Deep cleaning can save your teeth and gums from the wrath of periodontal disease. But what is it and do you need it? This post will explain this procedure and if you need to get it at your next dental appointment.
What Is a Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Deep teeth cleaning is a procedure that involves the teeth and gums. It also goes down to the roots to eliminate dirt that could cause gum disease. Also known as gum therapy, this procedure is performed by dentists and hygienists alike.
Moreover, the dentist will clean the gum line, tooth, and sides of the teeth. After that, the cleaning will continue to the tooth’s roots to remove tartar buildup.
Deep teeth cleaning may require multiple visits to your dentist to finish the entire procedure. It’s extensive and would cause more discomfort than regular teeth cleaning. Also, it would cost more.
What’s the Difference Between a Regular and Deep Cleaning?
Regular teeth cleaning is performed as a preventative procedure. Routine cleaning will help prevent the formation of tartar and plaque. This is usually part of routine exams but optional based on the patient’s liking. And unlike deep cleaning, regular cleaning is less intensive and would hurt less.
On the other hand, deep teeth cleaning includes root planning to remove plaque that has reached beyond the gum line. In addition, removing the tartar on the roots will prevent bacteria from proliferating and damaging the teeth.
Aside from that, your dentist will likely administer a local anesthetic to numb your gums during deep teeth cleaning.
After deep teeth cleaning, you should expect your gums to swell, hurt, and suffer from minor bleeding. Your dentist would prescribe analgesics and antibiotics to manage the discomfort.
Who Needs Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Most of the time, your dentist will recommend deep teeth cleaning once you need it. But if you’re yet to get a routine dental exam, the following conditions often point to deep teeth cleaning:
- Unusual pocket depth. If your gum’s pocket depth is more than 4 mm, it calls for deep cleaning. This is a sign that you have a potential case of periodontal disease. You need to undergo immediate deep cleaning to stop the progression of the gum problem.
- Loosening teeth. If your teeth are loosening accompanied by gum redness, swelling, and bad breath, you should consider getting deep teeth cleaning.
- Stubborn tartar. Tartar that’s hard to remove requires deep cleaning. Usually, this condition means that the plaque has hardened and dug past the gum line.
- No cleaning for a long time. If you haven’t visited your hygienists for more than six months, you likely need deep teeth cleaning. This is to remove tartar deposits within your gum line. This will reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease.
Conclusion
Deep teeth cleaning is a tooth-saving procedure. Your dentist will perform a thorough exam of your mouth to determine if you need this treatment. If you want to avoid the deep discomfort cleaning brings, you should visit your dentist at least twice a year. This will keep your teeth and gum health in check.
Related Services: General Dentistry
