If your gums are red and puffy and you see blood when you spit out your toothpaste, you probably have gum disease. This is a common problem and it can be treated, but it won’t get better on its own. At the South Carthay office of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, we offer general dental services including deep cleanings for people suffering from gingivitis. This procedure is commonly regarded among dental researchers as the most reliable way of combating mild gum disease, ensuring that patients will be able to keep their teeth and avoid relapses.

Normally, gum tissue clings tightly to tooth roots. But if plaque is allowed to build up below the gum line, the acid caught in it will cause the gum tissue to pull away from the tooth, creating a pocket. This pocket doesn’t get cleaned during ordinary brushing and flossing and becomes a haven for oral bacteria. The infection cycle continues to escalate, causing the gums to become inflamed and recede.

During a scaling, we'll will use a hook to remove plaque from the gum pocket. The patient will be given a localized anesthetic before this and won’t feel anything. Damage to the tooth root caused by the plaque and tartar may have caused the root’s surface to become pitted, making it easy for bacteria to colonize in the future. To prevent this, the root may also be planed, meaning that it will be smoothed down. Planing may require a second appointment, and patients are often instructed to take an antibiotic afterward. Following a deep cleaning, patients will have to remain diligent about maintaining their oral hygiene, but their gums should heal and be able to hold their teeth in place.

The dental office of Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, California, 90035. To schedule an appointment, call 310-657-2200 or visit our website at Suzanne Haeri DDS.