Thelma-Louise

Regular cleanings clean around the tooth and surface of the gum line. These should generally be done 2-3 times a year by your dentist depending on how much tartar and plaque build up between visits. Based on your visits with him the dentist should tell you how often he thinks you should get cleanings to keep things in check. First stage periodontal disease is usually treated with a deep cleaning (some call it sandblasting) or scaling. Deep cleanings or scalings go further down below the gum line. For some people deep cleanings done periodically keep the disease in check - along with good oral hygiene and frequent check ups. Should the disease continue to progress or is already at the intermediate or advanced stages a periodontist may recommend flap surgery - this is where they open the gums up and scrape the bone to clean it and then stitch it back up. There have been many advancements made over the years which include alternative medications and laser treatments that make this surgery more of a last resort so ask about newer treatments as well. Take it slow - since you have just had the cleaning the dr will want to check you periodically now to see how things continue to look or if there are any signs that more advanced treatments are required. Ask him for things you can do at home to help keep it in check - water piks, anitbacterial rinses, proxy brushes, electric tooth brushes, natural supplements, flossing, etc. Obviously a loose tooth is not a good sign but the gum tissue should start to tighten around the tooth after the cleanings if this is all you needed. If not then more advanced treatments may be needed.