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Thorough Treatment for Healthier Gums
When gum disease takes hold, plaque and bacteria collect below the gumline where a regular cleaning cannot reach. Left alone, that buildup fuels infection, deepens gum pockets, and can eventually threaten the teeth themselves. A dental deep cleaning, known clinically as scaling and root planing, is the treatment designed to stop that process and give your gums the chance to heal.
At Broadway Dental of Millbrae, Dr. Donald Yang and our team use this proven procedure to treat and manage gum disease effectively. Periodontal disease is very treatable, and with the right care, we can help you protect your teeth and get your gum health back on track.
Schedule a Deep Cleaning Consultation
What Is a Dental Deep Cleaning?
A dental deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a procedure that goes beyond a routine cleaning. It is typically recommended for patients who have gum disease or are at risk of developing it.
During the procedure, our dental professionals use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gumline. We then smooth out rough spots on the roots of the teeth, a step called root planing, which discourages bacteria from accumulating and helps the gums reattach to the teeth. Together, these two steps clean areas a standard cleaning simply cannot reach.
Do You Need a Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning is typically recommended for patients with gum disease, which is caused by the buildup of bacteria and plaque on the teeth and gums. You may need scaling and root planing if you experience any of these common symptoms:
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Deep pockets between the gums and teeth
- Tenderness or discomfort along the gumline
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. Dr. Yang will evaluate your gums and let you know whether a deep cleaning is the right step for you.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
Understanding the process helps you feel at ease. Some mild sensitivity or tenderness afterward is normal and usually fades within a few days.
1
Evaluation
Dr. Yang examines your gums and measures pocket depths to confirm a deep cleaning is needed and map out the areas to treat.
2
Comfort first
The area is numbed so you stay comfortable throughout the procedure.
Scaling. Specialized tools remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline.
3
Scaling
Specialized tools remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline.
4
Root planing
The tooth roots are smoothed to remove rough spots where bacteria collect, helping the gums heal and reattach.
5
Follow-up care
Depending on the extent of treatment, your deep cleaning may be completed over more than one visit, often treating one side of the mouth at a time.
Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal disease is very treatable, but it cannot be fully cured, which means ongoing care is essential to keep it under control. After your treatment is complete, you will be scheduled for regular periodontal maintenance visits. These appointments involve a thorough professional cleaning and monitoring of your oral health to ensure the disease does not recur or progress further.
We recommend scheduling your periodontal maintenance visits and your general dentistry visits on an alternating schedule. This ensures you receive the proper care and treatments for your oral health needs in a timely, consistent manner.
Restore Your Gum Health Today
A deep cleaning is often the first and most important step toward stopping gum disease and protecting your smile. If you have noticed the signs of gum disease or it has been a while since your last visit, we are here to help you get back to healthy gums.
We proudly welcome patients from Millbrae, San Bruno, Tanforan, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Burlingame, and Daly City.
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