What Happens During Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Deep teeth cleaning, clinically referred to as scaling a root planing, is a dental procedure that’s used to treat periodontal disease and support oral and dental health. Gum disease develops when bacteria build up on the teeth and accumulate below the gum line, where plaque and tartar can’t easily be removed with brushing and flossing. Routine professional dental cleanings remove this plaque and accumulated tartar. Without routine professional cleanings, however, tartar can build up and cause gum disease, and the longer this residue remains below the gums, the easier it is for gum disease to progress into periodontal disease. While gum disease can be managed with routine hygiene and professional cleanings, periodontal disease is more serious, gradually destroying the tissues that support the teeth and keep them in the mouth. When gum disease begins to progress, a dental deep clean can restore the health and integrity of the oral tissues and help preserve the stability and strength of the teeth and other oral tissues.
What Does A Dental Deep Cleaning Procedure Entail?
Before a dental deep cleaning, patients undergo a thorough dental examination, including x-rays, to assess the extent of infection and determine the best course of action. The first step in a dental deep cleaning is to administer anesthesia to the area being treated so that the tissues are numb and the procedure is painless. Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the dentist will use specialized tools and ultrasonic instruments to gently, thoroughly remove plaque and tartar from the teeth above and below the gum line and from the tooth roots. Once all this debris and bacteria is removed from the surfaces of the teeth and their roots, the tooth roots are smoothed out, or planed, to remove any rough spots where bacteria could gather and to promote the healing of the gums. This helps prevent future plaque and tartar from accumulating and helps the gums reattach to the teeth, minimizing the depth of bacterial pockets and reducing the risks of gum disease reappearing. Finally, an antibacterial oral rinse is applied to kill any bacteria that may remain in the oral cavity.
What Should I Expect After My Dental Deep Clean?
Following a deep teeth cleaning, proper aftercare is crucial for a complete recovery and continued oral health. Your dentist will provide specific instructions, but in general, you’ll want to avoid any foods that could irritate your gums, like foods that are especially crunchy or hard and foods that are spicy or acidic. You should expect some tenderness and sensitivity for a few days after treatment, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and gentle mouth rinses. Use any prescribed rinses or oral medications for the recommended time period to support your healing process, and make sure to see your dentist for your follow-up appointment and for routine checkups and cleanings going forward. Maintain effective oral hygiene by brushing gently at least twice a day and flossing or otherwise cleaning between the teeth daily, taking extra care not to damage the delicate gum tissue as it heals and beyond. As the gums heal following a deep teeth cleaning and the inflammation of periodontal disease diminishes, the gums will return to their comfortable fit around the bases of the teeth. With continued care at routine dental checkups and cleanings, and by carefully, properly maintaining your own oral hygiene, you can maintain the benefits of your dental deep clean and enhance your oral and dental health for the long term.