A “deep cleaning,” medically known as scaling and root planing, is a specialized dental procedure. It extends beyond a routine cleaning to address issues below the gumline. This treatment targets accumulated plaque and tartar that regular brushing and flossing cannot reach.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease, commonly known as gum disease, is an infection of the tissues supporting your teeth. It begins with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria. If not removed through daily brushing and flossing, plaque can harden into tartar. Tartar is rough and porous, providing an ideal surface for bacteria to thrive and further irritate the gums.
The initial stage of gum disease is gingivitis, characterized by red, swollen, and easily bleeding gums. At this point, the infection is reversible with professional dental care and home hygiene. If gingivitis remains untreated, the inflammation can progress, causing the gums to pull away from the teeth and form spaces called “pockets.” These pockets deepen over time, collecting more plaque, tartar, and bacteria, leading to periodontitis. Symptoms of periodontitis can include:
- Persistent bad breath
- Pus between teeth and gums
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums, making teeth appear longer
Untreated periodontitis can destroy the underlying bone structure supporting the teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss.
How Deep Cleaning Differs from a Standard Cleaning
A standard dental cleaning focuses on removing plaque, tartar, and surface stains from above the gumline. This routine procedure helps maintain general oral hygiene and prevent common dental problems like cavities and gingivitis. It is recommended every six months for individuals with healthy gums.
A deep cleaning addresses plaque and tartar that have accumulated below the gumline, extending down to the tooth roots. This procedure is recommended when gum disease has progressed beyond gingivitis and pockets have formed between the gums and teeth. The goal of a deep cleaning is to treat existing gum disease, whereas a regular cleaning aims to prevent it. Specialized instruments are used to reach these deeper areas, which are inaccessible during a routine cleaning.
The Deep Cleaning Procedure and Expected Outcomes
During a deep cleaning procedure, local anesthetic is administered to numb the gums and ensure patient comfort, especially in areas with deeper pockets or sensitivity. The procedure involves two main steps: scaling and root planing. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, both above and below the gumline, reaching down to the bottom of any periodontal pockets.
Following scaling, root planing is performed to smooth the surfaces of the tooth roots. This smoothing helps to remove any remaining bacterial toxins and makes it more difficult for new plaque and tartar to attach, encouraging the gum tissue to reattach firmly to the cleaned root surfaces. The procedure may be completed in one visit or across multiple appointments, depending on the extent of the disease and the number of areas requiring treatment.
After a deep cleaning, patients may experience temporary pain or soreness for a day or two, and increased tooth sensitivity for up to a week. Gums might also appear swollen, feel tender, or bleed slightly. Dentists may recommend warm salt water rinses or prescribe an antimicrobial mouth rinse or antibiotics to aid healing and reduce infection risk. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to assess gum healing and pocket depth, with the aim of reducing inflammation, preventing further bone loss, and improving overall gum health.