Gum disease is one of the most common oral concerns out there, affecting a little over 3 million adults in the United States. What’s more, many individuals experience the negative effects of the disease due to not knowing when to seek help. These effects can cause separation of teeth and the tissues that house them, inflammation and bleeding gums, infection to the point of needing an extraction, or even teeth falling out on their own. While this process sounds particularly harsh and concerning, you may actually be able to prevent it if it is caught early enough. Fortunately, your Woodland Hills, CA dentists at Woodland Hills Dental Arts are here to help you prevent future harm.
Periodontal Cleanings
As most already know, the crux of obtaining a healthy smile for life is excellent preventive care at home coupled with regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist. Examinations serve a dual purpose in that they not only provide a comprehensive look at any potential threats to your oral health, they include a careful removal of plaque deposits and other concerns so as to prevent minor concerns from becoming major ones. When you visit our office for your appointment every six months, we will inform you of your dental status and recommend any treatment or procedure that you may need, including a periodontal cleaning.
Going Beneath the Surface
A periodontal cleaning consists of creating a treatment plan, first and foremost. Because the process requires more than one visit, strategic planning will take place to detail exactly what the procedure will look like. Following this step, your dentist will begin the procedure by carefully but thoroughly removing the oral bacteria that have nestled on the roots of your teeth below the surface. Because the gums house these oral bacteria, chances are it will have been difficult to address them on your own. In other words, this process requires a deep-down dive below the surface in order to be effective.
One the bacteria is removed effectively, your dentist will then perform a root planing in order to smooth out and polish the roots. This step is crucial, as a smooth surface makes it difficult for the bacteria to latch onto once more. This process will be completed in sections until all areas have been addressed.
Preventing Future Damage
While the procedure itself is extensive, it is an effective way of preventing bacterial spread and progression of periodontitis. At Woodland Hills Dental Arts, your smile is our top priority, and we welcome you to come visit us to stay on top of its health. Contact our Woodland Hills, CA office by calling 818-347-5124 to schedule your appointment today.