What is a Periodontal Cleaning?

Dentists recommend professional teeth cleaning twice a year. This helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and looking their best. During a professional teeth cleaning procedure the doctor or hygienist removes the plaque and tartar on the surface of the teeth and under the gum line. Plaque is the result of bacteria in the mouth. It is a sticky substance which adheres to the teeth. If left untreated the plaque becomes a hard substance known as tartar. Both plaque and tartar can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). This is when your doctor may recommend periodontal cleaning.

What to Expect

Periodontal cleaning is also known as scaling and root planning. It normally takes more than one appointment to complete. A local anesthetic is used to make the procedure more comfortable. The doctor or hygienist removes, or scales, all the plaque and tartar from the root surfaces and surfaces of your teeth. Next the roots are planed which smooths them out to help prevent bacteria, plaque, and tartar from adhering to your teeth. Planing also allows your gums to reattach and heal more firmly.

Gum Disease and Periodontal Cleaning

Gingivitis is a painful and common disease. It is the inflammation of the gums and causes deep pocket to form around the teeth. Healthy gums should be tightly adhered to the teeth, and there should only be on to three millimeters in depth. If you have gingivitis or gum disease pocket of four millimeters may develop increasing the danger of bacteria and plaque entering the pocket and progressing the disease even further. Periodontal cleaning removes the plaque, bacteria, and tartar from around the teeth and gums and gives your gums a chance to heal.