Deep Cleaning

Deep Dental Cleanings: Effective Treatment for Gum Disease

A deep gum cleaning, also referred to as teeth scaling, effectively treats gum disease. Over time, due to disease or a lack of timely regular dental cleanings, your gums can become irritated, swollen and sore. Left untreated, your gums begin to pull back from your teeth. Your family dentist at Hutchinson Metro Dental in Bronx, NY, Dr. Victoria Kushensky determines if you have periodontal disease with a thin probe that measures the pockets around your teeth.

Without proper professional cleaning plaque and tartar form at the base of your teeth and push the gums outward. That action causes the formation of small pouches where bacteria can collect and grow. The bacteria contribute to increased inflammation of your gums, leading to infections or loose teeth. Allowing Dr. Kushensky — serving all of Bronx, NY — to perform a dental deep cleaning helps reduce the chance of developing an infection and perhaps even save your natural teeth.

Who Should Consider Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning or dental scaling provides a number of benefits. Most of the time, you don’t need a deep cleaning, but the longer you go without a dental check-up, the more likely it becomes. Without a comprehensive deep cleaning, you may end up with more serious consequences.

You benefit from teeth scaling if you have certain characteristics or conditions, such as:

• Diabetes, because you may have more challenges fighting infections
• Males, who have a higher propensity to develop disease in their 30s or 40s
• Smokers, due to reduced circulation and a tougher time fighting off infections
• Females experiencing hormonal changes, such as during puberty, pregnancy or menopause
• A family predisposition to gum concerns
• A diagnosis of cancer or AIDS
• Taking a medication that causes dry mouth, as saliva helps bathe and clean teeth

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Certain symptoms arise prior to Dr. Victoria Kushensky’s diagnosis of periodontal disease. The first signs often include red, swollen, tender or bleeding gums. You may be aware when chewing food becomes uncomfortable or notice that you have bad breath no matter how well or often you brush and floss.

As gum disease progresses, hot and cold liquids and foods cause sensitivity, discomfort and pain. Your teeth may loosen as your gums recede. You might notice your teeth appearing longer, too. When you see these signs, make an appointment with your family dentist in Bronx, NY as soon as you can.

The Process of Deep Gum Cleaning

After an examination and a conventional cleaning, your dentist uses specialized techniques to provide your best deep cleaning, along with local or deeper anesthesia to help control discomfort. Using manual scraping dental hooks and a unique ultrasonic instrument, Dr. Victoria Kushensky or a compassionate colleague carefully scrapes away plaque and tartar from your teeth and from the pockets between your teeth and gums. Often, the process ends with a liquid fluoride treatment to strengthen your teeth.

If necessary, Dr. Kushensky may request that you come back for a second appointment to perform a procedure called a root planing, which removes the plaque from the root of your tooth with special instruments. Then you may have to follow up with another visit to ensure that your gums are healing well. Whatever it takes, your family dentist in Bronx, NY works hard to protect and save your natural teeth.

Aftercare for Dental Scaling

Dental scaling, combined with following your dentist’s instructions regarding daily oral hygiene, reverses periodontal disease in most cases. You may have to use a specialized toothpaste or mouthwash for a period of time to protect your gums and encourage recovery.

The deep cleaning procedure may lead to some mild discomfort afterward. Even working carefully, your dentist must move already tender gums to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. Taking pain relievers, either over-the-counter or prescribed, and chewing soft foods help until the discomfort disappears in a day or two. Avoid spicy or acidic foods such as citrus, red wine, juice, pickles and tomatoes for a few days to avoid irritation.

Stay away from hard, crunchy and over-sized foods for a few days as well. Rinsing often with a warm, saltwater solution encourages healing. If you experience swelling, an ice pack helps and may reduce discomfort. Your gums usually heal well within just a few days.

Deep Cleaning for Teeth Costs

Dental deep cleaning costs may vary, depending on several factors, such as:

• The procedure’s complexity
• How many x-rays, scans or other procedures are required to complete the cleaning
• Which teeth need to be scaled or root cleaned

Most dental insurance policies cover deep cleaning costs up to twice a year. But even if you have to pay out of pocket, the cost is relatively low since it prevents more extensive (and costly) dental procedures. Plus tooth loss carries many costs, including tooth replacement. Talk to Dr. Victoria Kushensky at Hutchinson Metro Dental in Bronx, NY, to get the dental health treatment you need.