Expires March 31, 2021
Even the people with the best oral hygiene on the planet have some level of gingivitis – inflammation of the gums. When you come to the office for your 6-month checkup and cleaning, one of the many reasons we clean the teeth is to help combat gingivitis.
However, in some patients, especially those with poor oral hygiene, plaque and calculus (hardened plaque) can build up below the gumline, and in this situation, you need to have what’s called a “deep cleaning” in order to access and remove this buildup. The problem with not having a deep cleaning in this situation is that over time, the buildup can lead to inflammation, and this inflammation can lead to loss of bone and the structures that help hold the teeth firmly in place. This condition is known as periodontitis, and patients with chronic periodontitis (periodontal disease), may start to lose teeth as the gum disease progresses. Thus, deep cleanings are critical in order to help prevent tooth loss!
In contrast to a regular cleaning where we clean the plaque and debris above the gum, in a deep cleaning we clean below the gum. The idea is that if we clean below the gumline (where you can’t reach with a toothbrush or floss at home), the inflammation will lessen, and the gum areas will begin to heal.
Yes. While the first treatment is often a deep cleaning, it can be necessary to perform gum surgery in order to fully correct the problems under the gumline.
If you have periodontal disease or are concerned that you might have a problem with your gums, give us a call or contact us to make an appointment for an evaluation, so we can determine if you have a gum problem, and make a plan to help fix it.
Get in TouchI love the compassion and quality of care you guys give. However the last visit I had my regular cleaning and went to check out only to find out that there was a additional charge. I Fully expected to pay for the Nitrous but the additional charge I was never told of prior to check out..thanks
I absolutely love this dental practice, and I have had a phobic fear of dental procedures my entire life!, ( terrible experience as a child). The waiting lobby is inviting, spacious, very clean, calming and well appointed, as are all of the treatment rooms. Also, EVERY member of the staff is extremely personable, knowledgeable, and thorough, they know their stuff! Lastly, Dr. Washington is a wonderfully competent and confident dentist. He has an excellent chair-side manner. He thoroughly explains each procedure. And, he is also has a gentle touch,and is very respectful of my mouth. In short, I highly recommend Lake Lanier Smiles!
People are always nice and professional. Dr Washington is very competent and helpful.
The staff is very professional. The hygienist is great, I did not feel like my teeth were being pulled while being cleaned like i have with previous dental offices. Dr Washington was great as well, very professional and caring. I highly recommend this Practice to anyone. I had a bad experience with another Dental office where the Dentist drilled through my tooth into my gum and nerves. I do not have that fear coming to this office and will be returning there to have some more work done very soon! Thank You for helping me overcome my fear of the chair Lake Lanier Smiles.
