Gum disease starts when bacteria-filled plaque is allowed to build up between your teeth and under the gum line. Without treatment, these pockets deepen, separating the teeth and gums from bone. Your teeth may loosen and, without treatment, they may be lost.
During each professional teeth cleaning at our Bonita Springs dental office, our dental hygienist looks for signs of periodontal disease by measuring the depth of these gum pockets. If everything looks normal, we'll proceed with a regular cleaning. However, depending on the extent of disease present, we may recommend scaling and root planing. Also referred to as a deep cleaning, this procedure involves gentle removal of bacteria, plaque, and calculus deposits to aid in healing.
The Importance Of Visiting Your Bonita Springs Dentist
Gum disease is a serious problem, but it is highly preventable with proper oral hygiene and routine dental care. One of the reasons that gum disease is so prevalent is because it may be present and not show any symptoms. This is why regular exams are essential.
If it's time for your routine dental exam, please give us a call to make an appointment. Our hygienist will evaluate the condition of your gums and let you know if a regular cleaning is enough or if you can benefit from a deep cleaning.