How Long Does Deep Teeth Cleaning Take?
Prevention and good oral hygiene are critical in avoiding serious issues such as gum disease and decay. Good oral hygiene includes twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and routine dental visits. During these visits, patients will receive an examination and professional cleaning. Regular dental visits are helpful in the early detection of issues such as gum disease which can cause serious problems.
Gum Disease
Early signs of gum disease may include bad breath, gums which bleed, and swollen gums. When gum disease remains untreated, the symptoms can progress and cause serious issues including receding gums, damage to the bones, and tooth loss in severe cases.
While there is not a cure for gum disease, a deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar in order to restore the gums. Following a deep cleaning, patients are commonly placed on a regular maintenance schedule which includes deep cleanings. This aids in management of gum disease and helps prevent serious problems.
Deep Teeth Cleaning
A deep cleaning is a relatively common procedure which is commonly performed in dentistry. The procedure may also be called scaling and root planing and is an outpatient procedure. The deep cleaning works by removing plaque and tartar from the teeth, surface of the roots, and below the gumline. This helps reduce the size of the periodontal pockets and restore the gums, allowing them to reattach to the teeth. Patients with moderate to severe gum disease are often good candidates for a deep cleaning.
Discomfort
Patients often experience some slight discomfort or swelling following the procedure, but they should not have severe pain. A local anesthetic is used before the procedure begins to ensure patients remain comfortable. Sensitivity is also common after a deep cleaning. The gums should heal within a few days and these side effects will go away.
Procedure Timeline
Patients are often curious how long a deep cleaning takes. The procedure duration can vary but typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes. The duration of the procedure will depend on the severity of the case. In most cases, a deep cleaning is completed in two or more visits. Dental professionals will treat one side or quadrant of the mouth at a time. It is not recommended for the entire mouth to be numb at one time as it can make routine activities challenging or even dangerous.
Cost
A deep cleaning costs an average of $249-$299. There are various factors which can impact the cost of a deep cleaning such as the severity of the gum disease, size of the treatment areas, and any additional things such as x-rays. The provider will provide a cost estimate for the patient.
Benefits
Patients with gum disease who have a buildup of bacteria caused by infected gum tissue often require a deep cleaning. A deep cleaning is effective in eliminating the side effects associated with gum disease.
While a professional cleaning is effective in removing plaque and tartar from the teeth, it cannot clean below the gumline. Patients typically receive a professional cleaning during routine visits to the dentist which typically take place about every six months. Professional cleanings eliminate plaque and tartar which have accumulated on the teeth. Unfortunately, these cleanings differ from a deep cleaning as they do not go below the gumline.
Patients who have early signs of gum disease should contact the office for an appointment. The dental professional can examine the teeth and determine if you are a good candidate for a deep cleaning. This is a good opportunity to discuss the treatment plan, number of appointments needed, and how much time is needed to complete the deep cleaning.