What Is Deep Cleaning Teeth And Is It Necessary?

By Author: James Franklin
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If you go to the dentist often, you probably have gotten your teeth cleaned many times. You might think that this is already good enough to ensure that your pearly whites and well taken care of, but standard cleanings sometimes will not cut it when it comes to eliminating bacteria and ensuring healthy gums. In this case, you need deep cleaning. Read on to learn what deep cleaning is and any other important information before you schedule a deep cleaning procedure with your dentist.

What is Teeth Deep Cleaning?

Otherwise known as periodontal scaling and root planning, deep teeth cleaning starts where a regular dental cleaning leaves off and will elevate the process to another level. Your dentist will focus below the gum line and the outer surface of the roots. This may require anesthesia and take several follow clinic visits to ensure that the gums are properly healing. If the gums are infected, pockets can form, widening the gum line that pulls away from the tooth. If this happens, a gum disease called periodontitis ...
... will develop. This can be very serious because the loss of connective tissue can cause bone and even tooth loss.

Deep teeth cleaning can be completed in just one or two hours. However, if there are several areas of infection and other trouble spots, it might require two or more visits. In these cases, the dentist will usually focus on a particular part of the mouth during an appointment. A follow-up appointment is scheduled a few weeks after to see how well the gums have healed after the procedure. Maintenance appointments are necessary every 3 or 4 months to monitor the condition of the teeth and gums.

How often is Deep Cleaning Performed?

The American Dental Association recommends regular dental visits tailored to the dentist. If you are doing an excellent job at taking care of your teeth, like going in for regular cleanings, deep cleaning might not be necessary. However, if you notice that your gums are red or swollen, if your teeth appear longer than usual, or if your teeth bleed when you brush or floss, these are likely signs that you need to get dental deep cleaning. This should not be too much of a concern, though, as almost half of Americans suffer from gum disease and need a deep dental cleaning.

What are the Benefits of Deep Cleaning?

Our mouths are teeming with bacteria and plaque, which is why regular brushing and flossing, is important. With deep dental cleaning, the bacteria, and plaque that has caused gum infection are targeted and removed. As a growing number of research connect the progression of gum disease with the development of chronic illnesses like dementia, diabetes, heart disease, and more, preventing gum disease is no longer just for oral health, it might be crucial for your overall health. Here are some of the benefits of deep cleaning:

• Cleans the teeth as thoroughly as possible.
• Helps prevent gum disease like periodontitis and gingivitis from getting worse
• Helps with pain and tooth sensitivity
• Helps reduce persistent halitosis or bad breath
• Helps reduce pain when chewing
• Helps restore the gums to proper health
• Helps improve the appearance of the mouth
• Prevents teeth from loosening or falling out

Deep cleaning is designed to stop the deterioration of the gums which can lead to tooth loss. This procedure is safe, but it is important to understand that it can cause damage to the tooth and roots when not performed by a trained professional. If you are concerned about your oral health and think you might qualify for deep cleaning, make sure that you put your teeth in capable hands by choosing a skilled and reputable professional.