Our Tools Of The Trade Ensure A Deep Cleaning

If your dentist has referred you to our periodontist at Russell D. Hatfield, DDS, MS, Ltd, it’s because we are specially trained and experienced in diagnosing and treating chronic inflammatory disease that affects your gums and the bone supporting your teeth. Gum disease can have serious consequences, including tooth and bone loss, so taking prompt action by scheduling your visit is a crucial step toward preventing your condition from worsening. 

Although your dentist may treat some patients, we have the tools and technology to go deeper to provide a more thorough cleaning. A deep cleaning is a non-surgical treatment during which we scale below the gum line to eliminate the sources of disease-causing bacteria from spaces around the teeth known as “pockets.”

Here are a few of the special “tools of the trade” we shall use during your visit:

• A periodontal probe allows us to measure the depth of those pockets so that we can accurately assess the severity of gum inflammation and infection.

• A curette is a curved tool we use to remove plaque (that sticky, bacteria-laden film that coats the teeth) and tartar (a hardened form of plaque) from below the gum line. It has a sharp, hook-like tip that we use to scrape away the buildup from the roots of the teeth.

• A scaler removes the hard tartar, also known as calculus, from above the gum line. We also use an ultrasonic scaler, which produces high-frequency vibrations to remove tartar and plaque.
• We use a root planer to smooth out the root surfaces to prevent plaque from building up on your teeth.

Do our treatments hurt? Relax! We use the most effective anesthetics to keep discomfort to an absolute minimum. Our periodontist at Russell D. Hatfield, DDS, MS, Ltd and our entire team will keep you informed and what we’re doing, and what steps, if any, you need to take afterward to ensure your prompt recovery. We look forward to seeing you, so please contact us today for an appointment!