Proper Teeth Cleaning & Maintenance in Salem, OR

Maintaining good oral health goes beyond daily brushing and flossing. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings play a crucial role in preventing gum disease and keeping your teeth and gums healthy. However, for patients with signs of gum disease, standard cleanings may not be enough. Deep teeth cleaning (scaling and root planing) and ongoing periodontal maintenance are essential treatments to stop the progression of gum disease and protect your oral and overall health.

At Salem Periodontal and Implant Specialists, we offer comprehensive periodontal care, including deep teeth cleaning and maintenance, to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile.

Deep Teeth Cleaning in Salem, OR

Maintaining optimal oral health is essential for a beautiful smile and overall well-being. While regular dental cleanings can remove surface plaque and tartar, deep teeth cleaning is often needed for patients with more advanced signs of gum disease. This professional periodontal service goes beyond typical cleaning, targeting the deeper layers of the gums and teeth to address issues like gum inflammation, pockets of bacteria, and gum recession.

What is Deep Teeth Cleaning in Salem, OR?

Deep teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a non-surgical procedure used to treat periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease, which includes gingivitis and more advanced forms like periodontitis, is caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar beneath the gum line. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, gum recession, and other health complications.

Deep cleaning involves two key steps:

• Scaling: The process of removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the surface of the teeth, particularly below the gum line. Special tools, including ultrasonic devices and hand scalers, are used to break up and remove hardened deposits of tartar that cannot be removed with regular cleaning.
• Root Planing: This involves smoothing the tooth roots to help gums reattach to the teeth. Root planing also removes rough spots on the tooth roots where bacteria and plaque can accumulate.

This procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort, and it is typically done in multiple visits, depending on the severity of the gum disease.

How Is Dental Deep Cleaning Different From a Regular Cleaning?

A regular cleaning, or prophylaxis, is typically done during routine dental checkups and is designed to remove surface plaque and tartar that can lead to cavities or gum inflammation. This cleaning involves scaling the teeth above the gum line and polishing them for a smooth surface.

In contrast, deep cleaning is necessary for patients with gum disease and focuses on cleaning both above and below the gum line. The primary differences between regular cleaning and deep cleaning are:

• Depth of Cleaning: Regular cleaning targets only the visible areas of the teeth, while deep cleaning cleans the teeth and gums below the gum line, addressing bacterial buildup in deeper pockets.
• Purpose: Regular cleaning is for preventive care and general maintenance of oral hygiene, while deep cleaning aims to stop or reverse the progression of gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis.
• Techniques Used: While regular cleaning uses basic hand instruments and ultrasonic devices, deep cleaning uses specialized instruments to reach beneath the gums to remove bacteria and tartar that are not accessible during a standard cleaning.

Deep teeth cleaning may also be recommended for patients who have deep gum pockets (greater than 4 millimeters), a sign of advanced gum disease.

Benefits of Deep Teeth Cleaning

• Prevention of Tooth Loss
• Improved Gum Health
• Reduced Risk of Infection
• Prevention of Further Gum Recession
• Eliminates Bad Breath
• Better Oral Hygiene

Signs You May Need a Deep Cleaning

• Gum bleeding
• Swollen or red gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Gum recession
• Deep gum pockets
• Loose teeth

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

Deep cleaning is typically performed over one or two visits and includes an initial examination, anesthesia, scaling, root planing, and post-treatment care. After the procedure, patients may experience mild swelling and sensitivity, and follow-up appointments may be scheduled for monitoring and maintenance. Contact us to learn more.

Periodontal Maintenance in Salem, OR

After undergoing deep teeth cleaning, it is essential to maintain periodontal health through ongoing care. Periodontal maintenance is a specialized treatment plan designed for individuals who have had gum disease and require continued care to prevent its recurrence.

What Is Periodontal Maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance is an ongoing professional cleaning regimen recommended for patients who have previously been treated for periodontitis. Unlike regular cleanings, which are primarily preventive, periodontal maintenance focuses on managing gum disease to prevent progression and protect overall oral health.

This treatment typically involves:

• Removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gum line
• Measurement of gum pocket depth to monitor improvement or deterioration
• Root planing, if needed, to keep bacterial levels low
• Periodontal charting to track changes in gum and bone health
• Antibacterial therapy, such as antimicrobial rinses or localized antibiotic applications

Periodontal maintenance is usually performed every three to four months, depending on the severity of the gum condition and individual risk factors.

Why Is Periodontal Maintenance Important?

Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that cannot be cured but can be managed effectively. Without ongoing maintenance, bacteria can build up again, leading to inflammation, infection, and potential tooth loss. Key benefits of periodontal maintenance include:

• Prevention of Disease Recurrence: Regular maintenance reduces the likelihood of gum disease returning.
• Preservation of Gum and Bone Structure: Helps maintain the integrity of the supporting structures of the teeth.
• Reduced Risk of Systemic Health Issues: Studies show that gum disease is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions. Ongoing periodontal maintenance helps reduce these risks.
• Early Detection of Dental Problems: Routine visits allow for early detection of potential problems such as cavities, abscesses, or other dental issues before they become severe.
• Better Overall Oral Health: Consistent cleanings improve breath, gum appearance, and oral hygiene.

Who Needs Periodontal Maintenance?

Periodontal maintenance is recommended for:

• Patients who have had deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)
• Individuals with a history of periodontitis
• Patients prone to excessive tartar and plaque buildup
• People with deep gum pockets requiring ongoing monitoring
• Those with systemic conditions like diabetes that increase the risk of gum disease

What Happens During a Periodontal Maintenance Appointment in Salem, OR?

A periodontal maintenance visit is similar to deep cleaning but focuses on ongoing care. The steps include:

Assessment

Your dentist or hygienist evaluates the health of your gums and checks for any new signs of gum disease.

Scaling and Plaque Removal

Plaque and tartar are removed both above and below the gum line to prevent bacterial accumulation.

Gum Pocket Measurement

Your dentist will measure the depth of gum pockets to determine if the disease is progressing or improving.

Root Planing (If Necessary)

If bacteria or tartar are detected below the gum line, additional root planing may be performed.

Antimicrobial Treatment

If needed, antibiotic rinses or localized medication may be applied to help reduce bacterial levels.

Oral Hygiene Guidance

You will receive personalized instructions on maintaining good oral hygiene at home.

How Often Should You Have Periodontal Maintenance?

Unlike routine dental cleanings, which are typically scheduled every six months, periodontal maintenance is usually performed every three to four months. The frequency depends on factors such as:

• Severity of gum disease
• Response to previous treatment
• Overall oral health status
• Risk factors such as smoking or diabetes

By adhering to a regular periodontal maintenance schedule, patients can significantly reduce the risk of gum disease recurrence and maintain a healthy smile.

Conclusion

Both deep teeth cleaning and periodontal maintenance are essential for managing gum disease and maintaining long-term oral health. Deep cleaning effectively removes harmful bacteria and tartar buildup, while ongoing periodontal maintenance helps prevent the recurrence of gum disease. If you have experienced symptoms of gum disease or have undergone deep cleaning, scheduling regular periodontal maintenance appointments at Salem Periodontal and Implant Specialists will help you preserve your oral health and prevent future complications.

Take control of your gum health today with expert periodontal care at Salem Periodontal and Implant Specialists. Call (503) 585-4281 or visit us at 2605 12th Pl SE, Salem, OR 97302, to schedule your consultation and start your journey toward a healthier smile!