What Happens During Deep Teeth Cleaning?
It is imperative for patients to maintain good oral hygiene. This includes brushing the teeth at least twice each day, flossing every day, and routine visits to the dentist for a professional cleaning and exam. The failure to practice good oral hygiene can result in serious issues including gum disease and the loss of teeth.
Deep Cleaning
A deep cleaning is often recommended when plaque, tartar, and debris cannot be effectively removed with a routine professional cleaning. Signs that indicate a patient needs a deep cleaning may include swollen gums which easily bleed. Other indications include gum recession and wiggly or loose teeth. Special tools can determine if the patient has gum disease and would benefit from a deep cleaning. X-rays are often obtained to provide more clarity beyond what is visible from the surface. Scaling and root planing is another term used to describe a deep cleaning.
An outline of the deep cleaning procedure is summarized below.
Procedure
A deep teeth cleaning is effective in the removal of plaque and tartar buildup. The cleaning also aids in reducing the inflammation of gum tissue, gum recession, and ultimately restores the patient’s gums.
Plaque is a sticky film on the teeth which contains bacteria that occurs when food debris mixes with saliva. It can be removed through regular brushing and flossing. Unfortunately, it can accumulate and be difficult to remove in hard-to-reach areas, especially in the tight spaces between the teeth. The failure to remove plaque allows it to harden and turn into tartar which cannot be removed at home.
Over time, the accumulation of plaque and tartar causes gum disease. Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease which causes the gums to become red, swollen and easily bleed. Untreated gingivitis progresses into periodontitis or advanced gum disease. Periodontitis is a serious infection which can cause bone loss and loose teeth or the loss of teeth in severe cases.
Benefits
A deep cleaning is often needed when patients have receding gums and pockets below the gums which are deeper than 3 millimeters. The progression of gum disease causes additional damage and weakening of the bones which support the teeth. Top benefits of a deep cleaning include the following:
- The progression of gum disease is stopped
- Gum disease symptoms are eliminated
- Treatment of infection
- Teeth are cleaned both above and below the gumline
- Tooth roots are preserved
- Natural teeth are maintained
A routine cleaning is performed at regular dental visits and differs from a deep cleaning. Routine cleanings remove plaque and tartar from above the gumline while a deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline. A gum disease progresses, deep pockets develop between the teeth and gums which quickly accumulate plaque and tartar. The deep cleaning effectively removes this buildup and helps preserve the natural teeth.
Patients who suspect they may have gum disease should call the office today to make an appointment. The dentist and team can complete an examination to determine if you would benefit from a deep cleaning. In addition, the team can discuss the procedure, and any questions related to the cost and expected recovery timeline.