visits to manage the condition.

Preventing Gum Disease

The best way to prevent gum disease and avoid costly treatments is through regular dental cleanings and a good homecare routine. Make sure you:

  • Brush for two minutes twice a day.
  • Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.
  • Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings.

By spending a little extra time on your oral hygiene now, you can avoid extensive treatments and keep your smile healthy for years to come.

Conclusion

If you’ve fallen behind on your dental cleanings, fortunately, it’s never too late to get back on track. In fact, a professional cleaning can help reverse early gum disease and prevent costly treatments in the future. So, stay on top of your oral health by scheduling your next appointment today!

Also Check : How to Choose the Right Teeth Cleaning Clinic for Your Needs

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