What is a Deep Cleaning?
Dental "jargon" can be confusing. Read below to find out more about what a "deep cleaning" is and why it is important for your oral health.
A deep dental cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a non-surgical procedure performed by a dental professional to treat gum disease also known as periodontitis. It involves a thorough cleaning of the teeth and gums to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that have accumulated below the gumline. The difference in a “deep cleaning” and a term of “regular cleaning” often used by patients is the depth of the cleaning. Remember in an earlier post we talked about pocket depths. (If you want a refresh click here.) Well, once we start measuring numbers of 5,6,7, which can be translated into millimeters (hence the term “deep” as it pertains to essentially more millimeters of pockets as opposed to someone with gingivitis) it tells us we need to used special tools to clean the teeth effectively. In addition to using these tools to increase comfort, we often use numbing agents.
Okay there’s the background up there ^ now let’s dive into the process down here:
During a deep dental cleaning, the dentist or dental hygienist uses special tools to reach below the gumline and clean the surfaces of the teeth and the roots. The procedure typically involves two main steps:
- Scaling: The dental professional uses a dental scaler or an ultrasonic device (also called a Cavitron or Peizo) to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth, both above and below the gumline. This process eliminates bacteria and helps prevent further damage to the gums and supporting structures.
- Root Planing: After scaling, the roots of the teeth are smoothed out or planed. This helps to remove any rough spots or bacterial toxins and encourages the gum tissue to reattach to the teeth, promoting the healing process.
A deep dental cleaning is usually performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Depending on the extent of gum disease and the patient's oral health, the procedure may be completed in one or multiple visits.
Following a deep dental cleaning, it is common for patients to experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity. The gums may also be slightly swollen or tender. However, these symptoms are temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. In severe cases we may prescribe something but often this is not necessary. Always speak to your dentist with any questions about post op management.
It's important to note that a deep dental cleaning is different from a routine dental cleaning or as dentists call it “adult prophylaxis”. A routine cleaning focuses on the visible portions of the teeth and above the gumline, while a deep cleaning targets the areas below the gumline to treat gum disease ie periodontitis. Regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene practices are essential for preventing gum disease and maintaining overall oral health.
As always if you have any questions please feel free to reach out. Come see us in Portland - we are accepting new patients!
