You may think deep cleaning is something you must do yourself carefully. However, it is a procedure that needs to be performed by a dentist or a dental hygienist. This procedure may become necessary for those who have gum disease or periodontal disease. A deep cleaning may also be recommended if the person hasn’t had a regular dental checkup for a long while. In this blog, we will learn about deep dental cleaning and whether it is a necessity.
What Is Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Dental professionals call it by the name gum scaling and root planing. It is a dental procedure in which not only the teeth and gums are cleaned but also down to the roots. It differs from a standard dental cleaning during regular dental checkups. In a standard dental cleaning, the dentist will clean the teeth’ front, back and sides above the gumline. In deep teeth cleaning, the same processes are performed. But in addition to it, the dentist also cleans the root of the tooth below the gum line to remove the plaque and tartar that has accumulated over time between the root of the teeth and gums. The presence of gum disease makes the space between the teeth and gums open up, leading to the accumulation of plaque and tartar.
Deep cleaning usually requires two visits. During the first appointment, gum scaling will be performed, and in the second appointment, root planing will be performed. The dentist may administer local anesthesia to numb the mouth during both of these procedures. You will have to go for follow-up visits to ensure the healing process is taking place properly, as expected.
Is a Thorough Cleaning Required?
The dentist may recommend deep teeth cleaning depending on your oral health. The dentist will examine your teeth and gums if the dentist finds out that the gum disease has progressed beyond a point or if gingivitis has led to the pulling away from the teeth. Gingivitis can create pockets or spaces that are more than five millimeters deep, and deep teeth cleaning is prescribed as a procedure that is done right before the need for periodontal surgery. Gingivitis, if left untreated, could affect the bone and supporting structures of the teeth and cause tooth loss. Deep teeth cleaning is crucial in limiting the progression of gingivitis gum disease.
How Is Deep Cleaning Carried Out?
The deep teeth cleaning process is carried out in two stages. The first stage is gum or periodontal scaling and the second stage is root planing. The dentist may use either electric or ultrasonic instruments or a manual scaling tool. The dentist may even use a combination of both tools. The first visit is for the scaling of teeth, whereas the second visit is for root planing. During the teeth scaling, tartar and plaque are removed from below the gum line. However, in the root planing procedure, the tooth’s root is cleaned and smoothened. Thus the gums can be reattached to the tooth, and the size of the pockets can be reduced, thus limiting the possibility of unhealthy plaque build-up. A scaling instrument is used for removing plaque and tartar from the roots of the teeth. Thus deep cleaning plays a crucial role in preventing gum diseases from worsening and avoids the need for surgery or any other extensive dental procedures.
What Happens After a Deep Cleaning Procedure?
It would be best if you were extra careful with your teeth and gums. It would be best if you tried to keep them as clean as possible. Do not forget to take any medications as prescribed by the dentist. You should always remember that extensive treatment may be required if deep cleaning cannot reverse the course of gingivitis progression.
Summary
Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best way to avoid deep teeth cleaning procedures. Brushing twice a day, flossing regularly and going for regular dental checkups at least twice a year can prevent you from getting affected with cavities, gum disease or periodontal disease etc. Consult the dentist for any questions regarding the importance of deep teeth cleaning, and make sure you attend follow-up appointments to enjoy healthy teeth and gums.