September 16, 2020

If your dentist tells you that you need a deep dental cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, you may feel some fear. But this procedure is not as scary as it sounds. In fact, not going through this cleaning leads to scarier problems down the road.

Scaling and Root Planing for Gum Disease

Like heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and hip problems, gum disease often affects aging adults. These patients are typically in their 40s, 50s or older, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). But young people can get periodontal disease, too. In fact, almost half of American adults over the age of 30 struggle with chronic periodontitis.

If your dentist tells you that you have gum disease, you cannot let this condition go untreated. If you do not receive treatment, you risk losing bone and teeth. Also at risk is your overall health. This gum and bone infection gets into your bloodstream and damages your kidneys and heart. Along with these other health problems, gum disease links to stroke.

One of the most effective treatments for periodontitis is scaling and root planing. Through this deep dental cleaning, your dentist removes plaque and tartar build-up from beneath your gumline.

When You Need a Deep Dental Cleaning

Plaque causes inflammation in your gums as part of gum disease. This inflammation causes your gums to pull away from your teeth. Then plaque can get under your gumline where brushing does not reach.

If your dentist diagnoses gingivitis or periodontal disease as affecting your smile, you may need a deep dental cleaning. Signs and symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Gum inflammation
  • Bad breath
  • Loose teeth
  • Receding gums
  • Blood on your toothbrush

What Happens During a Deep Dental Cleaning

A deep dental cleaning takes place in two parts. The first part is scaling with the second being root planing. Scaling removes plaque and tartar buildup from under your gumline. This is the primary cause of your periodontitis. Root planing then smooths the tooth’s root so your gums can reattach to your tooth.

Your dentist performs this procedure after applying local anesthetic. This means you stay comfortable throughout. In many cases, your dentist treats one half of your mouth in one visit and the rest of your mouth as part of a follow-up visit.

If your dentist recommends a deep dental cleaning and you do not go through with it, you risk bone loss. You also might need surgery in the near future.

Preventing Gum Disease

You can avoid needing planing and root scaling by taking good care of your teeth. This care involves a twice-daily routine of tooth brushing with daily flossing. You must also see your dentist twice yearly or as often as recommended for regular exams, dental X-rays and teeth cleanings. About 95 percent or more of dental diseases are preventable through proper care.

If you fear you have gum disease, you need to see your dentist at Carolina Dental Arts in Raleigh or Goldsboro, NC. We can also help you prevent this common dental infection or treat it before you suffer tooth or bone loss. Gum disease is not something you can ignore. Even if you have not been to the dentist in multiple years, we can get your dental health and related well-being back in order.

Schedule your visit at Carolina Dental Arts today.

A Deep Dental Cleaning Is Not as Scary as Gum Disease - Dentist in Raleigh, NC & Goldsboro, NC

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August 20, 2020

The covid-19 pandemic certainly took everyone in Raleigh and Goldsboro, NC by surprise. Because of these unprecedented times, we must all do our part to stay safe. For your local dentist’s office this means changing how we provide dental care. Many people feel confused about going to the dentist now. So below, we offer some suggestions according to the guidance provided by the American Dental Association (ADA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Can my dentist’s office safely treat me during the covid-19 pandemic?

Whenever we go out into public, we come into contact with germs. Knowing this, your dental office staff know how to keep you safe during your treatment. But covid-19 has made these safety guidelines even more critical for your well-being and theirs. At the most basic, these safety measures include frequent hand washing and tool sterilization. They take these steps between every patient.

Of course, much of the equipment and tools used by dentists today have disposable parts. An example of disposable tools are syringes and injection needles.

Other steps taken by your dentist’s office to keep you safe during the covid-19 pandemic include:

  • More frequent surface and tool disinfection
  • Sterile storage of tools between uses
  • Wearing more protective gear than in the past
  • Covering your mouth with a rubber dental dam

Other safety measures include more space between appointments, checking your temperature upon arrival, asking about your symptoms, requiring you to wear a face mask and asking about your recent travel or exposure history. They may also tell you to avoid arriving early for your appointment, not bring children with you and wait outside until your appointment check-in time. Most dental care offices space waiting room seating at least six feet apart and do not keep magazines or toys in those areas, anymore.

All of these safety measures and others like them mean you can see your Raleigh or Goldsboro dentist safely during the covid-19 pandemic. You just need to ensure you follow the safety measures, too. Do not go to the dentist if you have symptoms of illness, such as a cough, fever, shortness of breath or stomach problems. Also reschedule your appointment if you experienced exposure to the coronavirus within the past two weeks or more. Talk to your dentist’s staff before the visit to ensure you understand all of these important rules.

What is elective dental care?

One of the guidelines provided during the recent covid-19 quarantine was a restriction on non-urgent dental treatment. But what are these elective treatments, in case we go through another quarantine in the near future?

Elective dentistry is treatment you do not need to remain healthy. You can put these services off until later as needed, such as while we live in quarantine. Or, if you feel concerned about getting covid-19 or are part of a high-risk group, these are services to avoid scheduling until a later, safer time.

Examples of non-urgent, elective dental care include:

  • Routine dental exams
  • Teeth cleaning
  • X-rays
  • Treatment for problems not causing pain
  • Teeth whitening
  • Braces checkups
  • Cosmetic procedures or fixing cosmetic problems

Among non-urgent procedures are tooth removal and cavity care, when these teeth cause you no pain. Talk to your Raleigh or Goldsboro dentist’s office first to know when you should come in for treatment. Simple communication makes everything easier to navigate in this coronavirus pandemic.

What is emergency dentistry?

According to the ADA, you need to seek emergency dental care when the problem is life-threatening, puts you at high risk of infection or causes severe pain. Talk to your dentist to learn whether your condition is urgent.

Examples of emergency treatment includes:

  • Intense pain
  • Continuing bleeding
  • Swollen gums, face or neck
  • Broken teeth
  • Lost or broken temporary crown
  • Pain and swelling, as signs of infection
  • Cancer treatment-related dental work
  • Non-working dentures
  • Painful braces wires
  • Breathing-inhibiting trauma
  • Post-surgical care for which you need a dentist’s help

Your Next Steps When You Need Dental Treatment during Covid-19

If you need dental treatment, do not hesitate to call your dentist’s office. They will help you understand whether you need immediate care or should wait until some time in the near future. Tell them if you think you were exposed to covid-19 or if you have fever, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms. Also call the office if you see the dentist and then experience symptoms of coronavirus within 14 days after your appointment.

Have your questions about covid-19 and dental care scheduling answered by people who care about your oral health and overall wellness. Call your nearest Carolina Dental Arts office in Raleigh or Goldsboro today.

Is it safe to seek dental care during the covid-19 pandemic? | Carolina Dental Arts in Raleigh, NC and Goldsboro, NC

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Kathy Anders
Kathy Anders
2022-10-18
Excellent staff and love my dentist and the ladies in the office! Mrs. Patsy is my favorite and Liz is second. They are all good at what they do. Keeping my smile and my teeth looking their best! Awesome as always!
Marian Malone
Marian Malone
2022-10-10
Ashley who was my hygienist today did such a wonderful job on my teeth. I have gone in for cleanings before with other dentists in the area of Goldsboro and always come out with yellow teeth still.. I did not have any any kind of whitening done she just cleaned my teeth and I felt so good afterward .
Julian Edwards
Julian Edwards
2022-10-10
Awesome
Rodney Mealing Jr
Rodney Mealing Jr
2022-10-04
The Staff and service were great. From scheduling to dental work done, everything went easy. Felt relaxed, would recommend their services.
Tisse Martin (Tisse)
Tisse Martin (Tisse)
2022-09-29
Carolina Dental Arts staff & services are amazing. I called in as a new patient. They got me in and took care of my tooth the same day, with little waiting time. I was truly impressed. Thanks again CDA, see you guys soon ! 🤗
Janai Donyele
Janai Donyele
2022-09-29
My name is Sharonda. And I have been going to Carolina Dental for years, this is my family, whom I love so much. So kind very considerate, and patient. God bless everyone that works there. Love u guys.
Ellen Barlow
Ellen Barlow
2022-09-29
Friendly staff and Dr Taylor!! They really ease your anxiety!




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