Deep Teeth Cleaning
Deep teeth cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is an essential dental procedure beyond routine cleaning. It is designed to treat and prevent gum disease while maintaining oral health.
During this procedure, dentists use specialised tools to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. This thorough cleaning eliminates harmful bacteria and toxins that can accumulate in the periodontal pockets—spaces between the gums and teeth. Root planing is also performed to smooth tooth roots, aiding gum reattachment and reducing future plaque buildup.
Why is Deep Teeth Cleaning Important?
Deep teeth cleaning is important for stopping the progression of gum disease, preventing tooth loss, and supporting overall oral health. While regular dental cleaning targets visible plaque and tartar, deep cleaning is necessary when gum disease, like gingivitis or periodontitis, is present or when symptoms such as swollen or bleeding gums occur. By removing plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line, deep teeth cleaning helps maintain healthy gums and teeth.
Scaling & Root Planing For Healthy Smiles!
The Deep Teeth Cleaning Procedure
Deep teeth cleaning has two main steps: scaling and root planing.
Scaling
A dental hygienist or dentist removes plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline using special tools. They use ultrasonic scalers and manual instruments to ensure a thorough cleaning of the tooth surfaces.
Root Planing
This step smooths the tooth roots, removing any rough spots where bacteria can gather again. It helps the gums reattach to the tooth surfaces and lowers the chance of future plaque buildup.
Pain Management during Deep Teeth Cleaning
Deep teeth cleaning is usually done with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. The anesthetic numbs the area, so you won’t feel pain. After the procedure, some patients may have mild discomfort or sensitivity, which can usually be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Aftercare and Follow-up
After deep teeth cleaning, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene to keep your teeth and gums healthy and to prevent gum disease from coming back. Regular dental check-ups are also important to keep track of your oral health and to catch any issues early. Deep teeth cleaning is an important way to manage and prevent gum disease. It helps keep your teeth and gums healthy and supports a confident smile.
If you notice any signs of gum problems or have questions about your oral health, talk to our skilled dental professionals at Amazing Smiles. Our team is here to provide excellent deep teeth cleaning and personalized care to help you maintain optimal oral health.
Remember, regular deep teeth cleaning and routine dental visits are essential for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Conditions For Deep Teeth Cleaning
- Gum Disease: To treat and manage gingivitis or periodontitis, deep teeth cleaning is performed to remove the bacteria and toxins causing gum inflammation and infection.
- Gum Recession: When gums recede, the roots of the teeth become exposed, making them vulnerable to plaque and tartar buildup. Deep teeth cleaning can address this concern.
- Persistent Bad Breath: Foul breath may indicate an accumulation of bacteria below the gumline, which requires deep cleaning to eliminate the source of odor.
- Deep Pockets: The presence of deep gum pockets, measured during a periodontal examination, indicates a need for deep cleaning to reduce pocket depth and prevent further progression of gum disease.
- Heavy Tartar Buildup: If tartar buildup is excessive, regular cleaning methods may not be sufficient, making deep teeth cleaning necessary for thorough removal.
Benefits of Scaling & Root Planing
Deep teeth cleaning effectively treats gum disease by removing plaque, tartar, and harmful bacteria from below the gumline. This process stops gum disease progression, preserving gum health and reducing the risk of tooth loss, as untreated gum disease can damage surrounding bone and tissues.
Additionally, it improves gum health by reducing redness, swelling, and tenderness, allowing gums to heal and reattach to teeth more effectively. Deep cleaning also helps eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath, leading to fresher breath and a cleaner oral environment. It reduces the depth of gum pockets, making it easier for patients to maintain good oral hygiene.
Deep teeth cleaning is a preventive measure for better oral health for those at higher risk of gum disease or with a history of periodontal issues. This procedure is essential for maintaining gum health, preventing tooth loss, and promoting long-term oral well-being.
FAQ’s
What is the difference between regular clean and deep dental cleaning?
The key differences between regular and deep dental cleaning are their purposes, processes, and target areas.
Regular Dental Cleaning:
- Purpose: Preventive care to maintain oral health and avoid cavities and gum disease.
- Frequency: Recommended every six months for those with healthy gums.
The process involves removing plaque, tartar, and stains from the visible surfaces of teeth and polishing them for a smooth finish. - Target Area: Focuses on areas above the gumline to prevent plaque buildup.
Deep Dental Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing):
- Purpose: treatment for managing gum disease, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Frequency: Suggested when signs of gum disease are present, like inflammation or bleeding.
- The Process: It involves thorough scaling above and below the gumline and smoothing tooth roots to promote gum reattachment.
- Target Area: Addresses the root surfaces and periodontal pockets to eliminate bacteria and toxins.
In summary, regular dental cleaning is for preventive maintenance, while deep dental cleaning is a gum disease treatment targeting areas below the gumline. Both are essential for maintaining oral health.
What is the difference between a deep clean and root canal therapy?
Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) and root canal therapy are dental procedures with distinct purposes and targets.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
- Purpose: Treats gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis).
- Target Area: This treatment focuses on removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline and along tooth roots to address gum inflammation.
- Procedure: Dental professionals use specialized tools to remove deposits and smooth the roots, promoting gum healing.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is typically used for comfort.
- Outcome: Reduces gum inflammation and helps prevent the progression of gum disease.
Root Canal Therapy
- Purpose: Saves a damaged or infected tooth from extraction.
- Target Area: Addresses issues within the tooth’s pulp, which may be infected due to decay or trauma.
- Procedure: The dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the tooth, seals it with gutta-percha, and usually places a crown on it.
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area.
- Outcome: Effectively relieves pain, saves the tooth, and prevents extraction.
Deep cleaning targets gum health, while root canal therapy focuses on preserving a damaged tooth. Both are vital for maintaining oral health, but address different issues.
How do I know if I need deep teeth cleaning?
You may need a deep dental cleaning if you show signs of gum disease or if your dentist identifies issues during your check-up. Here are some indicators that suggest you might require one:
- Gum Inflammation: Swollen, red, or tender gums can indicate gum disease (gingivitis).
- Bleeding Gums: Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing may signal the need for deep cleaning.
- Persistent Bad Breath: Ongoing bad breath could mean bacteria are building below the gum line.
- Gum Recession: Receding gums expose tooth roots, which deep cleaning can help protect.
- Deep Gum Pockets: If your dentist finds pockets deeper than usual during an exam, it suggests gum disease.
- Heavy Tartar Buildup: Excessive tartar may require deep cleaning for complete removal.
- Previous Gum Disease: A history of gum disease may necessitate periodic deep cleanings.
Regular dental visits are essential for assessing oral health. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, consult our Gold Coast and Brisbane dentists for appropriate care. Early intervention can help prevent complications and maintain oral health.
What are the dangers of leaving plaque and tartar on my teeth?
Neglecting to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth can lead to serious oral health issues. Here are the main risks:
- Tooth Decay: Plaque produces acids that erode tooth enamel, causing cavities.
- Gum Disease: Plaque buildup can inflame gums (gingivitis) and, if untreated, progress to periodontitis, leading to tooth loss.
- Bad Breath: Bacteria in plaque and tartar create unpleasant odours, resulting in halitosis.
- Staining: Tartar, which hardens from plaque, causes yellow or brown stains on teeth.
- Weakening of Tooth Structure: Acids from plaque weaken teeth, making them more prone to damage.
- Tooth Sensitivity: Plaque and tartar can expose tooth roots, increasing sensitivity to temperature and sugar.
- Aesthetic Impact: Staining from tartar can decrease self-confidence by affecting the appearance of your smile.
- Cleaning Difficulty: Tartar creates a rough surface that makes it hard to clean teeth properly, leading to more plaque buildup.
- Systemic Health Risks: Poor oral health, particularly gum disease, may increase the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
To minimize these risks, maintain good oral hygiene: brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist for professional cleanings. These steps can help prevent dental problems and support your overall health.
How deep cleaning treats gum disease?
Deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is crucial for treating gum disease, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. It removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria below the gumline, addressing inflammation and infection.
- Scaling: A dental professional uses specialised tools to clean plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces, helping gum tissues heal and reducing inflammation.
- Root Planing: This step smooths rough tooth roots exposed by gum recession, preventing bacteria and plaque buildup and aiding gum reattachment.
- Gum Pocket Reduction: Deep cleaning minimises gum pocket depth, making it easier for patients to maintain oral hygiene and prevent plaque.
- Gum Healing Promotion: Deep cleaning eliminates the source of infection, fostering gum healing and reattachment to teeth, leading to healthier gums that bleed less.
- Tooth Loss Prevention: Untreated gum disease can cause tooth loss, but deep cleaning preserves gum health and reduces this risk.
Overall, deep cleaning is essential for treating gum disease, promoting healing, and maintaining optimal oral health.
What is gum or periodontal scaling?
Gum scaling, or dental scaling, is a procedure performed by a dentist or dental hygienist to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from tooth surfaces, particularly below the gumline. This procedure is essential for preventing and treating gum disease.
Professionals use specialised tools, such as dental and ultrasonic scalers, during gum scaling to effectively eliminate plaque and tartar. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that hardens into tar, leading to gum inflammation and disease.
The procedure focuses on tooth surfaces and the roots beneath the gums, typically using local anesthesia for patient comfort. Gum scaling is a preventive measure that promotes good oral health by creating a clean surface for patients to maintain with proper home care, reducing future plaque buildup.
Regular gum scaling and routine dental check-ups and cleanings are crucial for keeping gums healthy and ensuring overall oral well-being.
What is root planing?
Root planing is a dental procedure performed alongside gum scaling as part of deep cleaning for gum disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis. The dentist or dental hygienist uses specialised tools to smooth rough surfaces on tooth roots that can attract bacteria, plaque, and tartar.
The main goal of root planing is to create a clean, smooth surface on the tooth roots to help prevent future plaque buildup and reduce gum inflammation. As gum disease progresses, gums can pull away from teeth, leading to deep pockets where bacteria can thrive. Smoothing the tooth roots allows the gums to reattach more effectively, reducing these pockets and promoting a healthier environment.
This non-surgical procedure is usually performed with local anesthesia for patient comfort. Root planing is crucial for managing gum disease and preserving gum health, helping to prevent further damage and promote overall oral well-being.
How to reduce tooth sensitivity after deep cleaning?
To reduce tooth sensitivity after a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), follow these tips:
- Use Desensitising Toothpaste: Switch to a toothpaste that blocks nerve sensitivity.
- Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and circular movements; avoid aggressive scrubbing.
- Rinse with Fluoride Mouthwash: This strengthens enamel and reduces sensitivity.
- Limit Acidic Foods and Drinks: They can erode enamel and increase sensitivity.
- Use a Straw: This minimises contact with teeth when consuming acidic beverages.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Stay away from very hot or cold foods and drinks.
- Stop Grinding or Clenching: Discuss a mouthguard with your dentist if you grind your teeth.
- Consider Fluoride Treatments: In-office or at-home fluoride applications can help.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily, floss daily, and keep up with dental check-ups.
- Consult Your Dentist: If sensitivity persists, seek professional advice for further assessment and treatment.
Some sensitivity after deep cleaning is normal but typically improves with proper care. If you have concerns, contact Amazing Smiles dentists for tailored advice.
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