What Happens During a Dental Deep Cleaning?

At Distinctive Dental Solutions, we recognize that a standard cleaning is not always sufficient to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. In some cases, deep cleanings are needed to help restore your oral health. If you have been told you need a deep cleaning with scaling and root planing, understanding what to expect may be what you need to help ease any concerns and feel prepared for the procedure.

Reasons You Might Need a Deep Cleaning

Tartar and Calculus Buildup

When plaque hardens into tartar, especially below your gumline, regular brushing and flossing cannot remove it. This buildup creates pockets where harmful bacteria thrive, leading to more serious oral health problems.

Gum Inflammation (Periodontitis)

Swollen, red, or bleeding gums often signal the early stages of gum disease. Without treatment, this inflammation can progress to more advanced periodontitis, causing irreversible damage to your gums and supporting bone structure.

Preventing Tooth Loss

Deep cleanings help stop the progression of gum disease before it reaches advanced stages that can result in loose teeth or tooth loss. Early intervention through actions like scaling and root planing can save your natural teeth.

How to Know if You Need a Deep Cleaning

Clinical Exam

Your dentist will examine your gums for signs of swelling, redness, and bleeding. They will also check for tooth mobility, which can indicate bone loss around your teeth.

Periodontal Probing

A small instrument called a periodontal probe measures the depth of pockets around each tooth. A healthy pocket should measure 3 millimeters or less. Deeper pockets may indicate a need for deep cleaning.

Digital X-Rays

X-rays reveal the condition of the bone supporting your teeth. Your dentist can assess bone loss and determine if deep cleaning is necessary based on these images.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Numbing the Area

Your dentist will apply local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. This numbing agent is intended to keep you from feeling pain while you remain fully conscious and aware.

Scaling: Removing Plaque and Tartar

Using specialized instruments, your dental professional will carefully remove lingering plaque and tartar from above and below your gumline. This process may involve both hand tools and ultrasonic devices to break up stubborn deposits.

Root Planing: Smoothing Tooth Roots

After scaling, your dentist will smooth the surfaces of your tooth roots. This process, called root planing, helps your gums reattach to your teeth and heal properly.

Benefits of Deep Cleaning

Prevents and Treats Periodontitis

Deep cleaning directly addresses the root cause of gum disease by removing the bacteria and toxins that cause inflammation and infection in your gums, preventing tooth loss or gum recession.

Eliminates Bad Breath

By removing the bacteria that cause halitosis, deep cleaning can significantly improve your breath.

Improves Oral and Overall Health

A deep cleaning reduces harmful bacteria, improving the health of your mouth and, with it, your overall health.

Take the Right Step for Your Oral Health

Deep dental cleanings play a crucial role in preventing tooth loss and maintaining your overall health. When caught early, gum disease can be effectively treated with scaling and root planing, allowing you to keep your natural teeth for life.

Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene habits at home work together to prevent the need for future deep cleanings. However, if you are experiencing any warning signs of gum disease, do not delay seeking treatment.

At Distinctive Dental Solutions, we are committed to partnering with you to achieve your unique dental health goals. Our team provides individualized attention and education to help you maintain lasting oral health. If you have questions about deep cleaning or concerns about your gums, we encourage you to reach out to us. Together, we can create a personalized plan to protect your smile and overall well-being.