Teeth Cleaning and Perio Treatment
Gentle and thorough periodontal treatments and teeth cleaning in Poway, CA.
Our hygienists use small instruments and an ultrasonic cleaner to remove plaque, tartar, and stains. After polishing with prophy paste, a thorough flossing and rinse clear any remaining debris. For cavity-prone patients, we may recommend a fluoride treatment.
Scaling and root planing is for patients with periodontal disease, which can cause deep pockets, gum swelling, bone loss, loose teeth, bad breath, and gum recession.
Using local anesthetic, our hygienists remove plaque and calculus from deep pockets and smooth the tooth roots to eliminate bacterial toxins. This helps tissues reattach, reducing pocket depth.
After a few weeks, we’ll check your gum pockets to ensure the treatment worked or decide if further care is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What happens during a professional teeth cleaning at your Poway office?
During a teeth cleaning (dental prophylaxis), our hygienists use small instruments and an ultrasonic cleaner to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from your teeth. After that, they polish with prophy paste, floss thoroughly, and rinse away remaining debris. For cavity-prone patients, a fluoride treatment may be recommended to strengthen enamel.
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How can regular teeth cleanings help my oral health?
Professional cleanings freshen your breath, help treat and prevent gingivitis, remove buildup that brushing and flossing can’t reach, and leave teeth feeling smoother and cleaner. Combined with good home care, routine cleanings reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease and support your long-term oral health.
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What is scaling and root planing, and when is it needed?
Scaling and root planing is a deeper periodontal cleaning recommended for patients with gum disease. Plaque and calculus (tartar) are removed from below the gumline, and the roots are smoothed to remove bacterial toxins and help the gums reattach. This treatment is used when gum pockets become deep, or when symptoms like swollen gums, bone loss, loose teeth, bad breath, or gum recession are present.
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Is periodontal treatment painful?
To keep you comfortable, scaling and root planing is typically performed with local anesthetic so the treated areas are numb while your hygienist works. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure feels, and any post-treatment soreness is usually mild and temporary. Dr. Joe and the team will discuss what to expect and how to care for your gums afterward.
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What follow-up care is needed after scaling and root planing?
A few weeks after treatment, we’ll check your gum pockets to see how well your tissues are healing and whether pocket depths have decreased. Depending on your response, we may recommend ongoing periodontal maintenance visits, additional therapy, or adjustments to your home care routine to keep gum disease under control and protect your teeth and bone.