Deep Cleaning for Gums

Deep cleaning your teeth is not something you do after eating a messy meal. A deep cleaning is required to treat gum and periodontal disease. If you haven’t been to the dentist in quite some time, you not only increase your chances of developing gum disease, you risk needing costly procedures to reverse the damage. The treatment that Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, uses to do so is called scaling and root planing and here we are going to explain when it’s necessary.

Deep cleanings are offered when dental X-rays show bone loss and a full-mouth exam reveals one or more gum pockets greater than 4 millimeters deep. Ideally, normal healthy pockets will be no more than 3 millimeters deep. If the pockets are greater than 5 millimeters, our doctor might prescribe a deep scaling and root planing appointment. Gum disease is a chronic condition, meaning develops over long preiod of time and you may not even feel any pain till it gets severe. To prevent it you should practice proper oral hygiene at home and schedule regular cleanings twice a year.

If you think you may benefit from a deep cleaning, if you have bleeding, swollen gums, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Scaling and Root Planing with Dr. Dipika Shah

In Holmdel, NJ, we actively strive to help our patients maintain optimal oral health and retain all their original teeth if possible. By offering scaling and root planing to treat early gum disease, Dr. Dipika Shah can restore the health of your gums and save your smile.

Gum disease occurs when plaque and tartar are allowed to buildup on your teeth, creating a suitable environment for bacteria to thrive. As bacteria collect in your mouth, they will attack your teeth and surrounding gums. In its earliest stages, gum disease is called gingivitis, but if it is left untreated, it becomes a much more serious periodontal disease that destroys your gum tissue and leads to tooth loss. If it is not treated, the disease can even cause a loss of bone mass in your jaw.

Scaling and root planing is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it develops into a more serious disease. The procedure allows Dr. Shah to clean between your gums and teeth all the way down to the roots in order to smooth the root structure and remove the tartar that is causing your inflammation. The procedure is incredibly effective and can stop the progression of gum disease before it irreversibly damages your teeth.

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease or you have red, swollen or bleeding gums, schedule an appointment with our office in by calling 732-264-8180. For more information, visit www.dentistnj.com.