A deep cleaning is done to keep mild gum disease from becoming more serious. If you have "pocketing" where you have lost some bone around one or more tooth sockets, food can get trapped causing tartar to build up leading to a worsening of bone loss. The dentist will give you injections to numb the area because the hygienist will go much deeper below the gum line to clean these areas. If you have occasional tooth pain caused by trapped food particles, or you experience bleeding when you brush your teeth, your dentist is probably trying to save you future pain, expense and possible tooth loss. Full blown gum disease can be serious and not just for the health of your mouth. Serious gum disease can lead to other health problems including heart disease. If you don't trust your dentist, get a second opinion, but don't ignore it just because you haven't heard of the procedure. If the second opinion agrees with the first, get it done then go buy yourself a Water Pick and use it daily. It worked for me.
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