Do I Need A Surgical Dental Cleaning?

Hearing a dentist in Vero Beach, FL tell you that you may need a surgical dental procedure can be intimidating and scary. It becomes a little more nerve-wracking when you hear that you need a surgical dental cleaning. This is because many people have a fear of the unknown. This type of cleaning is not a dental procedure that many people are familiar with. Learning more about what a surgical dental cleaning is, when it is needed, and what to expect can help to calm your nerves. Additionally you will find out all of the benefits associated with this surgical dental procedure. Here, we cover some of the most common questions and answers.

What Is a Surgical Dental Cleaning?

A surgical dental cleaning is a cleaning that is done while the patient is given anesthesia. Once the anesthesia is given, the procedure begins. This type of procedure involves deep scaling and root planing. Essentially, the procedure helps to remove plaque and tartar from the portion of the tooth that is below the gum line. If there is any decay below the gum line, the decay can also be removed and the tooth roots can be smoothed if needed to help the gums lay smoothly and more evenly. The gum pockets are also cleaned out to remove germs and bacteria that may be causing gingivitis.

Who May Need a Surgical Dental Cleaning?

A surgical dental cleaning is typically performed on someone who is exhibiting signs of gingivitis, more commonly known as gum disease. A surgical dental cleaning is one of the best ways to stop gingivitis in its tracks and prevent it from further harming the gums. This is important as gingivitis can lead to tooth loss if it is not treated. The gums help to hold teeth in place. Thus, if the problem worsens, teeth may begin to wiggle, move or even fall out. Generally speaking, surgical dental cleaning is not done for mild gingivitis, but instead is reserved for more moderate to severe cases. However, if you have mild gingivitis and other treatments are not working, a periodontist may recommend this type of cleaning.

Does a Surgical Dental Cleaning Hurt?

During the surgical dental cleaning, you will be given an anesthetic. This helps to ensure that you do not feel any pain while the treatment is taking place. If the anesthetic wears off, you may start to experience pain in your mouth. If this happens during the procedure, you should immediately tell the dental staff, who will employ more anesthetic to ensure you remain comfortable. After the procedure is completed and the anesthetic begins to wear off, you may feel some discomfort. Generally, over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to help control your symptoms. You may also experience sensitivity to hot and cold in the days following the procedure. Additionally, your gums may bleed a bit when you brush your teeth. These symptoms should begin to improve within a week of your procedure.

Will You Need More Than One Surgical Dental Cleaning?

If you have moderate to severe gingivitis, a dental professional may break your surgical dental procedures up into multiple appointments. For example, they may clean your upper teeth one day and the bottom another day. However, once all of your teeth have been surgically cleaned, it is not a treatment that needs to be repeated on a regular basis. With that said, it is important to note that you may need further treatments in the future. This could be true if you do not have a good dental care routine or if plaque, tartar, and build-up accumulate below the gum line again.

Are you in need of a Vero Beach dental professional? Here at VIP Vero Implants & Periodontics, we specialize in implants and periodontics dentistry. If you have gum disease or need implants, we would love to work with you. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.