When plaque and tartar accumulate on the surfaces of your teeth, this could be a recipe for poor oral health and eventually, major discomfort. To protect your smile, we need to remove the buildup with a cleaning. In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist talks about this procedure, and about our scaling and root planing procedure as well.
The Dental Cleaning
The process involves the use of an ultrasonic scaling device, along with a manual tool to gently and carefully break up and remove all plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth. The process doesn’t take very long, but could be essential for protecting smiles from major oral health issues. The final step involves thoroughly polishing the teeth to ensure a brighter appearance. You should have one every six months, so we can remove buildup before it has a chance to weaken your tooth enamel or inflame the gum tissues. Even if you brush and floss every day as recommended, this doesn’t remove plaque that has accumulated on the teeth, only a professional procedure can do that.
Scaling and Root Planing
But what if you’re experiencing sore, red gums that bleed easily, the warning signs of gingivitis or the early stages of gum disease? If so, you may need more than a traditional cleaning. A scaling and root planing removes the buildup from not only the teeth, but the roots as well. This could reverse gingivitis, or manage periodontal disease to prevent the onset of periodontitis, the advanced stage linked to adult tooth loss. The procure could take one visit or up to four, and we again polish your smile afterward. You may also need routine cleanings every three to four months afterward to manage the disease.
The Risks of Plaque Buildup
Plaque forms when harmful oral bacteria break down the particles left behind by the foods and drinks we consume, especially the particles from sugar and starch. This could lead to an increased risk of stained teeth and bad breath, along with a higher likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease. If you have any questions about how we remove the harmful layers from your teeth, or if you would like to schedule a visit, then contact our team today. A visit now means you can avoid the hectic holiday season, and that you can also use your remaining 2021 dental benefits.
Do You Have Questions About Preventive Dentistry?
We would like to help you maintain good oral health and keep major problems at bay. To learn more about how we keep smiles strong and healthy in our community, then schedule a consultation by calling Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320. We want to help you maintain a strong and beautiful smile!
