Deep cleaning of teeth is much more than a dental routine. It is like a spa day for your mouth and gives you a megawatt smile and confidence, ready to shine. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ella Dekhtyar at Broadway Family Dental to find out more about deep cleaning teeth and how it can save you from periodontal disease and other health concerns. Dr. Dekhtyar strives to provide the best and most appropriate dental care using advanced equipment that makes treatment easier and better. She helps you achieve optimal dental hygiene to fight bad breath and prevent gum disease for years.
Deep teeth cleaning is designed to clean the teeth and gums to the roots. Dentists recommend deep teeth cleaning to remove the build-up of tartar below the gum line, eliminate bacteria, prevent bone loss, and ensure healthy teeth and gums for years.
Also called periodontal scaling or root planing, deep cleaning teeth is like tooth scaling except that it takes place on the roots of your teeth, below the gum line.
Signs that you might need deep teeth cleaning include bleeding gums, receding gums, and loose teeth. It is essential to regularly brush and floss your teeth and visit your dentist at least twice a year for routine dental cleaning to prevent tooth damage.
Read on to learn more about deep cleaning of teeth and why it is necessary, including any disadvantages of this procedure.
What Is Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Deep teeth cleaning becomes necessary if you have been diagnosed with any form of periodontitis, mild or severe. It can remove the accumulation of plaque and tartar on your teeth, reduce gum inflammation, and improve gum health.
Plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth. It contains bacteria and develops when food particles mix with saliva. You can remove plaque by brushing your teeth, but sometimes it is not possible to remove all plaque, especially when it is between your teeth. Leftover plaque hardens and forms tartar. If this plaque or tartar is not eliminated, it can lead to gum disease.
Gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum. If it is not treated timely, it can advance to periodontitis, a serious infection that destroys the bone that supports the teeth. At this stage, typical teeth cleaning does not work as it can only treat gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease.
Pros and Cons of Deep Cleaning Teeth
Pros of Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning is necessary if gum disease is causing your gums to pull away from your teeth, creating a space greater than 5 mm deep. If gum disease worsens, the space between your gums and teeth can continue to widen. It can weaken the bones that support your teeth, causing loose teeth or tooth loss.
Benefits of deep cleaning include:
- It stops the gum disease from progressing further
- Treats current infection and promotes healing
- Cleans your teeth above and below the gum line
- Fights bad breath caused by gum disease
- Protects the roots of your teeth
- Supports gum health
- Prevents tooth loss
Deep cleaning teeth is a crucial dental procedure for treating gum disease, gingivitis, and periodontitis. The cleaning process ensures the long-term well-being of your teeth and gums and maintains oral health.
Cons of Deep Cleaning
Despite its amazing benefits, the procedure has its risks, but there is no research on the potential long-term side effects of professional teeth cleaning.
Some alleged disadvantages or side effects of deep cleaning teeth include:
- Slight pain and discomfort
- Increased sensitivity
- Gum recession in certain cases
- Risk of infection after the procedure as the gums are exposed during the cleaning process
- Nerve damage in rare cases
Most people report minimal pain and sensitivity that only last about 5 to 7 days, which may extend to a few more days in extensive cases. If the gums are already irritated or inflamed, they are more likely to bleed during the procedure. Because of this, you must tell your dentist beforehand if you are taking any blood thinning medication.
Why Is Deep Cleaning Important for Dental Health?
Deep cleaning removes tartar from below the gum line. It is different from routine teeth cleaning, which removes plaque and tartar from above the gum line. Gum disease can cause a space or gap between your teeth and gums where plaque and tartar become trapped. Cleaning below the gum line gets rid of this damaging buildup.
What to Expect During the Procedure?
The deep cleaning procedure includes:
- Anesthesia – Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area being treated.
- Scaling – Your dentist uses special tools to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and roots.
- Root planing – The roots are smoothed out to remove rough spots where bacteria can hide and promote healing.
- Antibacterial rinse – An antimicrobial rinse may be used to kill any remaining bacteria.
- Follow-up appointment – The dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to check out how successful deep cleaning has been and ensure proper healing.
Gum Scaling and Root Planing
Deep cleaning involves gum scaling and root planing. Root planing is similar to scaling, but it takes place on the root of the tooth that sits below the gum line and other hard-to-reach areas where tartar builds up. Dentists use a tool to gently push aside the gum tissue and expose the surface of the roots to remove plaque and tartar that has formed there. It reduces the size of the space between your teeth and gums, helping the gums reattach to the teeth.
It takes two or more visits depending on plaque and tartar accumulation, and each visit can take 1 to 2 hours. Your dentist may recommend antibiotics for a few days to reduce the risk of infection after the procedure, in case your immune system has been compromised, as deep dental cleanings often release bacteria into the bloodstream.
Does Deep Cleaning Hurt?
Teeth scaling and root planing can cause some discomfort because of complicating factors. Your dentist will give a topical or local anesthetic to numb your gums before starting the procedure. If you feel any discomfort in the middle of the treatment, just raise your left hand, and you can be given more anesthetic.
You can expect some sensitivity after the treatment, as gum inflammation can lead to increased sensations. Your gums might swell, and you might have minor bleeding too. Call your dentist if your pain or bleeding increases.
How to Reduce Sensitivity After the Procedure?
Eating soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, or mashed potatoes for a few days after the procedure can help to reduce sensitivity. It is also important to avoid extremely hot or cold foods and drinks.
Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water and taking over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen can reduce inflammation and sensitivity. Regular brushing and flossing, at least twice a day, promote healing and reduce further gum swelling. Make sure to use a soft bristle toothbrush to avoid irritating the gums.
How Much Does Deep Teeth Cleaning Cost?
Deep cleaning cost varies, depending on the severity of your gum disease or inflammation. For most people, two visits are sufficient to get rid of the plaque and tartar that are causing the problem. During these sessions, your mouth is divided into quadrants. Each quadrant costs $100 or more, depending on where you live or how much treatment you need.
Most dental insurance plans cover deep cleanings as a preventive measure to maintain oral health. However, coverage may vary depending on your plan and dental needs.
Understanding how deep cleaning works and its pros and cons can help you get the best treatment and maintain optimal oral health. Call Broadway Family Dental today and schedule an appointment with Dr. Ella Dekhtyar for the best dental care and periodontal cleanings to avoid diseases. Dr. Dekhtyar assesses your oral health and recommends how often you can deep clean your teeth to enjoy strong and healthy teeth and gums for years. She focuses on removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria that can lead to decay and infections with painless treatment options and ensures you get the smile you have always wanted.
Broadway Family Dental
1152 Broadway
Brooklyn, NY 11221
(Bushwick, Williamsburg, Bedford-Stuyvesant)
(718) 455-4400