What Happens During Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Oral health is a huge factor in our general health. An unhealthy mouth can lead to many other health issues. Therefore, maintaining good oral health is an important part of life. Good oral hygiene plays a big role in maintaining that oral health. Good oral health can generally be maintained by brushing and flossing regularly, as well as visiting the dentist every 6 months for cleanings. Even with the best oral hygiene practices tartar and plaque can build up and cause problems, sometimes. When this happens, the dentist may recommend a deep teeth cleaning to get the gums and mouth back in order and prevent further damage caused by the onset of gum disease. If your dentist has recommended a deep cleaning for you, you may be wondering what it is and what happens during the procedure. Read on to learn more.
Why is a deep cleaning important to have done?
When plaque and tartar buildup under the gum line and become attached to the roots of the teeth, a deep cleaning is required to remove the buildup. Over time, the buildup of plaque and tartar can lead to gum disease and inflammation. If left untreated this can progress too far, and it can lead more serious oral and general health issues. Periodontal disease can ultimately lead to tooth loss, which significantly impacts your overall health. Dentists are experts at diagnosing gum disease to determine if a deep cleaning is necessary. There are signs that you might notice as well, such as bleeding when brushing or flossing, swollen tender gums, chronic bad breath, loose teeth, or receding gums. If you have any of these symptoms, you likely have some form of periodontal disease forming and should see your dentist as soon as possible.
What happens during deep teeth cleaning?
All deep teeth cleanings utilize a local anesthetic to numb the areas where the procedure is being performed. This will ensure that it is pain free during the procedure. Once the area is numb, the dentist will begin with scaling. The dentist will use specialized tools to clear away plaque and tartar from under the gum line during scaling. The local anesthesia allows the dentist to go deeper under the gums and really work to clear away the buildup without risking being painful. After scaling the plaque and tartar away, the dentist will perform root planing. This involves the dentist smoothing the surfaces of the roots of the teeth. This clears away any rough areas where any left-over bacteria that has formed can hide and works to prevent future buildup. Lastly, the dentist will administer an antibacterial rinse under the gums.
Is deep cleaning painful?
The local anesthesia ensures that the procedure itself is not painful. It is normal to feel pressure and movement in the mouth during the procedure, however. Following the procedure, it is normal to feel some discomfort and tenderness in the areas that were cleaned. This discomfort usually subsides within a few days and can generally be treated with over-the-counter pain medications.
What does this mean for me?
If you need a deep cleaning and have specific questions for your dentist about your unique circumstances, speak with them today. They will be able to assess your needs and explain their process for getting your mouth back in order.