Periodontal Disease Questions - Why do I need a "Deep Cleaning", Scaling and Root Planning?

So you finally got your dental anxiety in check and made time to see the dentist to get a teeth cleaning. To your surprise and annoyance, you don’t leave with a clean, minty-fresh mouth and a goody bag. Instead you’re refused a teeth cleaning and told that you have periodontal/gum disease. You leave with a brow-raising estimate for a “deep cleaning” and a loss of respect for modern healthcare.

By explaining and answering a couple frequently asked questions from patients diagnosed with periodontal disease, I'll help you understand why your visit went so against your plan and what to do to get back to a standard routine of teeth cleanings every 6 months.

Q: I don’t want the scaling and root planning procedure (deep cleaning). Why can’t I get a regular teeth cleaning? Isn’t some treatment better than NO treatment?

This notion that any teeth cleaning should be better than no cleaning seems reasonable but it is not the case with periodontal disease. In fact, the person who ignores proper periodontal treatment and/or replaces it with a routine cleaning is in serious trouble!

When is it Time for a Child's First Dental Visit?

Getting your child accustomed to bi-annual dental check-ups and developing an oral healthcare routine early on is key to preventing tooth decay.

Since teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they erupt, the general rule is to have your child's first dental check-up within 6 months of tooth eruption or before the first birthday.

What to Expect During your Child's First Time Dental Visit

As with any new experience, the idea of visiting the dentist for the first time can be scary for both child and parent. It is important that you are aware of the dental office's first visit protocol so you can prepare yourself and your child for a successful initial check-up. At Advanced Smiles, it is our goal to perform a comprehensive, educational and fun first check-up and cleaning, but more importantly, your child's comfort is top priority. The visit only progresses with total trust from our pediatric patient. Patience, parent-iteration and positive-reinforcement are tools that our dental professionals use to make sure your child's first dental visit is pleasant and sets the tone for a future of great oral healthcare.  

Child's Dentistry - Teeth Cleaning for Kids and Tooth Arrival Chart

It's never too early to introduce your children to good oral hygiene! Call to schedule your child's first dental appointment or routine check-up.