General Dentistry
Cleanings & Gum Disease Treatment in Atlanta, GA
Professional cleanings and gum care that protect your teeth from the roots up.
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile, yet gum disease is one of the most common and most overlooked dental problems. It often develops painlessly, which is why professional cleanings and regular checkups matter so much. At Atlanta Dental Center, our cleanings remove the hardened buildup that brushing and flossing can’t reach, and our gum treatments stop infection before it threatens your teeth, your bone, and even your overall health.
Your Complete Dental Destination
Serving the Atlanta Metro and Midtown Area since 1982
Preventive Dentistry
Cleanings & Gum Care at Atlanta Dental Center
Even with excellent home care, plaque hardens into tartar in spots a toothbrush simply can’t reach, especially along the gumline and between teeth. A professional cleaning removes that buildup, leaving your teeth smoother, brighter, and healthier.
When gum disease is present, we go a step further with targeted periodontal care that treats the infection at its source and helps your gums heal. Because gum disease is linked to broader health concerns like heart disease and diabetes, caring for your gums protects far more than just your smile.
Healthy Gums, Healthy Smile
- Removes plaque and hardened tartar
- Freshens breath and brightens your teeth
- Treats gum disease at its source
- Supports your overall health
How We Help
How We Care for Your Gums
Our hygiene and periodontal services are tailored to the current health of your gums, from routine maintenance to active treatment of gum disease. Whatever stage you’re at, we have a level of care to match.
- Routine Cleanings Remove plaque and tartar to prevent decay and disease.
- Deep Cleaning Scaling and root planing treat early gum disease below the gumline.
- Gum Disease Therapy Targeted treatment to control infection and inflammation.
- Maintenance Visits Ongoing periodontal cleanings to keep your gums stable.
Once gum disease has been treated, regular maintenance cleanings are key to keeping it from returning. We’ll set you up with a schedule designed to keep your gums stable and your smile healthy for the long run.
Know the Signs
Signs of Gum Disease
Gum disease is highly treatable when it’s caught early, but it tends to worsen quietly if left alone. Don’t wait for pain, which often arrives only in the later stages. Contact us if you notice any of these warning signs:
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Gums that are pulling away from your teeth
- Loose teeth or a change in how your teeth fit together
If any of these sound familiar, the best thing you can do is come in for an evaluation. The earlier we catch gum disease, the simpler it is to treat and the more of your natural smile we can protect.
Schedule Your Visit
Protect Your Gums and Teeth
Whether you’re simply due for a routine cleaning or you’ve noticed changes in your gums, the sooner we see you, the easier it is to keep your smile healthy. Our team will make your visit comfortable and explain exactly what your gums need. Contact our office today to schedule your appointment.
Cleanings & Gum Disease Treatment FAQ
- How often should I get my teeth cleaned?
- The standard recommendation is a professional cleaning every six months. Patients with active gum disease or a history of periodontal issues may require cleanings every 3 to 4 months, a schedule known as periodontal maintenance.
- What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
- A regular prophylaxis cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above the gumline. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, treats below the gumline by removing bacterial deposits from the root surfaces and smoothing them to help the gums reattach. At Atlanta Dental Center, deep cleanings are performed under local anesthesia for comfort.
- Is gum disease reversible?
- Gingivitis, the earliest stage, is reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. Once gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, the bone loss that occurs cannot be fully reversed, but the disease can be managed and stabilized with ongoing periodontal therapy.
- Does a deep cleaning hurt?
- Atlanta Dental Center numbs the treatment area with local anesthesia before scaling and root planing, so the procedure itself is not painful. Mild gum tenderness and tooth sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal and typically resolves within a week.
- What are the signs of gum disease?
- Common signs include gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, persistent redness or swelling along the gumline, receding gums that make teeth appear longer, chronic bad breath, and loose or shifting teeth. Any of these symptoms should be evaluated by a dentist.
- Can gum disease affect my overall health?
- Research has established links between periodontal disease and systemic conditions including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, respiratory infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Treating gum disease reduces inflammatory burden throughout the body.
- Will my teeth feel different after a cleaning?
- Most patients notice their teeth feel noticeably smoother after a cleaning because the calcified tartar deposits have been removed. Teeth may also appear slightly brighter once surface stains are cleared.
- How can I prevent gum disease?
- Effective prevention requires brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush, flossing or using interdental brushes daily, and maintaining professional cleaning appointments at Atlanta Dental Center every 6 months. Tobacco use is the single largest modifiable risk factor for gum disease.
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