Taking care of your teeth is crucial for maintaining overall oral health, but sometimes brushing and flossing alone aren’t enough. For some people, regular cleanings simply don’t address all the issues that can arise below the gum line.
That’s where deep cleaning comes in. But what is deep cleaning teeth, and when is it necessary? Let’s explore the ins and outs of this important dental procedure.
Understanding deep cleaning teeth
Definition of deep cleaning teeth
Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a dental procedure designed to treat gum disease. Unlike a routine cleaning, which only removes plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, deep cleaning goes beneath the gum line to clean and smooth the surfaces of your teeth and roots.
This procedure targets areas where bacteria and plaque can hide, helping to prevent or treat gum disease.
Difference between regular cleaning and deep cleaning
While both regular cleaning and deep cleaning aim to maintain a healthy smile, they serve different purposes:
- Regular cleaning: a standard cleaning, typically done during your semi-annual dental checkups, involves the removal of plaque and tartar from above the gum line. It’s a preventive measure to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
- Deep cleaning: this is a more intensive treatment for individuals with gum disease or deep tartar buildup. Deep cleaning involves cleaning below the gum line to remove bacteria, tartar, and plaque that may have accumulated in pockets between your teeth and gums, where regular cleaning tools cannot reach.
The process of deep cleaning teeth
Explanation of tooth scaling
What happens during a deep teeth cleaning? Tooth scaling is the first part of deep cleaning and involves the removal of plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth, particularly below the gum line. Using specialized instruments, your dentist or dental hygienist will carefully scrape away buildup that can contribute to gum disease.
This process helps to eliminate harmful bacteria and prevent further infection or inflammation of the gums.
Description of root planing
After scaling, root planing is the next step in the deep cleaning process. This involves smoothing out the rough surfaces of the tooth roots to help prevent bacteria from accumulating in these areas.
By removing rough patches, root planing also allows the gums to reattach to the teeth more securely, reducing the risk of future gum recession and tooth loss.
Duration and steps involved in the procedure
A deep cleaning procedure typically takes longer than a regular cleaning. Depending on the severity of your gum disease, the procedure may take one or two visits to complete. The dentist or hygienist will usually numb the area being treated to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process.
The procedure is usually divided into quadrants, meaning each section of the mouth is treated separately. For some patients, the dentist may recommend scaling and root planing in stages to minimize discomfort.
Benefits of deep cleaning teeth
Prevention of gum disease
Deep cleaning teeth is a highly effective way to prevent the progression of gum disease, especially in its early stages (gingivitis) and moderate stages (periodontitis). By removing bacteria and plaque from below the gum line, it helps stop the infection from spreading and further damaging the gums and bone structure that support your teeth.
Reduction of bad breath
Bad breath, or halitosis, is often caused by the buildup of bacteria in the mouth, especially below the gum line. By thoroughly cleaning these areas, deep cleaning helps reduce the bacteria responsible for foul-smelling breath, leaving your mouth feeling fresh and clean.
Improvement in overall oral health
Deep cleaning teeth can improve your overall oral health by restoring healthy gums and preventing issues like gum recession, tooth loss, and infection. With healthier gums, your teeth are more stable, and you’re less likely to experience complications down the road.
When is a deep cleaning of teeth necessary?
Signs and symptoms indicating the need for deep cleaning
When do you need deep cleaning teeth? You may need one if you notice any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Gum Inflammation: swollen, red, or bleeding gums, particularly when brushing or flossing, are often a sign of gum disease. If your gums are tender or bleed easily, it may indicate a need for deep cleaning.
- Persistent Bad Breath: chronic bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be a sign of bacterial buildup under the gum line that may require deep cleaning to resolve.
- Receding Gums: if you notice that your gums are pulling away from your teeth, exposing more of the tooth or even the root, deep cleaning may be necessary to prevent further damage.
- Loose Teeth: if your teeth feel loose or unstable, it may indicate advanced gum disease, which deep cleaning can help treat and reverse if caught early.
- Pockets Between Teeth and Gums: a sign of advanced gum disease is the formation of deep pockets between your teeth and gums. These pockets allow bacteria to accumulate, and deep cleaning is needed to remove it.
What to expect after deep cleaning of teeth
Aftercare and recovery
After undergoing deep cleaning, you may experience some sensitivity in your teeth and gums for a few days. This is normal, as your gums will be healing and adjusting to the treatment.
You might also notice that your gums appear slightly swollen or bleed during brushing, but this should improve with time. To manage discomfort, your dentist may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers and a gentle oral care routine.
What can you eat after deep cleaning teeth?
Following your procedure, it’s a good idea to stick to soft foods and avoid anything too hot, cold, or hard for a few days. Foods like soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and yogurt are gentle on sensitive gums. Make sure to stay hydrated and keep up with your oral hygiene routine, as recommended by your dentist, to ensure optimal healing.
At Neola Dental, we offer professional cleaning services to ensure that your teeth and gums stay in excellent condition. If you feel you may need one now that you know what deep cleaning teeth is, our team of experienced dental professionals is here to help. Don’t wait to address your oral health—schedule your visit today and take the first step toward a healthier, brighter smile.
