Are you one of those who avoid going to the dentist? Or are you someone who has a deep clean at regular intervals?
Dental cleaning is the most common dental care procedure. It helps remove plaque and tartar and keeps your mouth healthy. Every six months, you should visit your dentist to have a dental cleaning.
For some people, the oral hygiene procedure is performed using a regular dental clean. However, there’s a deeper dental cleaning that can be done to prevent future tooth issues.
Have you had a clean and want to keep up your oral hygiene? This guide will give you everything you need to know about deep dental cleaning.
1. What is Deep Dental Cleaning
Deep teeth cleaning, also called root planing and scaling, is a procedure used to clean the teeth and gums. The aim of deep dental cleaning is to remove plaque and tartar buildup, as well as to smooth out any roughness on the teeth so that bacteria cannot easily attach.
If you have gum disease, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning. Deep cleaning is also often recommended for smokers, as tobacco use can lead to an accumulation of tartar on the teeth.
The procedure is usually done by a dentist or dental hygienist. Deep dental cleaning usually takes one to two visits. After a deep cleaning, you may experience some sensitivity, but this should go away within a few days.
2. What are the Benefits of Deep Dental Cleaning
Deep cleanings can help to reverse gingivitis and prevent periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. Some of the benefits of deep dental cleaning include improved oral health, fresher breath, and a decrease in the risk of developing cavities or other dental problems.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that deep cleanings be done every 3 to 4 years for people with gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can damage the bone around your teeth and lead to tooth loss. The benefits of deep dental cleaning include preventing gum disease, tooth loss, and bad breath. Deep cleanings can also help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
3. How to Prepare for a Deep Dental Cleaning
Be sure to brush and floss your teeth thoroughly the night before and the morning of the appointment. This will help remove any food or debris that could get in the way during the procedure. It’s also a good idea to eat a light meal before your appointment so you’re not too full or hungry. Finally, be sure to wear comfortable clothing so you can relax during the cleaning.
Wear comfortable clothing to your appointment so that you can recline in the dental chair. You may be given a local anesthetic to numb your gums before the cleaning begins.
4. What Happens During and After the Procedure?
If you have been advised by your dentist to have a deep dental cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, you may be wondering what to expect. First, your dentist or hygienist will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic. Then, they will use a small, curved tool to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, both above and below the gum line.
Next, they will use a handheld tool to smooth out the rough spots on your teeth where bacteria can hide. Finally, they will floss your teeth and give you instructions on how to keep your mouth healthy.
After your deep cleaning, you may experience some soreness in your gums. You may also have some bleeding. These side effects are normal and should go away within a few days. Your periodontist may also prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection.
It is important to brush and floss your teeth as directed and to see your dentist for regular cleanings to help prevent the need for deep cleaning in the future.
5. Are There Any Risks Associated?
The risks associated with deep dental cleaning are usually minimal and may include bleeding, gum soreness, and transient tooth sensitivity. The most common risk is temporary discomfort or sensitivity, which can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications.
More serious risks are rare but can include damage to the teeth or gums, infection, and allergic reactions. Before having a deep dental cleaning, be sure to discuss any concerns with your dentist or oral hygienist.
The Right Time to Schedule a Dental Cleaning
Deep dental cleaning is typically recommended every six months to prevent gum disease. However, you may need a deep cleaning sooner if you have gum disease, your gums bleed when you brush, or you have persistent bad breath.
Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems, so it’s important to get a deep dental cleaning if your dentist recommends it.
Deep Dental Cleaning vs. Traditional Cleaning
Deep dental cleaning is also called scaling and root planing. They are done when there is a buildup of tartar below the gumline. Traditional cleanings are done when there is a buildup of tartar on the teeth. They are both done to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth.
Deep cleanings are also called periodontal cleanings, and they are usually recommended for people who have gum disease. Traditional cleanings are recommended for people who have healthy gums and no signs of gum disease.
Deep cleanings are more expensive and take longer than traditional cleanings, but they are more effective at preventing gum disease.
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