Everything You Need to Know About Dental Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
In this blog, we will be addressing the procedure of dental “deep cleaning” and why some patients may need it instead of regular dental cleaning. Many patients are afraid when they hear that they need deep cleaning, however, we are here to explain to you today that it is a simple dental procedure that relieves your gum pain and reduces tissue inflammation. The reason for dental deep cleaning is periodontal disease, which is an infection of the tissues that hold the teeth in place. It is typically caused by many factors mainly bacteria and poor oral hygiene which allow plaque and bacteria to build upon the teeth and in the deep pockets of the gums.
So What is a Deep Cleaning?
Deep Cleaning in plain English or layman’s term is a procedure called “Scaling and root planing”. It is a dental procedure that allows the dental provider to scale and carefully clean your teeths’ root surfaces. After a dentist examines the mouth and x-rays are taken, they can determine if the patient has a periodontal disease which means they need a deep cleaning. The dentist/hygienist then begins the periodontal scaling process, which is essentially the scraping of all the plaque and calculus on the teeth. Once this is done, the provider begins the root planing process which is making the root surface smooth to prevent future reattachment of the plaque, calculus, and bacteria.
When is a Deep Cleaning Necessary?
Deep Cleaning is necessary for patients when there is a significant number of bacteria and tartar buildup on the surfaces of their teeth. Intervals of appointments should be determined by the dentist as each case is different. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria that enter the pockets and roots of the teeth and need to be cleaned out by scaling and root planing.
Signs That You May Need a Deep Cleaning
While periodontal disease sometimes causes pain or shows visible signs, such as gums not being pink, here are some warning signs of possible periodontal disease:
Gums that easily bleed, are red, swollen, or tender
Consistent bad taste or breath
Loose teeth
Gum Recession
Painful chewing/Sensitive teeth
Aftercare Tips
Typically, after the deep cleaning, you can experience some soreness in the gums. Try to avoid any hard, crunchy, hot, or sticky foods for the first 24 hours. Make sure to maintain the dental health of your teeth by flossing twice a day and brushing after every meal, this will assist in reducing your periodontal disease. Your gums will be healthier after the deep pockets of the gums have been cleaned, you can help to maintain the cleanliness by keeping up with your oral hygiene every day.
Does the Procedure Hurt?
The procedure may cause some discomfort to the patient, so usually, a local anesthetic is administered to numb the patient. Afterward, you may feel some tenderness in your gums, or they may slightly bleed, this is normal and to be expected. The procedure shouldn’t cause any deal of great pain to the patient. if necessary, the patient may take Ibuprofen (Motrin) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol), if there is no medical contraindication, for post-op pain management.
How is Deep Cleaning Different than a Regular Cleaning?
A regular dental cleaning focuses on the surfaces of the teeth and between the teeth. A regular cleaning polishes and cleans the teeth. However, a deep cleaning is needed to remove the buildup of bacteria, calculus, and plaque mainly present on the root surfaces of the teeth. The procedure also focuses heavily on cleaning out the deep pockets of the gums, where the bacteria are.
We hope this brief explanation helped you to learn about what a dental deep cleaning is. We understand it might sound scary at first, but it really is just a simple dental procedure. You are in our doctors’ trusty hands, so you can be sure to expect nothing less than great care. Here at Nova Dental, we pride ourselves on delivering the most effective treatment for our community. Call (313)-769-3400 to schedule today. 10413 Ford Rd. Unit # N, Dearborn MI 48126.
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