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“Why can’t you just clean my teeth normally?” It's a common question we hear at Tanglewood Dental Associates—especially from patients recently diagnosed with gum disease. However, many patients aren't aware that regular cleanings barely address the real problem behind gum disease.
When gum disease takes hold, it creates deep pockets beneath your gum line, harboring harmful bacteria that regular brushing, flossing, and even professional routine cleanings simply can't reach. As our dental hygienist, Kourtney Small, explains, "Those deep pockets—anything 5 millimeters and up—can't be cleaned by brushing or flossing. It takes professional intervention." Skipping a deep cleaning doesn't only delay proper treatment; it actively worsens your oral health, potentially causing tooth loss and contributing to issues like heart disease.
In this article, we'll clearly break down why a routine cleaning isn't enough, highlight the importance of proper periodontal care, and share why at Tanglewood Dental Associates we insist on providing the right treatment, not just the easiest. It's all part of our promise: remarkable dentistry through sincere relationships.
If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease, opting for a regular dental cleaning might seem harmless, but it simply isn’t enough. While standard cleanings effectively remove plaque and tartar from above your gum line, gum disease involves bacterial buildup deep beneath the gums.
Though essential for daily care, at-home tools like water picks, floss, and toothbrushes can't reach these deeper, harmful pockets. The bacteria trapped below continue damaging gum tissue and supporting bone structures unless professionally removed.
Without intervention, these pockets become deeper, potentially leading to tooth looseness and even tooth loss.
Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, specifically targets tartar and bacteria beneath your gum line. This specialized procedure requires professional instruments and precise technique. Kourtney highlights, "Once the tartar has calcified and is sitting deep in those pockets, only professional treatment can remove it."
During scaling, tartar and plaque buildup are gently removed from below the gum line. Root planing then smooths out the tooth roots, eliminating rough areas where bacteria like to gather. While some patients worry about discomfort, topical or local anesthetics ensure your comfort during the procedure.
Post-treatment care is vital. Regular follow-ups, excellent oral hygiene—including flossing, brushing, and water picks—and professional cleanings are crucial for healing and prevention of further complications.
Some patients, understandably, request a regular cleaning to avoid discomfort or save money. However, ethical practices like Tanglewood Dental Associates refuse this approach. Why? Because it doesn’t resolve the underlying problem—it merely masks it temporarily.
"We do not do that—because of the ethics behind it," Kourtney emphasizes. Performing a regular cleaning on patients with active gum disease offers no real benefit, delays necessary treatment, and may worsen the condition.
Choosing proper periodontal treatment over short-term fixes safeguards your oral and overall health, and at Tanglewood, your wellbeing is always our priority.
Neglecting the proper treatment for gum disease isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a significant health risk. As gum disease progresses, it systematically breaks down the gum tissue and supporting bone, potentially leading to severe tooth loss. "In extreme cases, the teeth can become loose or fall out," Kourtney warns.
Untreated gum disease doesn't only impact your oral health. Research has linked it to other serious health conditions, including heart disease and potentially Alzheimer’s disease. The bacteria and inflammation associated with gum disease can enter your bloodstream, negatively affecting your overall health.
We understand why patients sometimes resist the recommendation of deep cleanings. The idea of a simpler, faster cleaning can be tempting, especially if you're concerned about comfort or costs. But Kourtney explains the reality bluntly: "It’s a waste of money at the end of the day."
Our approach is transparent, honest, and always in your best interest. Skipping the correct treatment prolongs healing, worsens your condition, and ultimately leads to higher costs and more discomfort down the road. We take the time to educate our patients thoroughly, ensuring they understand the benefits of proper treatment. Investing in your oral health today means preventing significant issues tomorrow.
Prioritizing proper periodontal care isn’t merely about maintaining a beautiful smile—it’s essential to your overall health and quality of life. At Tanglewood Dental Associates, we’re committed to providing treatments that genuinely address the root of your dental concerns, ensuring both immediate and long-term wellbeing. Gum disease is a condition that won't simply disappear; it requires targeted, professional intervention to avoid worsening complications.
Choosing the right treatment now means preserving your teeth, protecting your overall health, and avoiding greater discomfort and costs later. Reach out to our caring team today to schedule your appointment and begin your journey toward healthier gums and a brighter, worry-free future.
Clear, honest answers to the dental questions you’ve been wondering about, because understanding your care shouldn’t be complicated.
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