Deep teeth cleanings, formally known as scaling and root planing, represent a more intensive approach to dental care compared to routine cleanings. This specialized procedure addresses conditions where bacterial buildup has extended beyond the tooth surface and into the gum tissues.
What is a Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a non-surgical dental procedure designed to remove plaque and tartar. Unlike a regular dental cleaning, which primarily focuses on tooth surfaces above the gumline, a deep cleaning extends below the gumline to the tooth roots. This deeper reach addresses bacteria and hardened deposits in periodontal pockets, spaces that form between the teeth and gums. The process involves two main components: scaling, which removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, and root planing, which smooths root surfaces to deter future bacterial attachment.
Why Deep Cleaning is Recommended
Deep cleaning is recommended when individuals show signs of gum disease, specifically periodontitis. Gum disease begins as gingivitis, characterized by inflamed, red, and sometimes bleeding gums due to plaque buildup. If gingivitis remains untreated, bacteria can spread below the gumline, leading to periodontitis. In this advanced stage, gums may pull away from teeth, creating deeper periodontal pockets. These pockets become reservoirs for bacteria and tartar, which cannot be effectively removed by routine brushing and flossing.
Deep pockets signify progressing infection, where bacterial toxins and the body’s immune response break down connective tissues and bone supporting the teeth. This destruction can lead to bone loss, tooth mobility, and tooth loss if left unaddressed. Deep cleaning aims to halt this progression by thoroughly removing bacteria and calculus from these deeper areas. By eliminating the bacterial source and smoothing root surfaces, the procedure encourages gums to reattach more firmly to teeth, reducing pocket depths and promoting healing.
The Deep Cleaning Process and Recovery
The deep cleaning procedure begins with local anesthetic to numb treated areas, ensuring patient comfort. Dental professionals use specialized instruments, including ultrasonic devices and manual scalers, to remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and below the gumline. Following scaling, root planing smooths root surfaces to prevent bacteria from easily reattaching and encourage gum reattachment.
A full-mouth deep cleaning is completed over two or more appointments, treating one side of the mouth at each visit. After the procedure, mild soreness, tenderness, or sensitivity in gums and teeth is common, subsiding within a few days to a week. Mild bleeding may occur during initial healing. To manage discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers can be used, and gentle warm salt water rinses several times a day aid healing. Patients are advised to consume soft foods for 24 to 48 hours and continue gentle brushing and flossing as recommended by their dental professional.
Long-Term Oral Health After a Deep Cleaning
A deep cleaning is a foundational step in managing periodontal disease, but not a one-time solution. To maintain health and prevent gum disease recurrence, consistent follow-up care is necessary. This involves more frequent dental visits, known as periodontal maintenance cleanings, scheduled every three to four months. These appointments allow dental professionals to monitor gum health, clean below the gumline, and address new bacterial buildup before it progresses.
Beyond professional care, diligent home oral hygiene plays a role in long-term success. Regular brushing, flossing, and specific recommendations like a therapeutic mouth rinse, help control plaque and bacteria at home. By adhering to professional maintenance schedules and a thorough home care routine, individuals can effectively manage periodontal disease and preserve oral health.