According to a report, more than a quarter of all American adults are suffering from tooth decay that is left untreated. This problem can reach such a level where deep cleaning becomes a necessary part of your life.
For people who don’t know the procedure, it can be quite common to have a feeling of intimidation about the procedure. To help you deal with that, we are sharing some extremely important information that will let you prepare for it better.
What Exactly is Dental Deep Teeth Cleaning
Deep teeth cleaning, also sometimes referred to as scaling and root planing, is a procedure performed by a dental hygienist or dentist to remove plaque and tartar buildup from the gums and teeth.
This type of cleaning goes beyond regular cleaning and is typically recommended for people with moderate to advanced gum disease, also known as periodontitis.
The process starts with scaling, which involves using special instruments to depose tartar and plaque from the surface of the teeth and just below the gum line.
This step is performed either with a manual scaler or an ultrasonic tool, which uses high-frequency sound waves to loosen and remove plaque and tartar.
Once the dentist finishes the scaling process, root planning is performed. This is to smooth out the surfaces of the teeth roots and remove any remaining plaque and tartar.
This step is also performed to remove any rough areas on the teeth roots, which can trap bacteria and contribute to the development of gum disease.
Root planing also helps to remove any toxins that have been produced by the bacteria in the plaque, which can cause inflammation and damage to the gums.
Deep teeth cleaning is typically performed under a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort during the procedure. The procedure can take several hours, depending on the extent of the buildup and the number of teeth that need to be cleaned. After the procedure, you may experience some sensitivity, swelling, or bleeding of the gums.
The deep teeth cleaning procedure can also be done as a non-surgical way of treating periodontitis. It may be recommended in combination with other periodontal treatments such as antibiotics, mouth rinses, or periodontal surgery.
The treatment aims to reduce the amount of bacteria and toxins in the mouth and to help the gums heal.
Deep teeth cleaning is an effective way to remove plaque and tartar buildup and can help to improve the health of the gums and teeth. It is an important step in preventing and treating gum disease and can help to prevent tooth loss and other serious oral health problems.
However, it is important to note that regular cleanings and good oral hygiene practices are still necessary to maintain the health of the teeth and gums after a deep cleaning.
When Does Deep Cleaning of Teeth Become Important
It is typically recommended to get a dental deep cleaning every 3-4 months if you have severe gum disease and every 6-12 months for moderate gum disease. However, the exact frequency will depend on the individual and the severity of their condition. It is important to consult with a dental professional to determine the appropriate schedule of routine dental cleanings for your needs. Here are a few scenarios where you must go in for deep teeth cleaning at a good dental office like Sunny Isles Dental.
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Moderate to Severe Gum Disease
Individuals with moderate to severe periodontal disease are most likely to benefit from deep teeth cleaning. This is because plaque and tartar buildup, which can cause inflammation and damage to the gums, is more extensive in these cases. Deep cleaning can remove this buildup and promote healing of the gums.
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Chronic Bad Breath
Bad breath can be caused by plaque and tartar buildup. Deep cleaning can remove this buildup and improve breath odor.
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Receding Gums
Receding gums can result from gum disease or other factors such as genetics and improper oral hygiene. Deep teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar buildup from the roots of the teeth, which can help to prevent further recession and promote healing.
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Loose Teeth
Loose teeth can be a sign of advanced gum disease. Deep cleaning can remove plaque and tartar buildup from the roots of the teeth and that can help stabilize the teeth make them better.
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Diabetic Patients
Diabetes can increase the risk of periodontal disease as well. A deep teeth cleaning can not only clean affected areas but help with the symptoms as well.
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Impact of Smoking
Smoking can not only increase the risk of periodontal disease but also make it more difficult to treat. A deep cleaning can remove any form of buildup caused by smoking and even help reverse the effects of smoking.
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During Pregnancy
Pregnant women are at a much higher risk of getting the periodontal disease for a number of reasons. Your gynecologist and dentist may recommend some form of regular cleaning routine to prevent that from happening.
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Compromised Immunity
Having a compromised immunity can turn something manageable like a periodontal disease into a potential nightmare. Deep cleaning teeth regularly would be the way to go if you have a weak immunity to avoid any escalation of health problems.
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Historical Inclination for Periodontal Disease
Some people just have a higher than normal chance of catching the periodontal disease. Getting regular deep teeth cleanings can remove plaque and tartar buildup on time and ensure that the disease never gets too serious as to require more drastic treatments and tooth loss.
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People who Don’t Take Good Oral Care
If an individual has a history of poor oral hygiene, they may be more likely to develop periodontal disease. In this case, the first recommendation would be to change habits instead of looking for regular deep dental cleanings. However, for the plaque and tartar buildup already present, getting a deep cleaning can be quite beneficial and prevent more serious issues down the line like affected gum line or even bone loss.
It’s also important to note that deep cleaning teeth or scaling and root planing are not a substitute for regular dental cleanings and home care such as brushing and flossing. Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups are essential to maintaining good oral health and preventing the progression of gum disease.
How Much Does Teeth Deep Cleaning Hurt
Dental deep cleaning can cause some discomfort or sensitivity in the treated areas. This is normal and typically the pain subsides within a few days after the procedure. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during the procedure as well. However, that can be managed with a local anesthetic or a mild sedative if your dentist deems it necessary.
After the teeth cleaning, you may experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity in the treated areas, which can be managed with OTC pain medication or prescription medication as recommended by your dentist. It is common to experience slight bleeding or swelling in the gums for a few days after the procedure.
It’s important to note that deep cleaning is a non-surgical procedure, so the recovery process is usually quick and easy. A good dentist like Sunny Isles Dental will provide you with aftercare instructions and recommend a specific oral care routine to follow at home to maintain the results of the deep cleaning and prevent any future issues as well.
Deep cleanings are generally not considered to be a painful procedure. However, every person’s pain tolerance is different and some may experience more discomfort than others.
It is important to discuss any concerns you may have with your dentist prior to the procedure, they will be able to advise you on how best to manage any discomfort and ensure that you are comfortable during the procedure.
Effective Post-Procedure Care After Getting Deep Teeth Cleaning
It is important to follow proper post-procedure care properly after having a dental deep cleaning to promote quick recovery and maintain the results of routine dental cleanings. The following are some tips you can follow after getting your teeth deep cleaned:
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Maintain good oral hygiene
Brushing and flossing at least two times daily is essential to maintaining the results of deep cleaning and preventing the progression of gum disease. Your dentist will likely recommend using a specific type of toothpaste or mouthwash to promote healing.
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Manage Your Diet
Avoid hard or crunchy foods for at least a few days after the procedure to avoid irritating the treated areas. Stick to soft foods and be mindful of chewing on the opposite side of the mouth.
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Take medication as prescribed
If your dentist prescribed medication to manage discomfort or pain, take it as directed and don’t skip any dose.
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Avoid Smoking
Smoking interferes with the healing process and increases complications. Try to avoid smoking for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Maybe even use the opportunity to try and quit altogether?
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Manage Swelling
If you experience swelling in the gums, you can use a cold compress to reduce the swelling. Place a cold pack on the swollen area for 10-15 minutes at a time. Keep doing this until the swelling subsides.
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Follow-up Visits
It is crucial to plan a follow-up appointment with your dentist to monitor your progress and ensure that the deep cleaning is effective. Your dentist will advise you on any additional dental treatment that may be necessary to maintain your oral health.
Summing Up Dental Deep Cleaning
As you can see, getting deep teeth cleaning from a dental hygienist or dentist can have so many benefits. Whether it is root planing, scaling, or any other added treatment, you must focus on getting a good dentist.
Our recommendation for the residents of Florida would be to go for Sunny Isles Dental for the best service. They offer all deep teeth cleaning treatments, including scaling and root planing, accept dental insurance, and perform the best deep cleanings on short notice as well. You can easily reach out to them via their phone or book an appointment at any time using their online booking option.
