A deep cleaning is performed when early stage or advanced periodontitis is diagnosed. Under local anesthesia, the dental hygienist removes tartar, residue, and plaque with special instruments that reach between the tooth and gums (so called sulcus). The whole process usually takes two appointments and is the only way to stop the the disease from spreading.
Periodontitis is a dangerous disease that does not produce symptoms in its early stage; however, left untreated it leads to tooth loss. Periodontitis is a result of prolonged inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria naturally residing in the sulcus between the tooth and gum. Patients suffering from gum disease should have dental checkups every three to four months, but that may change depending on how effective the patient’s treatment is.