Deep Cleaning

 

If there is a loss of gingival attachment and bone around teeth, a "deep cleaning" or scaling and root planing may be necessary.

The procedure begins with administration of a local anesthetic to reduce any discomfort. Then, a small instrument called a "currette,"along with an ultrasonic cleaner, is used to clean beneath your gum line to remove plaque and tartar. The root surfaces on the tooth are then planed and smoothed. This lets the gum tissue heal and reattach itself to the tooth. 

​

An antibiotic, known as Arestin, may be locally placed under the gums as an adjunct to the procedure to further kill bacteria beneath the gums and locally help the gingival tissue to re-adhere to the tooth.

​

Initial therapy is always re-evaluated at a later date to ensure that the attachment of the gums to the tooth increases.