If you suffer from gum disease, you're not alone. In 2012, it was estimated that about 64.7 million Americans suffer from the disease. Unfortunately, gum disease is the leading cause of premature tooth loss among adults. With gum disease, your gums develop deep pockets around the root of your teeth, which will fill with plaque and bacteria. To clean out the pockets and get rid of the infection, your dentist will need to perform deep cleanings on your gums and teeth. Before you head in for your scheduled deep cleaning, here are a few things you should know about the procedure.

You'll Receive Anesthetic

Because a deep cleaning requires dental equipment to go below the gum line, you'll receive an anesthetic. The anesthetic will ensure that you don't experience any discomfort during the treatment. If you suffer from dental anxiety, you should talk to your doctor about the anesthetic options that are available to you. They may be able to prescribe you something that will help you relax during the procedure.

Your Roots Will Be Scaled and Planed

Once you've received your anesthetic, the dentist will begin treatment by removing the plaque and tartar that has accumulated on the surface of your tooth and roots. This buildup can lead to serious infections and bleeding, so it will all need to be removed. Your dentist will use special tools to scrape your tooth until the surface is smooth again.

Debris and Bacteria Will Be Removed

When your dentist is done scaling your teeth, they'll move on to cleaning the pockets that surround the roots. Depending on the severity of your gum disease, the pockets that have developed could be quite deep. They'll be filled with bacteria and debris that has accumulated as a result of your gum disease. Unfortunately, this bacteria and debris destroys your gum tissue and can cause your teeth to loosen. Your dentist will use special tools to remove the debris and scrape the inside of the pockets. Once the pockets have been cleaned, the gums can heal, which will allow them to reattach to your teeth.

If you've been diagnosed with gum disease, you need to follow the treatment plan that your dentist has prescribed for you. Proper treatment can reverse the damage and prevent premature tooth loss. Be sure to check out http://northwestdental.com/ for more information and speak to your dentist about steps you can take to prevent the gum disease from returning.