woman smiling holding a mirror at the dentist office

General Dentistry

What Is A Deep Cleaning?

Removing plaque and calculus from beneath the gingival margin is called deep cleaning. During a deep cleaning, your dentist removes plaque and calculus from the area that is hard to clean with a routine toothbrush. Superficial plaque and calculus are removed by scaling and polishing, but by removing plaque and tartar that have accumulated on your teeth, a deep teeth cleaning can reduce gum inflammation and enhance gum health. A viscous coating known as plaque develops on teeth. It forms when saliva and food debris combine and contain microorganisms. Plaque, which builds up on teeth every day, can be removed by brushing your teeth. However, brushing alone won't get rid of all the plaque between your teeth. Tartar is created when leftover plaque calcifies or hardens. Gum disease can be brought on by plaque or tartar buildup. This includes gingivitis, a gum condition characterized by inflammation. Gingivitis can progress to periodontitis if neglected. The bone that supports the teeth is destroyed by this dangerous infection.

What Are The Advantages Of A Deep Cleaning? If a dental condition causes your tissues to move away from your teeth, leaving a space more than 5 millimeters (mm) deep, you could need a deep cleaning. The distance between your gum tissue may continue to grow if gum disease gets worse. This may weaken the bones that hold your teeth in place, leading to missing or loose teeth. Following are some benefits of deep cleaning. -Prevent the progression of diseases to periodontal diseases: When there is no plaque and calculus below your gum margin, then it will eliminate all the bacteria and stop the disease from progressing to underlying periodontal and bone tissues. -Treat gingivitis: By removing plaque and calculus, the bacteria can't adhere to the gums and tooth surface, where it will cause the infection of the gums. -Eliminate bad breath: Bad breath occurs due to the accumulation of food debris in between the gum tissue. When there is plaque and calculus, it provides a home for the attachment of food debris and other bacteria. The calculus also makes it hard to remove food debris with the help of a routine toothbrush. Therefore deep cleaning is needed to reduce the chance of bad breath. -Protect your tooth roots from infection: Your gums protect the roots of your teeth from diseases. However, when gums tissue becomes infected, and the calculus crosses the gum line, then it proceeds to the roots of the teeth. The roots become infected and cause severe tooth pain.

What Are The Disadvantages Of A Deep Cleaning? -It may damage the nerve: A deep cleaning may, in rare instances, harm nerves. Damaged nerves block impulses going to and coming from the brain. Therefore, it is crucial to discuss your general health concerns with your dentist before receiving treatment. Patients with Sjogren's syndrome, autoimmune disorders, lupus, vasculitis, etc., frequently experience nerve injury. -Gingival recession: Following the procedure, bleeding gums are normal. The gums begin to bleed somewhat for the next two to three days. As a result, the patient must softly wash their teeth. -Patients may feel sensitivity: After scaling and root planing, patients typically report minor hurting and throbbing. The patients experience a small amount of edema as well, although this subsides within three to five days. However, be prepared to speak with your dentist if the pain or discomfort does not go away after a week.

Is A Deep Cleaning Really Necessary? You won't know for sure unless you ask your dentist or dental therapist. You are at risk for periodontal disease if a dental examination reveals significant pockets, such as those 4 mm or larger. You are now a candidate for the treatment, which entails a thorough cleaning of your teeth, and it is strongly advised if you wish to halt and stop the disease's progression. If left untreated, the bacteria that caused your tissues to develop pockets would continue to produce plaque, tartar, and potentially bone thinning. You're not the only one who has been informed you need a deep cleaning of your teeth. More and more studies have revealed a connection between gum disease's advancement and the emergence of more serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes, dementia, and others. You commit it to your general health to take care of your teeth if your dentist or hygienist recommends one.

How Long Does A Deep Cleaning Take? A deep cleaning session typically lasts 45 minutes or less. Most of the time, two visits are required for a deep cleaning to thoroughly clean both sides of the mouth. On the first visit, your dentist will clean and remove the debris, and then on the second visit, they will polish the tooth surface. However, it depends upon the extent of the plaque and calculus on the underlying tissues. If the calculus is deeper, then the dentist may require local anesthesia of your tissue. This will reduce the chance of discomfort during the procedure.

How Often Should You Get A Deep Cleaning? Although extensive cleaning should be performed every three to four months, basic cleaning is typically advised to be done twice a year. The fact that routine teeth cleaning is seen as care management is one of the contrasts between the two. On the other hand, periodontal cleaning is a method of managing the condition. After the deep cleaning has removed the bacteria, they will return and, after three to four months, start to cause damage. The goal of the periodontal care program at the dental office is to get rid of germs before they cause damage to your teeth and gums' structural integrity.

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I'm so happy to have found this awesome dentist with an awesome staff. I am completely confident in the doctor's skill level, and completely comfortable relying on him to work on me without allowing me to experience unnecessary pain. In addition to having a good relationship with the dentist, being able to relate with the office staff is equally important to me. From the hygienist to the dental assistants to the front desk, they're all top notch.

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They're All Top Notch
Julie C.

I'm so happy to have found this awesome dentist with an awesome staff. I am completely confident in the doctor's skill level, and completely comfortable relying on him to work on me without allowing me to experience unnecessary pain. In addition to having a good relationship with the dentist, being able to relate with the office staff is equally important to me. From the hygienist to the dental assistants to the front desk, they're all top notch.

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This is the best dentist I have been to and I have been to several. The team is professional and welcoming. They are never over-booked and I have never waited more than 5 minutes in the lobby. They are so efficient, no matter what I go in for, I am out in 45 minutes or less. I highly recommend Cypress Family Dental.

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