Most of us are familiar with a regular dental hygiene appointment: within about 30 minutes, a caring dental hygienist cleans, polishes, and restores your teeth to their natural health and beauty.
One type of cleaning that may be suggested by your dentist is a periodontal cleaning. This procedure requires different methods than just a regular cleaning. But before we get get into what a periodontal cleaning entails, we must answer this question first: what exactly is periodontitis?
According to the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research, periodontitis (also known as periodontal disease or gum disease), is “an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It’s typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—to build up on the teeth and harden. In advanced stages, periodontal disease can lead to sore, bleeding gums; painful chewing problems; and even tooth loss.”
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please call our office today to see one of our doctors immediately:
Now that we know what periodontitis is, how do we fix it? That’s where the gentle dentists at Gaston Dental Associates come in. There are two very common non-surgical methods to treat periodontal disease: dental scaling and root planing. Let’s learn more about each.
Dental scaling is when the dentist uses a special tool to clean below the gum line of the tooth, removing plaque and built-up tarter (hardened plaque) that can cause bad bacteria to inflame and infect your gums.
In addition to dental scaling, you may also receive root planing therapy during your periodontal cleaning. Root planing is when a special tool is used to go beneath the gum line to smoothen the tooth’s roots. This in turn allows the gums to reattach to the tooth in a healthy manner.
If you are in need of a regular or periodontal cleaning, call our front desk today at 704-396-6166 or use our easy online scheduler to book your next appointment at Gaston Dental Associates!
*Information provided by NIH National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research and Oral-B.
My first experience with Gaston Dental Associates went so much better than I had expected. I was very anxious because... read more
Pamela H.Friendly atmosphere well kept and clean and making sure no one is contaminated with any virus the staff was polite... read more
Lydia V.I love this dentist they make me feel at home . I never have to wait in the lobby when... read more
Stephanie C.Wonderful experience from my check- up at Gaston Dental! Every person was very respectful of my comfort and time. Kudo’s... read more
daryl h.I am very skeptical of dentists but I am very excited about Gaston Dental. They are very gentle and patient.... read more
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Jessica M.My cleaning on April 23rd was an awesome visit. Thr check-in, hygienist and dentist had wonderful attitudes. The service was... read more
Keizah S.Excellent bedside manner!!! Everyone was very kind and informative! Makes going to the dentist less traumatizing!
khadija t.Great dentist! He's very caring and really listens. The staff is amazing as well. They make you feel comfortable and... read more
Deana W.Amazing service and very friendly.My daughter is 10 with Autism and we were quickly fit into the schedule and an... read more
Tekeber D.Me and my children have been coming here for 17 years. Staff has changed around but there are still... read more
Lauren P.I was late for my appointment and I was still send and my experience was great I was not there... read more
Cynthia B.I love it! I called in today Dec 2, 2024 as a new patient and I was able to be... read more
Info I.I went to the dentist I had cracked a tooth they got me in the very next day to do... read more
Richard L.Genuinely the most pleasant dental experience I've ever had. The employees are not only extremely kind but also clearly very... read more
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Tammy F.It was a really quick visit and he done great and so did Jennifer I'll be back soon for the... read more
Tesla W.Very nice staff. They are very clean and professional. They also clean people's teeth nicely.
Ashley L.My First Appointment at Gaston Dental was Fantastic! The Dental Assistants were friendly and professional as well as the... read more
Diana C.Success stories that speak for themselves
