Even if you see your dentist on a regular basis, you still may need to make an appointment for a deep cleaning otherwise known as scaling and root planning.
Scaling is a technique used by Westwood Family Dental where the plaque, tartar, and biofilm are removed from your teeth just below your gum line. Regular deep cleanings can help reverse and prevent gum disease.
Planning immediately follows scaling and is a procedure where your dentist smooths the root surfaces of your teeth just below your gum line. This makes it much more difficult for biofilm and plaque to accumulate.
During your regular check-up, our dentists will examine your gums using a periodontal probe. This instrument measures the depth that you have between your teeth and your gums. Healthy gum tissue will have very little sulcus, or v-shaped grooves between your teeth and gums and should be no more than 3 millimeters deep. If your pockets are deeper than 3 millimeters and if gingivitis or periodontitis has started to develop, your dentist will schedule a scaling and planning appointment.
During the scaling and planning treatment, your dentist will use an ultrasonic cleaner, or scaler, to gently remove the tartar and plaque that has accumulated beneath the gum line. After scaling doctor will the smooth the teeth, called planning, to assure proper healing.
After your deep cleaning Westwood Family Dental will schedule you for a follow up appointment to see how your gums are coming along. In most cases, if you have taken care to brush and floss properly, your gums will have begun to heal.
Periodontitis is a gum disease that could have serious complications if left untreated. If you have swollen gums or bleeding after brushing or flossing it is time to schedule an appointment with us by calling Westwood Family Dental today at (310) 441-8888.