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Deep Dental Cleaning Tampa, FL

A deep cleaning in Tampa (also called scaling and root planing) is a type of teeth cleaning that can help arrest periodontal (gum) disease.

Patients in the early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) will likely not need a deep cleaning. At this point, the disease can be reversed with regular dental cleanings and good dental hygiene practices at home.

However, once the disease progresses beyond this point, it is no longer reversible. Thankfully, we can successfully arrest it with a deep cleaning in Tampa.

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What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a gum tissue infection that can eventually spread to the underlying bone structure.

The infection is caused by oral bacteria that live in plaque and calculus (commonly known as tartar). Plaque is a sticky substance that builds up on the teeth, around the gum line, between the teeth, and even on the roots.

If plaque is not removed regularly, it will calcify and turn into calculus, a very hard substance that cannot be removed with home dental tools.

Due to poor oral hygiene habits, genetics, diet (particularly sugar intake), or a lack of dexterity, some people build up more plaque than others and have difficulty removing it. As the plaque and tartar build-up, they irritate the gum tissue, which starts to recede away from the teeth. Eventually, even the bone around the teeth starts to recede, leading to mobile teeth, some of which may require extraction.

Signs You Might Have Periodontal Disease

Each tooth has a gum pocket around its base. Your Tampa dentist or hygienist will measure the pockets during dental cleaning appointments. Healthy pocket depths range from one to three millimeters. Measurements of four and above indicate gum recession and periodontal disease.

Other signs that you might have periodontal disease include:

  • Red or purple gums
  • Bleeding (while you brush, floss, eat, or just random bleeding)
  • Puffy, swollen gums
  • Gum soreness and tenderness
  • Exposed root surfaces
  • Loose teeth
  • Chronic bad breath

What Is a Deep Dental Cleaning?

While periodontal disease is not reversible, we can arrest it and prevent further gum, tooth, and bone damage. A deep dental cleaning in Tampa is the best way to do this.

A deep cleaning is similar to a routine cleaning in that we use similar instruments to clean plaque and tartar off the teeth.

However, a deep dental cleaning requires cleaning the base of the deep gum pockets, including the root surfaces of the teeth. To do this, the teeth and gums must be numb, which is not generally required for routine, preventative cleanings.

What Happens During a Deep Cleaning in Tampa?

Your Tampa dentist or hygienist will begin by administering a dental anesthetic. Once you’re numb, they’ll use hand tools and an ultrasonic scaler to gently remove debris from the teeth. This process is called scaling.

Once the plaque and tartar are removed, your provider will use special root planing instruments to smooth the roots, so they’re thoroughly clean. Root planing also makes it harder for plaque to build up and easier for gum tissue to heal and to shrink deep pockets.

After the deep cleaning is complete, your dentist may administer antibiotics into the deepest pockets where there’s an active infection. They may also prescribe oral antibiotic tablets or a prescription-strength antibacterial mouthwash for a few weeks.

Can You Go Back to Routine Cleanings After a Deep Cleaning?

Most people only need two routine, preventative cleanings per year. Once you’ve developed periodontal disease, however, you’ll need more frequent cleanings.

Patients with gum disease or a genetic predisposition to this disease may need cleanings every three to four months to maintain the health achieved by the deep cleaning.

We Can Successfully Treat Periodontal Disease

In a perfect world, we would be able to prevent every case of periodontal disease. But several factors can contribute to dental diseases that make it challenging to maintain excellent oral health.

If this has happened to you, don’t despair! We can help. We can successfully treat dental diseases, including gum disease, utilizing the latest technology and techniques.

The key is to act fast, which is why we recommend regular dental visits. Twice-a-year dental visits can help your dentist monitor your oral health and catch problems early. When we do this, we can address the issues in their early stages when they’re easier (and less expensive) to treat.

If it’s been a while since your last appointment, contact our team to schedule a check-up, and we’ll help you get back on the road to good oral health.

Do you have any of the symptoms of gum disease? If so, contact us right away. The sooner we act, the better the chances are of reversing or arresting the disease and preserving your oral health.

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LOCATION:

4010 W. State Street, Tampa, FL 33609

OFFICE HOURS:

MON-THU 8am — 5pm
FRI-SUN — Closed

PHONE:

(813) 445-7162

EMAIL:

info@whiteandhealthy.com

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