Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to protect your teeth and gums, and contributes to our overall health as well. But sometimes, whilst we consistently brush twice a day for 2 minutes and floss, these are still not enough. When plaque and tartar build-up beneath your gum line, your dentist may recommend deep teeth cleaning.
This treatment, also known as scaling and root planing, goes beyond regular cleaning to address gum health and prevent further complications.
In this blog, let’s understand what deep cleaning teeth involves, the teeth deep cleaning process, and the benefits of deep cleaning teeth to help you understand why it’s a critical part of oral care.
What is Deep Cleaning Teeth?
Deep teeth cleaning is a specialised dental treatment that targets plaque and tartar build-up below the gum line, which regular cleanings and at-home care cannot remove.
This procedure is often recommended if you show signs of gum disease, such as:
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth
- Deep pockets between your teeth and gums
Unlike a standard dental cleaning that focuses on the visible surfaces of your teeth, a deep cleaning teeth procedure involves cleaning the root surfaces beneath your gums and smoothing them to prevent further bacterial growth.
What’s the Difference Between Regular Cleaning and Deep Teeth Cleaning?
A regular dental cleaning focuses on removing plaque, tartar, and stains from the surface of your teeth and along the gum line. It is typically done every six months to maintain oral hygiene and prevent cavities and gum disease.
A deep teeth cleaning, on the other hand, is a more intensive procedure designed to treat gum disease by cleaning below the gum line. It involves scaling and root planing to remove plaque and bacteria from deep periodontal pockets to prevent further gum damage and tooth loss.
When is Deep Teeth Cleaning Needed?
Your dentist may recommend deep cleaning if you have gum disease, which is also called periodontitis. Gum disease happens when bacteria and plaque build up in the pockets around your teeth, which may cause inflammation and infection. If you continue without addressing this issue and not getting treatment, this can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems.
Common signs that you might need a deep teeth cleaning include:
- Persistent gum inflammation
- Gum recession, where gums pull away from your teeth
- Plaque and tartar build-up below the gum line
- Pockets deeper than 4 millimetres between your teeth and gums
However, it’s important to remember that the only person you can trust to consult about the status of your teeth and gums is your dentist. They will help you understand what happened with your gums, give you a proper diagnosis, and the best possible solution for it.
Benefits of Deep Cleaning Teeth
A deep teeth cleaning offers more than just cleaning your teeth and gums from plaque and bacteria buildup. Here are the key benefits:
1. Prevents Gum Disease from Worsening
If you leave your gum disease untreated, it can progress to more severe stages, which would potentially lead to tooth loss. Deep cleaning helps stop this progression by removing the bacteria from the pockets and encouraging gum healing.
2. Reduces Gum Inflammation and Bleeding
By clearing away the plaque and tartar that irritates your gums, a deep cleaning can reduce swelling and bleeding makes your gums healthier and stronger.
3. Improves Overall Oral Health
Deep cleaning not only treats gum disease but also lowers your risk of developing cavities and other dental issues, contributing to better oral health overall.
4. Protects Your General Health
Multiple research has shown that gum disease has been linked to serious health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions like pneumonia. Addressing and treating gum disease early with a deep cleaning not only protects your oral health but also takes steps to keep your overall health away from problematic health issues.
How is Deep Teeth Cleaning Performed?
The teeth deep cleaning process is usually done in two stages: scaling and root planing. Assuming you already had your consultation with your dentist and getting a deep teeth cleaning is the procedure for you, here’s a step-by-step guide to what happens during the treatment:
1. Numbing the Area
To ensure your comfort during the procedure, your dentist may apply a local anaesthetic to numb your gums and teeth. This is especially helpful for patients with sensitive gums or significant tartar build-up.
2. Scaling
During scaling, your dentist or hygienist uses specialised tools to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and below the gum line. This step focuses on cleaning the areas you can’t reach with regular brushing or flossing.
3. Root Planing
After scaling, the root surfaces of your teeth are smoothed out in a process called root planing. Smoothing these surfaces makes it harder for bacteria to stick and helps your gums reattach to your teeth well, which reduces pocket depth.
4. Multiple Visits
Depending on the severity of your gum disease, the deep cleaning may be done over multiple visits. Your dentist will usually treat one quadrant of your mouth at a time to ensure thorough cleaning.
Keep Your Oral and Overall Health Protected
When addressing gum disease, it’s important to know that there is a treatment that can help protect your oral health from getting worse. Deep teeth cleaning is an essential treatment for addressing this and would help maintain your oral health.
However, by understanding what deep cleaning teeth involves and the benefits it offers, you can feel confident and assured about making the best decision for your smile.
If you’re noticing signs of gum disease, don’t hesitate to consult with our experienced and skilled dentists for a deep teeth cleaning at Dentist Near Me Merrylands. Our team will help you learn more about the treatment and teeth deep cleaning process to ensure you feel safe and comfortable with our professionals.
Book your appointment today to take the first step towards a healthier, brighter smile. Let us guide you through the journey to better oral health with personalised, professional care.