Beyond Your Regular Checkup
Beyond your regular checkup and cleaning lies a powerful investment in your long-term oral health: deep cleanings. At Hawkes Dental in Litchfield, Michigan, we use advanced Guided Biofilm Therapy to remove stubborn buildup that standard cleanings miss, giving your smile a fresh start and your gums the chance to truly heal.
Dr. Cody Hawkes brings a unique perspective to your care—combining his dental training with his background as a registered nurse, he understands how your oral health directly impacts your overall wellness.
Since 2020, he’s been committed to staying at the forefront of modern dentistry, attending continuing education monthly and holding memberships in the Michigan Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, and Academy of Oral and Systemic Health. His evidence-based approach means you’re not just treating teeth—you’re investing in your whole-body health.
What Is Deep Cleaning and How Is It Different From a Routine Cleaning?
A routine cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth at and above the gumline and is typically recommended for patients with healthy gums.
A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, goes below the gumline to remove tartar and bacteria from areas a standard cleaning cannot reach.
When plaque hardens into tartar beneath the gums, pockets can develop between the teeth and gum tissue. Without treatment, this buildup can contribute to periodontal disease and bone loss.
During a deep cleaning, we remove these deposits and smooth the root surfaces to support gum healing and help the tissue fit more closely around the teeth.
If you have periodontal disease or significant buildup below the gumline, a deep cleaning may be recommended before transitioning to an ongoing periodontal maintenance schedule.
Every patient receives a cleaning with the gbt with ozone water. This is very helpful for patients with periodontal disease, because it is more effective at removing the pathogens in your mouth. By removing these pathogens, you reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease along with 57 systemic diseases.
The Benefits of Deep Cleaning
By creating a healthier environment around the teeth and gums, deep cleanings can help:
-
Reduce gum inflammation: Removing buildup below the gumline can help calm swollen or irritated gum tissue.
-
Decrease bleeding: Healthier gums may bleed less during brushing and flossing.
-
Improve breath: Removing bacteria trapped around the gums can help reduce persistent bad breath.
-
Support gum healing: Smoothing the root surfaces helps create a cleaner surface as the gums heal around the teeth.
-
Protect supporting bone: Managing periodontal disease can help reduce the risk of continued bone loss around the teeth.
-
Support overall wellness: Because oral health and overall health are closely connected, controlling gum inflammation is an important part of Dr. Hawkes’ whole-health approach to care.
Our Advanced Approach
We incorporate Guided Biofilm Therapy into periodontal care at every appointment. GBT uses a disclosing solution to make plaque and biofilm visible, allowing our team to identify areas of buildup before targeting them with gentle air-polishing technology.
This approach gives us a more focused way to remove biofilm while helping minimize unnecessary contact with healthy tooth and gum surfaces.
Combined with traditional scaling and root planing when needed, Guided Biofilm Therapy supports a thorough cleaning experience while helping us tailor treatment to the condition of your gums.
What to Expect During Your Visit
We’ll begin with a thorough evaluation, often including our advanced diagnostic tools to assess the extent of buildup.
Every patient receives a GBT cleaning using ozone-infused water for a thorough, comfortable cleaning experience. For patients who are sensitive or prefer additional comfort, numbing options are also available upon request.
During the cleaning, we gently remove tartar above and below the gumline, then smooth the root surfaces so your gums can heal properly. Treatment may be completed over one or more visits depending on the extent of periodontal care needed.
Who Needs Deep Cleanings?
If you have signs of gum disease—bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum recession—a deep cleaning may be recommended.
Even if you do not have symptoms, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning if tartar buildup or bone loss is detected. We personalize our recommendations based on your specific needs.
Aftercare and Recovery
Following your deep cleaning, some tenderness or mild sensitivity is completely normal and typically resolves within a few days. Saltwater rinses and over-the-counter pain relievers can ease any discomfort. We recommend avoiding hard or spicy foods immediately after treatment.
We’ll schedule a follow-up to monitor your gum healing and ensure you’re on track. Consistent brushing, flossing, and attending your recommended maintenance visits are key to maintaining your results.
Why Choose Hawkes Dental for Deep Cleanings?
At Hawkes Dental, we see deep cleanings as more than a procedure—they’re a step toward lifelong wellness. Dr. Hawkes integrates your oral health into your total health picture, supporting thorough periodontal care based on your individual needs.
We’re here to build a long-term relationship with you, making every visit comfortable, educational, and focused on your goals. Serving Litchfield and surrounding communities, we’re your local partner in preventive dental care.
Schedule Your Deep Cleaning Today
Don’t wait for gum disease to progress. Contact Hawkes Dental at (517) 542-2357 to schedule your deep cleaning in Litchfield and find out whether deep cleaning may be appropriate for your gum health.
