A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a specialized dental procedure. Unlike a routine dental check-up that focuses on general maintenance, a deep cleaning addresses specific concerns related to gum health. Dentists recommend this procedure when signs of gum irritation or disease are present, aiming to restore the health of your gums and prevent further issues.
Understanding Deep Cleaning: More Than Just a Regular Clean
A routine dental cleaning primarily focuses on removing plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of your teeth, above the gum line. This preventive measure helps maintain oral hygiene and prevents the initial stages of gum inflammation. A deep cleaning targets issues that extend below the gum line.
This specialized procedure is designed to treat gum inflammation and early to moderate gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Its main purpose is to remove hardened plaque and tartar that have accumulated on the tooth roots, an area inaccessible during regular brushing and flossing. By addressing these deeper deposits, deep cleaning aims to reduce bacterial load and promote healthier gum tissue.
When bacteria and plaque accumulate beneath the gum line, they can irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and the formation of “pockets” between the teeth and gums. A regular cleaning cannot effectively reach into these deepened pockets. Scaling and root planing cleans these areas, which is important for managing and reversing gum disease progression.
Recognizing the Signs You Might Need One
Several indicators can suggest the need for a deep cleaning. Persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be a sign of bacterial buildup beneath the gum line that normal brushing cannot resolve. Red, swollen, or tender gums are common early signs of gum inflammation.
Bleeding gums, especially when brushing or flossing, are another sign that your gums are not healthy. If your gums appear to be pulling away from your teeth, making your teeth look longer, this is known as gum recession and can expose sensitive tooth roots. Loose or shifting teeth, or changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite, can also signal more advanced gum disease requiring intervention.
During a dental check-up, a dentist or hygienist will measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth. Pockets deeper than a few millimeters can indicate gum disease and suggest that a deep cleaning is necessary to remove the bacterial deposits within these spaces.
The Deep Cleaning Procedure
A deep cleaning involves two main components: scaling and root planing. Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth, both above and below the gum line. Dental professionals use specialized tools, such as ultrasonic devices and hand instruments, to dislodge these deposits.
Following scaling, the next step is root planing. This involves smoothing the surfaces of the tooth roots. The goal of root planing is to eliminate any rough spots on the roots where bacteria can easily re-attach and thrive. A smooth root surface makes it more difficult for new plaque and tartar to accumulate, encouraging the gums to reattach more firmly to the teeth.
To ensure comfort during the procedure, local anesthetic is often administered to numb the areas being treated. This helps to minimize discomfort, as the cleaning extends below the gum line into sensitive areas. Depending on the extent of the gum disease, a deep cleaning may require more than one visit to complete, often focusing on one side of the mouth at a time.
Why Deep Cleaning is Essential for Gum Health
Undergoing a deep cleaning when recommended is important for stopping the progression of gum disease. If left untreated, the bacterial infection can worsen, leading to more severe inflammation, bleeding, and further detachment of the gums from the teeth. This procedure helps to reduce the inflammation and bleeding, creating a healthier environment for your gums to heal.
By removing the bacterial plaque and tartar from below the gum line, deep cleaning addresses the source of the infection. This can prevent the destruction of the bone that supports your teeth, which is a serious consequence of untreated gum disease. When the bone structure supporting the teeth deteriorates, it can lead to loose teeth and eventually tooth loss.
The smoothing of the tooth roots during planing encourages the gum tissue to reattach to the tooth surface, which can help to reduce the depth of periodontal pockets. This reattachment is important for stabilizing teeth and preventing further bacterial colonization. A deep cleaning helps preserve overall oral health, preventing more complex and costly treatments in the future.