What Happens if Deep Cleaning is Delayed
Routine cleanings should be done every six weeks to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Once a year, X-rays will be added to one of the appointments. If you do not keep these appointments and follow your dentist’s recommendations, your gums will begin to suffer. Plaque and bacteria will move below your gum line, causing oral health issues. When this happens, your dentist will recommend a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. This procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, helping prevent further damage to your gums and bone. If you delay this treatment, you will have serious oral health problems and may even impact your overall health.
If you delay your deep cleaning:
Gum disease will get worse
Deep cleaning is designed to stop gum disease from worsening. If you delay treatment, bacteria will continue to grow beneath the gums, causing swelling and infection. This issue will begin as mild gingivitis, and it can quickly progress to periodontitis, a more severe stage of gum disease that affects the supporting structures of your teeth.
Gum pockets will become deeper
When gum pockets get deeper than 3 to 4 millimeters, gum disease advances. Gums begin to pull away from the teeth, creating deeper pockets where bacteria accumulate and multiply. These pockets are difficult to clean with regular brushing and flossing. The deeper the pockets become, the more complex the treatment becomes.
Irreversible bone loss and risk of tooth loss
Loss of bone around the teeth is a serious consequence when gum disease treatment is delayed. Bacteria destroy the bone and connective tissue that hold your teeth in place. Once you have bone loss, this cannot be reversed, and your teeth will become loose.
Delaying or postponing your deep cleaning will significantly increase the risk of losing teeth. When gums and bone deteriorate, teeth may need to be extracted because they become too loose. This will affect your smile, your ability to chew, and your ability to speak clearly.
Bad breath and pain
Without your deep cleaning, bacteria will continue to reproduce and cause chronic bad breath (halitosis). You may also experience gum tenderness, swelling, and pain when chewing.
Health risks
Gum disease could cause health issues such as heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory problems. Postponing treatment allows inflammation and bacteria to continue, increasing your risk of these serious conditions.
Treatment on time matters
Deep cleaning should not be postponed. Acting promptly can:
- Prevent damage to your gums and bone loss.
- Stop gum disease from getting worse.
- Reduce the need for more invasive and expensive treatments later.
Reach out for support
If your dentist recommends scaling and root planing, you should not delay the treatment. Delaying treatment will only make your condition worse. Treatment will become more complicated and more costly. You should expect a discussion with your dentist about your visit, procedure, and a follow-up treatment plan. Please contact our office if you have any questions or for an appointment.