Periodontal Cleanings

in Grand Prairie, TX

At Revive Family Dentistry, we understand that periodontal (gum) disease can affect more than your oral health, it can affect your overall health too! Dr. Parson and her experienced team are proud to offer periodontal cleanings designed to manage periodontal disease and halt its progression. We are all about helping our valued patients enjoy healthy smiles for many years to come!

How Does Periodontal Disease Develop?

Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, continually forms on your teeth. If not removed, it can cause gum inflammation, which results in the gums pulling away from the teeth and leaving spaces known as pockets. Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums. If not treated, the condition can progress to periodontitis, which can damage the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.

How Does Periodontal Disease Affect Your Health?

Studies show a link between periodontal disease and diabetes, heart disease, stroke, respiratory conditions, and other serious conditions. Maintaining healthy gums will reflect positively on your oral and your overall health.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) is a non-surgical treatment that can effectively manage gum disease. The procedure involves cleaning between your gums and teeth, all the way down to your tooth roots.

Our dental hygienist will start with scaling, which is removing the plaque and tartar deposits from above and below your gumline and making sure the pockets between your teeth are clean. Next comes root planing, which involves smoothing out the rough areas on your tooth roots to help your gums heal and reattach to your teeth. In most cases, after the procedure, red or swollen gums become firm and pink again, and the pockets become smaller.

What Is Periodontal Cleaning?

Periodontal cleaning, also known as periodontal maintenance, is a procedure performed after periodontal treatment is completed. It is an essential preventive dental procedure that helps prevent the progression of periodontal disease and gingivitis. While routine cleanings are recommended twice a year as a preventive measure, periodontal cleanings to manage gum disease are required 3 - 4 times a year.

During your periodontal cleanings, we will clean your teeth, evaluate the condition of your gums, and measure the pocket depth and gum recession. While gum disease cannot be completely reversed, these cleanings can effectively slow down or halt its destructive progress.

How Can You Prevent Periodontal Disease?

The best way to prevent the development of periodontal disease is to maintain proper oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing. It's also important to keep up with your routine dental exams and cleanings every six months to help decrease your risk of developing gum disease.