What is the importance of a deep cleaning of the teeth?

Keeping the smile healthy is key to reducing the risk of developing issues such as cavities and periodontal disease. Treatment for these issues is also critical to reduce significant risks of tooth, gum, and bone loss. At Life Smiles Dental Care, Drs. Timothy Schmidt, Paul Nielson, and Jared Bishop work with patients to educate them on how to keep their teeth clean. In addition to home care, we encourage Phoenix, Arizona, area patients to have routine teeth cleanings and seek periodontal disease treatment, such as deep cleanings, as soon as they can IF it is diagnosed.

What happens during a teeth cleaning?

Cleaning teeth during a six-month recall appointment, often called prophylaxis, starts with the patient seated in a comfortable dental chair. Our hygienist will carefully remove any plaque or buildup that may be present around the teeth. A special instrument may also be used to scale away any tartar or calculus that has built up between the tooth and gum line. The patient’s teeth are then polished with special rotating brushes using an abrasive paste that removes stains and debris that may be present on the tooth surface. Fluoride varnish is often applied to help strengthen enamel and protect against decay. Dental sealants may be discussed for patients at a higher risk of cavity formation on the molars, which are the teeth that are the primary chewing surfaces at the back of the mouth. After the cleaning, dental x-rays may be taken to check for any possible cavities or other issues that are not visible to the dentist or dental hygienist completing your teeth cleaning.

What is the difference between routine cleaning and deep cleaning treatment for periodontal disease?

Routine cleanings, often called prophylaxis, differ from deep cleanings for patients diagnosed with periodontal disease, or “gum disease.” Treatment of periodontal disease is available at our practice and involves a dental procedure called scaling and root planing. Scaling and root planing is a more precise cleaning above and below the gum line and takes much more time to complete. We may also use other special techniques to remove plaque or tartar that may be present to restore the health of the gum tissue. The deep cleaning can help patients control their condition and keep it from worsening. We often administer or prescribe antibiotics as well, along with scaling and root planing to address infection, get the smile back to health, and maintain a new baseline of oral health. Ideally, we want our patients to be proactive in avoiding the development of severe periodontitis to avoid such damage and expensive repairs to restore the smile.

How many deep cleanings do I need for periodontal disease treatment?

Depending on the severity of the condition, a patient may need more than one appointment to ensure a healthy smile. Additionally, specific lifestyle changes, such as improving oral hygiene habits and quitting smoking, can also improve treatment outcomes and help prevent further damage. When you have a diagnosis of periodontitis, we work with you to bring your smile back to health and reduce the risk of potential problems such as bone, tissue, and tooth loss.

Schedule time to speak to the dentists at Life Smiles Dental Care today!

If you are a resident of Phoenix, AZ, or the surrounding communities and want to speak to a team of professionals who focus on hygiene-driven solutions and preventative dentistry, we invite you to call the team at Life Smiles Dental Care. The office is at 4611 East Shea Boulevard, Suite #250, and can be reached by calling (602) 786-5484.