Periodontal Disease (also known as Gum Disease) is a bacterial infection that occurs in the gums surrounding some or all of the teeth. When Periodontal Disease is left untreated, the disease can spread to other teeth and eventually lead to tooth loss. Just because we have healthy teeth with no cavities does not mean we have healthy bone/gum structure to hold those teeth in place!
How do I know if I have Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a very slow progressing disease. Signs may include swollen, bleeding gums with or without pain. The disease can affect one or all of the teeth. Routine dental cleanings with routine gum measurements are the best way to prevent periodontal disease. At these routine dental cleanings, the hygienist will take gum measurements to ensure the gums are measuring in a healthy range.
My hygienist said I need a “Deep Cleaning” what does that mean?
If during your routine dental cleaning and exam the hygienist measures the gums and states there are signs of periodontal disease the recommended course of treatment is a deep cleaning aka Scaling and Root Planning (SRPs).
What is the difference between a routine cleaning and a deep cleaning?
If the deep cleaning or SRP is recommended by your hygienist, that means you have signs of periodontal disease. During the deep cleaning appointment we will use local anesthetic to numb the teeth we are treating. The hygienist will use an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments to clean further beneath the gums than a normal cleaning. Since we are cleaning further beneath the gums, we use local anesthetic to ensure your comfort. Most patients do not experience post-operative pain and have a completely normal day following the procedure.
What is the follow-up treatment after the SRPs?
At Limestone Dentistry we recommend seeing our friendly dental hygienist every three to four months following scaling and root planing. This ensures we are closely watching your gum measurements and bone loss. These appointments usually take an hour and can prevent tooth loss!
About the Author
It was Dr. Eric R. Thornton’s love for science that initially sparked his interest in the field of dentistry. He pursued his dental doctorate at the University of Louisville, and today he is an accomplished dentist who has undergone advanced training in a multitude of treatments, including dental implants and Invisalign. He truly wants each and every patient to achieve the healthy, happy, and beautiful smile they deserve, which is why he is happy to invest in the latest dental technology at Limestone Dentistry. If you are interested in learning more about our upgrades or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call 812-782-1391 to talk to our knowledgeable team!