What Happens During Deep Teeth Cleaning?
During a deep teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, a dental professional focuses on thoroughly removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from beneath the gum line and smoothing the tooth roots to encourage healing and reattachment of the gums. This procedure is more comprehensive than a routine cleaning. It is often recommended for individuals with periodontitis (gum disease) or at risk of developing it.
Preliminary Exam and Preparation
Before the deep cleaning, a hygienist or a dentist examines the patient's mouth to determine the severity of gum disease. Mostly, it is carried out by measuring the pocket depth, the space between the teeth and gums, using a special probe. Deeper pockets are a sign of more progressive gum disease since healthy gums have pocket depths of 1-3 millimeters.
If deep cleaning is required, the dental professional will explain the treatment and discuss pain management options. Most patients are administered a local anesthetic to numb the gums and areas surrounding the gum line to make the procedure comfortable.
Scaling
The first step in the deep cleaning process is scaling. Using specialized instruments including an ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments, the dentist will remove plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of the teeth and below the gumline. Hardened plaque, or tartar, can't be removed with regular brushing or flossing and thus requires professional intervention.
Scaling targets the cleaning of those areas that are not accessible through routine oral hygiene, mainly below the gumline where harmful bacteria can accumulate. This step is quite important in arresting further development of gum disease and also in bringing down inflammation.
Root Planing
After scaling, root planing is done to smoothen the surfaces of the roots of teeth, which become roughened by the plaque accumulation and bacterial activity. This smoothes out the roots and discourages further accumulation of plaque, allowing the gums to reattach more efficiently to the teeth.
Moreover, root planning reduces pocket depth between the gums, thereby creating a very healthy environment in the mouth. This step is especially important to prevent recurrence of gum disease and ensure long-term oral health.
Aftercare
Depending on the severity of gum disease, deep cleaning can be performed in a single visit or multiple visits. After each visit, the dentist will instruct the patient on aftercare, which may include the use of a prescribed antimicrobial rinse, over-the-counter pain medications, and diligent oral hygiene.
Mild soreness, gum sensitivity, and minor bleeding are to be expected for a few days after the procedure. Patients are advised to adhere to soft foods and a soft diet for some time. Follow-up appointments at regular intervals would enable a dentist to review healing and estimate the success of the treatment.
Conclusion
Deep teeth cleaning is done to halt the progress of gum disease, reduce inflammation, and create a healthier foundation for the teeth and gums. The procedure promotes gum reattachment by removing the damaging bacteria, thereby improving overall oral health and reducing the risk of tooth loss and systemic health problems associated with untreated gum disease.