Periodontal Cleanings
Professional Cleaning and Gum Treatment for Lasting Oral Health
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile, but gum disease is more common than most people realize, and it often develops quietly before symptoms become obvious. At Novelly Family Dentistry in Chandler, AZ, we provide both routine professional cleanings and specialized periodontal care to help patients prevent, manage, and treat gum disease at every stage.
Whether you’re due for your regular cleaning, you’ve noticed some warning signs like bleeding gums, or you’ve been told you have periodontal disease and need more targeted treatment, we’re here to help. Our approach is thorough, personalized, and focused on keeping your gums and teeth in the best possible shape for the long term.
If you haven’t had a cleaning in a while, now is a great time to get back on track. Regular preventive care is always easier, and more cost-effective, than treating problems that have been left to develop.
What’s the Difference Between Cleaning and Periodontal Care?
A professional dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth, including the areas that are hard to reach with a regular toothbrush. It’s a routine preventive procedure that most patients need every six months.
Periodontal care goes deeper. It’s focused specifically on the health of your gums and the bone and tissue that support your teeth. When gum disease is present, standard cleaning isn’t enough, you need targeted treatment to get the infection under control, halt the progression of bone loss, and restore gum health. Periodontal care may include deep cleaning procedures, ongoing maintenance therapy, and coordination with other dental treatments as needed.
Signs You Should Come in for an Evaluation
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gum tissue
- Persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing
- Gums that look like they’re pulling away from your teeth
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted
- Pain or discomfort when chewing
- Visible pus between the teeth and gums
- It’s been more than a year since your last professional cleaning
- A history of gum disease or periodontal treatment
Treatment Options
Routine Dental Cleaning
A standard cleaning, also called a prophylaxis, removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and finishes with polishing and fluoride. It’s the cornerstone of preventive dental care and is typically recommended twice a year for most patients.
Deep Cleaning: Scaling and Root Planing
When gum disease is present, plaque and tartar build up beneath the gumline, in the pockets between your gums and teeth. Scaling removes this buildup from below the gumline, and root planing smooths the root surfaces to make it harder for bacteria to reattach. This procedure may be done in multiple appointments depending on the extent of involvement.
Gingivitis Treatment
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, and the good news is that it’s fully reversible with professional treatment and improved home care. Symptoms like red, swollen gums and bleeding are common. Addressing gingivitis early prevents it from progressing into more advanced periodontal disease.
Advanced Gum Disease Treatment
For moderate to severe periodontal disease, more involved treatment is typically needed. This may include deeper scaling and root planing, antimicrobial treatments, and a more frequent maintenance schedule to keep the condition from progressing further. The goal is to stabilize the condition, preserve the bone and tissue you still have, and prevent tooth loss.
Periodontal Maintenance Therapy
After active gum disease treatment, ongoing maintenance visits, typically every three to four months, are important to prevent the disease from returning. These visits are more detailed than routine cleanings and are specifically designed to keep periodontal disease at bay.
The Benefits of Regular Dental Cleaning and Periodontal Care
- Removes plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t address
- Reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease
- Helps prevent tooth loss caused by advanced periodontal disease
- Freshens breath by eliminating the bacteria that cause odor
- Gives us a chance to spot developing problems before they become bigger issues
- Supports overall health, research links gum disease to increased risk of heart disease and diabetes
- Keeps your smile looking clean and bright
What to Expect During Your Visit
- Exam and oral assessment: We examine your teeth and gums, measure periodontal pocket depths, and check for signs of gum disease.
- X-rays (if needed): Imaging helps assess bone levels and identify any hidden concerns.
- Cleaning: We remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline.
- Deep cleaning (if indicated): Scaling and root planing to address areas of gum disease.
- Gum treatment: Targeted care for gingivitis or more advanced periodontal disease as needed.
- Polishing and fluoride: We finish with polishing and a fluoride treatment to protect your enamel.
- Home care guidance: We give you specific recommendations for brushing, flossing, and any products that may help.
- Follow-up scheduling: We’ll set you up with the right recall interval based on your gum health.
Why Choose Novelly Family Dentistry?
- Thorough, attentive care from an experienced team that genuinely cares about your long-term health
- A welcoming, low-pressure environment, especially helpful if you’ve avoided the dentist due to anxiety
- Personalized treatment plans, not a one-size-fits-all approach
- Clear communication about what we find and what we recommend
- Comprehensive services including coordination with other treatments when needed
- Affordable options and flexible scheduling for the Chandler community
Serving Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Tempe
We’re conveniently located in Chandler, AZ, and welcome patients from across the East Valley. Whether you’re a new patient who needs to get caught up on cleanings or you’re dealing with ongoing periodontal concerns, we’d love to help. Getting regular dental care is one of the best investments you can make in your health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Cleaning and Periodontal Care
- How often should I get a dental cleaning?
For most patients, twice a year is the standard recommendation. If you have active gum disease or a history of periodontal problems, we may recommend more frequent visits.
- What is periodontal disease?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gum tissue and bone that supports your teeth. It ranges from mild gingivitis (reversible) to advanced periodontitis (which causes lasting bone loss).
- Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis, the earliest stage, is fully reversible with professional treatment and good home care. More advanced gum disease can be managed and stabilized, but the damage that’s already occurred generally can’t be fully reversed.
- Does dental cleaning hurt?
Routine cleanings are typically painless for most patients. If your gums are inflamed or it’s been a while since your last cleaning, you may experience some sensitivity, we can work with you to keep the experience as comfortable as possible.
- How long does deep cleaning take?
Deep cleaning is usually done in two or more appointments, treating one side of the mouth at a time. Each appointment takes roughly an hour.
- Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes. Advanced, untreated periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. That’s why early treatment and ongoing maintenance are so important.
- How much does a cleaning or periodontal treatment cost?
Routine cleanings are generally covered by most dental insurance plans. Costs for periodontal treatment vary based on the extent of treatment needed. We’ll walk you through what to expect before starting.
- How can I prevent gum disease?
Brush at least twice a day, floss daily, stay consistent with professional cleanings, and avoid smoking, which is a significant risk factor for gum disease.
Book Your Cleaning or Gum Care Appointment
Whether you’re coming in for a routine cleaning or you’ve noticed some warning signs that need attention, Novelly Family Dentistry in Chandler is ready to help. Call us today or request an appointment online, taking care of your gums is one of the smartest things you can do for your overall health.
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