Deep Dental Cleaning Billings, MT
Targeting Gum Disease at the Source
Are Your Gums Bleeding or Receding?
When you notice blood in the sink after brushing or see your gums pulling away from your teeth, it’s more than just a minor inconvenience. These warning signs often indicate gum disease that’s progressing beneath the surface, threatening the foundation that holds your teeth in place. Montana’s dry climate can intensify gum sensitivity, making early warning signs easy to overlook until they become serious concerns.
At Shumway Family Dentistry, a trusted dentist serving Billings families, we understand how concerning these symptoms can be. You might feel embarrassed about bleeding gums or worried about what treatment will involve. Our deep cleaning procedure offers a proven solution to halt gum disease and restore your oral health before more serious problems develop. Don’t wait until discomfort turns into an emergency. Call (406) 248-7500 to schedule your evaluation and protect your smile.
Gentle Scaling Procedure Options
We know dental anxiety is real, especially when you’re facing a deeper cleaning procedure. That’s why Shumway Family Dentistry prioritizes your comfort throughout the entire process. Our scaling and root planing treatment is performed with a gentle touch and modern techniques designed to minimize discomfort.
For patients who feel nervous about dental procedures, we offer sedation options that help you relax completely during treatment. Whether you prefer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild relaxation or deeper sedation for complete comfort, we’ll find the right approach for your needs. Our team monitors you closely throughout the procedure. You’ll remain comfortable while we carefully remove the buildup of plaque and tartar beneath your gumline.
Professional Root Planing Treatment
Deep dental cleaning goes beyond what’s possible during a routine cleaning. When gum disease has created pockets between your teeth and gums, specialized treatment becomes necessary to remove harmful bacteria and calculus that regular brushing can’t reach. Scaling removes these deposits from below the gumline, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to help your gums reattach properly.
As a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, our dentist stays current with the latest periodontal treatment protocols through continuing education. Since acquiring an established practice in May 2023, we’ve maintained the same commitment to excellence that Billings families have trusted for years. Our professional approach combines proven periodontal techniques with modern equipment and advanced diagnostic tools to deliver thorough, effective treatment.
Treat Gum Disease & Save Your Teeth
Imagine waking up without worrying about loose teeth or painful, swollen gums. That’s the difference professional periodontal treatment can make in your life. Deep cleaning addresses the infection at its source, stopping the progression of gum disease before it destroys the bone supporting your teeth. After treatment, most patients notice their gums look healthier and pinker within weeks. Bleeding decreases significantly, bad breath improves, and that constant awareness of inflamed gums fades away.
You’ll protect not just your smile, but potentially your overall health; since research links untreated gum disease to heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic conditions. Our thorough approach includes following up on dental bridges and other restorative work to ensure your entire mouth stays healthy.
Schedule Your Deep Cleaning Today
Following your deep cleaning, we’ll recommend a periodontal maintenance schedule tailored to your specific needs. This ongoing care, typically every three to four months; keeps your gums healthy and prevents disease from returning. Many patients appreciate how our comprehensive approach saves them time and ensures consistent care. We work efficiently with your insurance to maximize your benefits, and we’re always transparent about treatment costs before we begin.
Whether you need deep cleaning in one area or comprehensive care throughout your mouth, we’ll explain your options clearly and help you make informed decisions. Don’t let fear or uncertainty delay the care you need. Take the first step toward healthier gums and a more confident smile. Call (406) 248-7500 today to schedule your deep cleaning evaluation and discover how comfortable periodontal care can be.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I know if I actually need a deep cleaning or just a regular cleaning?
The decision is based on clinical measurements taken during your exam. At Shumway Family Dentistry, Dr. Shumway measures the depth of pockets between your teeth and gums using a periodontal probe. Healthy gums have pocket depths of 3 millimeters or less, while deeper pockets indicate gum disease requiring deep cleaning. He also evaluates gum inflammation, bleeding, bone loss visible on X-rays, and tartar buildup below the gumline. With nearly a decade of clinical experience and ongoing continuing education through his active membership in the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Shumway provides honest assessments of our Billings patients’ periodontal health and only recommends deep cleaning when clinically necessary.
2. Will the deep cleaning procedure be painful or will I be numbed?
We use local anesthetic to numb the treatment areas, so you should not feel pain during your deep cleaning at Shumway Family Dentistry. Dr. Shumway’s calm chairside manner and experience working with anxious patients help ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Some Billings patients experience mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days after the anesthetic wears off, which is normal as your gums heal. Most find any discomfort manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Our patient-first approach means we prioritize your comfort and will adjust our technique or provide additional numbing as needed to keep you comfortable during the scaling and root planing process.