What Is a Deep Dental Cleaning and Who Needs One?

A deep dental cleaning goes beyond the routine teeth cleanings you have every six months or so. Deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth that lie beneath the gumline. 

At Periodontist of Weston, we take great pride in delivering outstanding dental care in a setting that’s welcoming and relaxing. When it comes to deep dental cleanings, you’re in great hands when you rely on our team of dental health professionals. 

Let’s look at what happens during a deep cleaning and why you might benefit from this treatment. 

Deep cleanings help both your teeth and gums

The environment within your mouth is always shifting. The balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria is ever-changing, and the entire ecosystem is altered every time you eat, drink, or brush your teeth. 

Plaque is the sticky substance that you can feel building up on your teeth when you go too long between brushing. Left in place, plaque can harden into tartar, which isn’t as easy to remove. This happens on the visible surfaces of your teeth, but it can also happen in the spaces where your gum tissue begins to pull away from the surface of your teeth. 

Ideally, your gums should create a strong barrier between the environment within your mouth and the rest of your body. But when gum disease creates inflammation, your gums begin to detach from your teeth, leaving small spaces called pockets. 

These pockets provide the perfect shelter for bacteria to thrive. Left untreated, the pockets can deepen, and bacteria can eventually invade your tooth enamel to create cavities. 

Deep cleanings work by removing plaque and tartar from the root portion of your teeth, creating a smooth surface for your gum tissue to attach properly. 

How do I know if I need a deep cleaning?

Gum disease presents very clear signs, so paying close attention to your dental health is a great way to know if you might need a deep cleaning. Here are some things to look for:

• Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Signs of infection
• Tender or sore gums
• Sensitive teeth

Don’t ignore these changes. Gum disease is easiest to treat in the early stages, when infection is at a manageable level.  

The best way to avoid a deep cleaning is by coming in for routine professional dental cleanings every six months. During your visit, we remove all traces of plaque and tartar. We also check your gums to see if pockets are forming, and we can advise you if you need treatment to maintain healthy gum tissue. 

Don’t stress out about a deep dental cleaning 

If Dr. Segal advises you that you need a deep dental cleaning, there’s no need to feel anxious or fearful. Topical numbing gel or a local anesthetic keeps you comfortable during the treatment.

A number of different tools help Dr. Segal remove plaque and tartar deposits from your tooth roots. Handheld dental scalers are one option, and ultrasonic instruments are another. Dr. Segal chooses the best fit for your specific needs, and might alternate between tools during the visit. 

Deep cleaning also involves smoothing the surface of your tooth roots to help your gums adhere properly. If you have advanced gum disease, he might work on one half of your mouth during one visit, and have you come back to complete the other half at a later date. You might also need an injection of antibiotic medication to prevent an infection from spreading. 

Once the anesthetic wears off, expect some minor sensitivity and minimal bleeding. Your gum tissue heals very rapidly, so any tenderness and swelling will resolve within a couple of days. 

If you’d like to learn more about how a deep dental cleaning might enhance your dental health, give us a call to schedule a consultation, or use our easy online booking option to check appointment availability. Our team at Periodontist of Weston looks forward to welcoming you and working with you.