Chances are you’ve had a regular teeth cleaning before. The American Dental Association suggests you get a routine exam and cleaning twice a year. While these cleanings may have felt like a deep teeth cleaning, they actually were not! Here we will tell you the difference between deep teeth cleaning vs regular teeth cleaning.
Deep Teeth Cleaning vs Regular Teeth Cleaning
Deep Teeth Cleaning, also known as Scaling and Root Planing, is very different from a regular cleaning. A regular cleaning focuses on the surfaces of the teeth and between teeth above the gum line. During a regular cleaning, the teeth are also polished.
A deep teeth cleaning, on the other hand, is needed in order to remove bacteria, calculus (tartar), and debris that has collected under the gum line. The presence of calculus under the gum line creates a safe haven for bacteria to collect, and cannot be removed by brushing, flossing or with a regular cleaning.
The presence of this bacteria causes an immune response from the body. This immune response results in inflammation, to fight the bacterial infection. If left untreated, the infection and inflammation will continue and progress further under the gum line, resulting in loose teeth and bone loss, and ultimately, the loss of one or more teeth.
The Deep Teeth Cleaning Procedure
Deep teeth cleaning can be performed on one or two quarters of the mouth at a time, or the entire mouth can be treated in one visit, depending upon the diagnosis and recommendation of your dentist.
During the visit, your dentist or hygienist will typically numb the area to be treated. Next, your dental professional will carefully work under the gum line to clean away the calculus and debris. After this, your dentist will carefully shape, or plane, the root of the tooth, to remove places where bacteria could collect in the future.
Post Procedure
Recovery from deep teeth cleaning is typically simple. Your dentist will usually prescribe an antibiotic regimen for you to follow. If you are experiencing any discomfort or tenderness in the treatment area, he or she may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever. Your dentist will provide you with after care instructions, and confirm with you when you should be able to resume a regular oral hygiene routine, including regular brushing and flossing.
Your dentist may recommend you return for a checkup visit to make sure everything is healing well.
Gum disease can be treated and often cured, but may require regular ‘maintenance’ visits, usually every 3 months in the beginning, to monitor the status of your teeth, gums and bone to make sure your gums have healed and the bacteria has not returned. Some individuals who may be predisposed to having gum disease may need to return for regular periodontal maintenance cleanings, and others may be able to return to a regular hygiene routine and 6-month dental checkup visits.
Do you think you might be in need of a deep cleaning or a regular cleaning? Do you want your services done by a gentle and caring staff? If so, make an appointment with us today!
Source:
1stfamilydental.com/resource-library/common-dental-issues-procedures/deep-cleaning-periodontal-maintenance/