By now, you probably already know that you should visit your dentist twice a year for a checkup. These preventive care visits help keep your smile safe from common concerns such as cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and more. If you are experiencing gum disease, your dentist may recommend that periodontal services are scheduled to help manage your symptoms. Today, your team at Sunny Smiles will explain the difference between a regular checkup and a periodontal deep cleaning.
A Checkup Includes A Cleaning And Examination
Dental visits should occur every six months as a way to keep your smile healthy. Your checkup will include two parts: a cleaning and an examination. This cleaning is also known as a prophylaxis and will take about thirty minutes. The hygienist will remove plaque buildup and polish your teeth before performing an examination of your oral cavity. These steps can help reduce the chance of cavities building up between now and your next visit. If you have any questions or concerns about your oral hygiene, this is a good opportunity to bring them up with your dental team.
How We Can Help You Manage Periodontal Disease
If your gums have become swollen, red, or bleed when you floss, it could be a sign of gum disease. This infection occurs in stages, starting with gingivitis and progressing into severe forms if not addressed promptly. Factors such as poor oral hygiene, tobacco usage, and age may contribute to the chances of developing this condition.
To help manage your symptoms, several deep cleanings may need to be done to help remove plaque from below the gumline. Scaling will be done to remove the plaque, and then root planing will be performed to help promote the gums to reattach to the tissues. Depending on the severity of the gum disease, you may need to visit your dentist more than every six months for this service.
Do Not Ignore Gum Disease
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. If this phase is ignored, your symptoms can continue to progress into an irreversible stage. However, regular deep cleanings can help keep your symptoms manageable. Untreated periodontal disease can lead to side effects such as persistently bad breath, sensitive gums, and even tooth loss in the future. In fact, periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults today. Improved oral hygiene and consistent dental visits can help decrease the chances of this occurring. If tooth loss does occur, it is important to replace your teeth as soon as possible. This can be done with the help of implants, a bridge, or dentures depending on your oral health and severity of loss.
Talk To Our Team Today
If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team, call Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, today at 915-759-7000.