Patients often wonder, why would they require a deep cleaning if a patient initially came into the office for a regular, basic cleaning.
Here’s the difference and an answer.
A regular cleaning focuses on the surfaces of the teeth and between teeth above the gum line. The teeth also get polished during a regular cleaning. Patients may be regular cleaning candidates when they get a professional cleaning done at least once every six months.
If dentist visit reveals significant pockets that are greater than 4mm, then a patient is at risk or in the stage of periodontal disease. That is when patients are candidates for a deep teeth cleaning. A dentist will highly recommend and suggest a deep teeth cleaning to stop and prevent a progression of a disease.
A deep teeth cleaning also known as Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), which is very different from a regular cleaning. Deep teeth cleaning is needed in order to remove bacteria, calculus (tartar) and debris that collects under the gum line. Calculus over time collects and creates a great safe place for bacteria. At that point it cannot be removed by brushing, flossing or regular teeth cleaning.
Harm from bacteria
Over time Immune system responds to bacteria and causes inflammation trying to fight bacterial infection. If left untreated, the infection and inflammation will continue to progress under the gum line, which will lead to bone lose, loose teeth and eventually the loss of one or more teeth.
Deep teeth cleaning and post procedure
Deep teeth cleaning procedure can be performed on one or two quadrants at a time, or the entire mouth (four quadrants) can be treated in one visit.
During the visit our hygienist will typically numb the area that needs to be treated. Next, the hygienist will carefully work under the gum line to clean away the calculus and debris. After this, the hygienist will carefully shape, or plane, the root of the tooth, to remove places where bacteria could collect in the future.
Recovery from deep teeth cleaning is usually very simple. The dental hygienist will prescribe an antibiotic regimen for the patient to follow. If the patient is experiencing any discomfort or tenderness in the treatment area, our caring hygienist may recommend an over-the-counter pain reliever. Our hygienist will provide patients with after care instructions, and confirm with them when they should be able to resume a regular oral hygiene routine, including regular brushing and flossing.
We will make a post procedure appointment to make sure everything is healing well.
Many patients are curious about their next cleaning. Will they require a deep cleaning forever? The answer is no. 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 patients 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.
If you think you may need a deep teeth cleaning or a regular cleaning then call to make your appointment today.
Our dental office will be one pit stop for all your dental needs. We do crowns, bridges, root canals, fillings, tooth extractions, implants, dentures, all types of cleanings, zooming, laser treatment, veneers and much more.