What Happens During Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene includes twice daily brushing, daily flossing, and regular visits to the dentist. During these routine visits, the dentist completes an examination, and patients receive a professional cleaning. When plaque, tartar, or debris cannot be removed with a routine cleaning, dental professions may suggest patients receive a deep cleaning.
Various symptoms such as swollen gums, bleeding, gum recession, or loose teeth can indicate a deep cleaning is necessary. Special tools are used to determine if gum disease is present, which means a deep cleaning is required. X-rays are often used to determine if bone loss is present or if there is damage to the supporting bone.
A routine cleaning involves the removal of plaque and tartar from above the gumline. A deep cleaning is similar but reaches deeper below the gumline. When patients have gum disease, there is a gap between the teeth and gums which form a pocket. Plaque and tartar quickly accumulate in the pockets as it is nearly impossible to clean at home. Deep cleanings go below the gumline and effectively remove the plaque and tartar. Below is a summary of what happens during a deep cleaning.
Deep Cleaning
Another term used to describe a deep cleaning is scaling and root planing. A deep cleaning typically occurs over the course of two or more visits and each visit typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. During the deep cleaning, the dental professional uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline. Any plaque or tartar which has formed on the tooth’s roots is also removed. The pocket between the teeth and gums is reduced which allows for the gums to reattach to the teeth. The procedure reduces gum recession, inflammation and works to restore the health of the gums.
Plaque
Plaque is a sticky film which accumulates on the teeth throughout the day. Patients can remove it with regular brushing and flossing at home. Routine brushing is not able to remove all plaque on the teeth. Over time, plaque hardens and becomes tartar which requires a dental professional to be removed. This can eventually cause gum disease.
Benefits
Deep pockets and receding gums are common indicators that a deep cleaning is needed. Pockets greater than 3 millimeters in depth typically require a deep cleaning. The progression of gum disease causes growth of the pockets and serious damage to the supporting bone structure. As the bone continues to experience damage, it becomes weak. This can eventually cause loose teeth or the loss of teeth.
Below are the key benefits of a deep cleaning:
- Prevent gum disease from progressing
- Promote healing
- Eliminate infection
- Clean below the gumline
- Preserve the teeth
Challenges
Deep cleanings are highly effective in the treatment of gum disease. Below are possible challenges or risks of a deep cleaning:
- Possible nerve damage
- Gums may not fully reattach
- Additional gum recession
- Risk for infection for patients with a weak immune system
- Sensitivity and discomfort
For most patients, a deep cleaning causes temporary sensitivity and discomfort which should improve within a few days. A deep cleaning is extremely safe, and most side effects are gone within a week. Treatment for severe gum disease may result in an extended recovery time.
Patients who think they may need a deep cleaning should contact the office right away. During a consultation, the dental team can determine if you are a good candidate for a deep cleaning and discuss what to expect during the procedure.