Sometimes referred to as a Deep Cleaning, Scaling and Root Planing, is a dental treatment that goes below the gum line to remove food debris or bacteria that has caused an infection in your gums. If you find that you have problems with your gums bleeding from flossing or brushing, this may be the right treatment for you. Bleeding gums is a sign of inflammation of the gums and is an early sign of gum disease.
Our trained dental hygienist may decide during a routine dental cleaning that a deep cleaning is needed. This process will remove plaque and calculus, which is full of bacteria, from below your gum line on your root surfaces. This is a method of treating gum disease that is approved by Dr. Aaron Cooley and Dr. Brandon Cooley. Gum disease allows pockets to develop around the teeth as the gums recede away from the teeth. As these pockets separate your teeth and your gums, you will lose strength in your teeth and eventually this will lead to tooth loss. By measuring your pockets, we are able to see the damage done and help. Pockets that have a measurement greater than 3 mm along with evidence of bleeding and tissue attachment loss is a reason to have a Deep Cleaning, which can help or even stop the problem.
What is Scaling?Scaling is the process of removing plaque, calculus and micro-organisms from around the gum line down to the bottom of each periodontal pocket helping to obtain a healing response. Our hygienist may use an ultra sonic scaler, which uses oxygenated bubbles to clear away the bacteria and she may also use a hand scaler, which is a tool designed to scrape away bacteria. When the bacteria has been cleared, your pockets should be able to heal and will then decrease in size.
What is Root Planing?Root planing involves smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth with a thin dental tool. This process helps your gum tissue to more firmly reattach to roots. It will also make it more difficult for bacteria to rest on the roots in the future. With smooth roots we are helping prevent tooth loss and sensitivity problems.
At Cooley Smiles, Kenmore, we often recommend using an anesthesia to numb your mouth before Scaling and Root Planing. The process can be uncomfortable.
Contact our experienced Kenmore family dentists at Cooley Smiles today for questions about Deep Cleanings or to schedule an appointment. We serve patients at our two locations in Kenmore, Washington and Bellevue, Washington. (425) 216-3367
Cooley Smiles -