Deep gum cleaning

[Christiana]

Having not cleaned by teeth properly for many years and generally neglecting my teeth for a very long time, I have been told that I have gum disease and my gums need deep gum cleaning.

I am trying to fix the problems with my teeth now and would like to go ahead with the treatment, but I am a little bit worried about the procedure. Can you tell me how deep gum cleaning is done and is it likely to be painful and can it be done under IV sedation?

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

Hi

Thank you for your post. Deep gum cleaning becomes necessary when bacteria attach themselves to the root surfaces of teeth below the gum level. This makes cleaning them very difficult for the patient and they need to be professionally removed, otherwise they will produce by-products that could damage the gums irreversibly (gum disease).

Deep gum cleaning usually involves numbing the area to be cleaned and then using cleaning instruments to clean all the bacteria from the root surfaces. During the procedure there should not be any pain but afterwards there can be some pain, bleeding and increased tooth sensitivity temporarily.

You can have Deep gum cleaning under IV sedation subject to having no medical contraindications.