Deep Dental Cleanings Downey CA | Teeth Cleaning Downey
Deep Teeth Cleaning Downey CA

Deep Teeth Cleaning

Deep Teeth Cleaning Downey, CA

If you have gum disease in Southern California, you could probably benefit from a deep teeth cleaning, also known as a periodontal cleaning. From the beginnings of gingivitis to fully developed periodontitis, Downey Dental Arts has extensive experience managing periodontal disease. Don’t wait. Visit us today at Downey Dental Arts to get a deep teeth cleaning to treat and mitigate gum disease and restore your smile to health.

What Is a Deep Teeth Cleaning?

Deep teeth cleaning is more formally known as scaling and root planing (SRP). Don’t let that scary-sounding name put you off – you are not getting your teeth “planed” like in woodshop. Rather, in scaling and root planing, the dental hygienist removes built-up plaque and tartar, also known as calculus.

Deep teeth cleaning is the first-line treatment for gingivitis (gum inflammation) and periodontitis (gum infection), both of which are on the spectrum of periodontal (gum) disease.

What Is the Difference Between Deep Teeth Cleaning and Routine Periodontal Cleaning?

Please note there is a difference between deep teeth cleaning, aka scaling and root planing (SRP), and routine periodontal cleaning. Typically, we will do a deep teeth cleaning first to establish a baseline and then follow up with routine periodontal cleanings, which replace routine teeth cleanings as your ongoing maintenance.

Deep Teeth Cleaning Downey CA
Deep Teeth Cleaning in Downey CA

What Is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is a disease of the gum tissue in the mouth. It occurs when bacteria build up on plaque and tartar around the teeth and below the gumline. The bacteria excrete acids that eat away at teeth and irritate the gums. If left unchecked, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, receding gums, and even loss of bone in the jaw.

Why Would I Need Deep Teeth Cleaning?

Periodontal disease can become quite serious and thus needs to be treated promptly. It can lead to tooth loss as well as loss of precious bone that supports the teeth. Additionally, the bacteria that build up during periodontal disease can travel to other parts of the body and cause problems. This is especially problematic if the bacteria infect the heart. Deep teeth cleaning will remove this dangerous bacteria and bring your gums back to health.

How Is Periodontal Disease Diagnosed?

We will examine your teeth and gums for signs of plaque, tartar, and inflammation. Digital X-rays can also show us if the teeth or bone has eroded due to plaque build-up. The main tool used in diagnosing the progression of periodontal disease is a hand-held probe, a small metal tool that measures the depths of pockets in the gums next to the teeth. A pocket depth of 3 mm or greater indicates full-blown periodontal disease.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal (gum) disease has telltale signs and symptoms, which include:

  • Inflammation: Gums that are redder than usual (or have redness near the teeth).
  • Pockets: Pockets in the gums may show up by the teeth.
  • Bleeding: A classic sign of gum disease is bleeding gums.
  • Receding gums: If your gums look like they are disappearing, this could be a sign of gum disease.
  • Bad breath: Foul-smelling breath may be a sign of gum disease.
Deep Teeth Cleaning Dentistry Downey CA
Deep Teeth Cleaning Dentistry in Downey CA

How Do Deep Dental Cleanings Work?

In many ways, a deep dental cleaning is similar to a routine teeth cleaning, except the dental hygienist goes deeper under the gum line. Because of this, a local anesthetic is used to numb the gums to ensure you won’t feel any pain during the process. (A little bit of soreness after the anesthetic wears off is normal but is usually mild.)

The dental hygienist will clean one quadrant of the mouth at a time, i.e., top right or bottom left, etc. Depending on your needs, budget, and time frame, we may work on just one quadrant in a session, but we may be able to do two or more. Two quadrants at a time is quite common.

What Are the Costs for a Deep Dental Cleaning in Downey?

Deep dental cleanings are comprehensive procedures that require a local anesthetic. For this reason, they take longer and cost a little more than a routine teeth cleaning or periodontal cleaning. You can expect to pay $150 to $250 per quadrant (or quarter section of the mouth). Your dental insurance may defray some of these costs, and you can get individual quadrants cleaned to spread out costs.

Do You Think You Might Need a Deep Teeth Cleaning in Southern California?

If you think you might have gum disease, let us know at Downey Dental Arts. You can contact us today by calling (562) 445-3363, and we will schedule a consultation to review your case.

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