What Happens During Deep Teeth Cleaning?
If you are facing problems with bleeding gums, bad breath, or even loose teeth, when you visit a dentist, the first thing we will want to do is a deep teeth cleaning. This treatment, also known as dental scaling, is also known as deep teeth cleaning or closed curettage.
The most common periodontal diseases include periodontal inflammation. The inflammation is caused by infectious deposits of bacterial plaque and tartar. The goal of deep teeth cleaning treatment is to reduce the bacterial load by removing infectious deposits, which is done by deep cleaning (dental scaling).
Mouth Examination
The treatment itself is preceded by a complete periodontal examination, during which the hygienist:
- measures the depth of periodontal pockets at 6 locations around each tooth;
- examines bleeding gums;
- takes fluid samples from periodontal pockets;
- establishes a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Based on the examination results, the dentist will make a diagnosis and create a periodontal treatment plan.
How is deep teeth cleaning treatment performed?
The dental hygienist will remove all tartar in great detail, not only the tartar visible above the gum line but especially the tartar hidden under the gums. This procedure can be performed in two ways.
The cleaning itself is done in one or several 60-90 minute visits, depending on the extent and degree of the damage.
Traditional dental scaling (deep cleaning)
- Local anesthesia – the dentist applies a local anesthetic to numb the area being treated, so the treatment is not painful.
- Cleaning the root surface of the teeth - the dental hygienist removes all tartar and plaque in great detail, tooth by tooth, not only the tartar visible (above the gum line), but especially the tartar hidden under the gums. The hygienist uses special hand instruments designed for working under the gums and ultrasonic scalers.
- Smoothing the root surface – after removing deposits, the root surface needs to be smoothed for healing and prophylaxis.
If the gum pockets are too deep, it is sometimes necessary to supplement the treatment with surgical procedures, so-called flap operations. During these operations, the dentist cleans the roots of individual teeth after opening the gums under the teeth.
By selectively removing diseased tissue and bacteria in the periodontal pocket, healthy tissue remains intact. The advantage of laser treatment is that it can easily reach even inaccessible areas, such as narrow and deep periodontal pockets and complex root surfaces. It is no longer necessary to supplement the treatment with surgical procedures. This leads to reduced discomfort after treatment and faster tissue recovery and healing.
How often does a deep cleaning need to be done?
Ideally, just once a year. After a complete cleaning, maintaining proper oral hygiene, and regular visits to the dentist, the successful treatment result can be maintained, and oral health can be maintained without the need for further dental scaling. Generally, most people need a deeper cleaning at least once a year, which is why it is important to visit your dentist regularly.
Clean teeth are healthy teeth. Contact us today for more information on deep teeth cleaning or to schedule your appointment for a cleaning and examination today!