Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to your overall health, but sometimes regular brushing, flossing, and routine cleanings aren’t enough. That’s where deep dental cleaning comes in. Often recommended for patients showing early signs of gum disease or heavy plaque buildup, deep dental cleaning goes beyond the surface to protect your teeth and gums. This is very different from teeth polishing

In this blog, we’ll explore what deep dental cleaning is, how it works, and why it’s crucial for maintaining your oral health.

Understanding deep dental cleaning

Deep dental cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a specialized dental procedure designed to clean below the gumline. Unlike routine dental cleanings, which focus on the visible surfaces of your teeth, deep cleanings target plaque, tartar, and bacteria that have built up in areas inaccessible during regular cleanings.

This treatment is often recommended for patients with signs of gum disease, such as inflamed gums, gum recession, or pockets forming between the gums and teeth. This treatment is a key part of our general dentistry services.

How does deep dental cleaning work?

Deep dental cleaning typically involves two main steps:

1. Scaling

• The first step involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from above and below the gumline.
• Specialized tools, including ultrasonic scalers, are used to thoroughly clean areas that regular brushing and flossing can’t reach.

2. Root planing

• The second step smooths the tooth roots to help gums reattach to the teeth.
• Smoothing the roots also reduces the likelihood of bacteria and plaque accumulating in the future.

Deep cleaning is often performed over multiple visits, depending on the severity of gum disease and the number of teeth requiring treatment.

When do you need a deep dental cleaning?

Your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning if you exhibit any of the following signs:

1. Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis):
   • Symptoms like swollen, red, or bleeding gums may indicate a need for more intensive cleaning.
2. Pockets between teeth and gums:
   • During an exam, your dentist measures the depth of the gum pockets. Pockets deeper than 4 millimeters often require deep cleaning.
3. Heavy tartar buildup:
   • Tartar that forms below the gumline cannot be removed with regular cleanings or at-home care.
4. Bad breath or taste in the mouth:
   • Persistent bad breath may result from bacteria trapped below the gumline.
5. Gum recession:
   • Gums pulling away from the teeth expose more of the tooth structure, creating spaces for bacteria to thrive.

Benefits of deep dental cleaning

A deep dental cleaning offers numerous advantages for your oral health:

1. Prevents gum disease progression:
   • Scaling and root planing can stop gingivitis from advancing into periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease.
2. Protects teeth from decay:
   • Removing tartar and bacteria helps prevent cavities and tooth loss.
3. Reduces inflammation:
   • Deep cleaning alleviates gum irritation, promoting healthier gums.
4. Improves breath:
   • By eliminating bacteria below the gumline, deep cleanings combat bad breath.
5. Supports overall health:
   • Treating gum disease lowers the risk of systemic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, which have been linked to poor oral health.

Is deep dental cleaning painful?

Deep cleaning may cause some discomfort, especially for patients with sensitive teeth or inflamed gums. However, dentists use local anesthesia to numb the area being treated, ensuring a more comfortable experience. After the procedure, mild soreness or sensitivity is common but typically resolves within a few days.

How to care for your teeth after a deep dental cleaning

Proper aftercare is essential to maintain the results of your deep cleaning and prevent further gum issues:

1. Practice good oral hygiene:
   • Brush twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
   • Floss daily to remove plaque between teeth.
2. Use an antimicrobial mouthwash:
   • Rinse daily to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation.
3. Avoid smoking:
   • Smoking slows healing and contributes to gum disease.
4. Follow your dentist’s recommendations:
   • Attend follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure gums are healing.
5. Maintain regular cleanings:
   • After your gums have healed, stick to a routine cleaning schedule to prevent future issues.

How does deep cleaning differ from regular cleaning?

While both regular cleanings and deep cleanings aim to maintain oral health, they differ in scope and purpose:

• Routine cleaning: Focuses on removing plaque and tartar from the surface of teeth and along the gumline.
• Deep cleaning: Targets the roots of teeth and areas below the gumline to treat gum disease.

Deep cleaning is more comprehensive and is often a one-time treatment for patients with advanced plaque buildup or gum disease, while routine cleanings are performed every six months for preventive care. To find out more about how much does dental cleaning cost, check out our other blog. 

Are there risks associated with deep dental cleaning?

Like any dental procedure, deep cleanings come with potential risks, including:

• Temporary gum sensitivity or soreness.
• Risk of infection if post-treatment care is not followed.
• Gum recession in severe cases.

However, the benefits of deep cleaning far outweigh the risks, especially when performed by an experienced dental professional. 

Protect your oral health with deep dental cleaning

Deep dental cleaning is a powerful tool in fighting gum disease and maintaining long-term oral health. It's an essential part of general dentistry. By addressing plaque and bacteria below the gumline, this procedure protects your teeth, gums, and overall well-being.

At Captain Dental, we provide expert deep dental cleaning services as part of our commitment to worry-free dentistry built on the highest standards. Whether you’re experiencing gum issues or need preventive care, our team is here to help you achieve a healthy, confident smile.