Deep Teeth Cleaning
Most dentists recommend that people get their teeth cleaned about once every year or perhaps every 18 months. For most people who brush and floss on a regular basis, this is satisfactory. Dentists may recommend more frequent cleanings for people who smoke or for people who do not maintain good dental habits. Standard teeth cleanings are the norm for nearly everyone; however, deep teeth cleanings may be necessary for some people.
There are situations in which a standard cleaning procedure is not sufficient to remove all of the tartar and plaque that a person may have. A standard cleaning may not be enough if, for instance, a person has gone too long between cleanings and they have gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease which it typically diagnosed by bleeding gums. Gingivitis causes ‘periodontal pockets’ around the teeth, where bacteria can hide. Also, a standard cleaning is not going to do well for a person who has deep pockets along the tooth roots due to bone recession, as these pockets are next to impossible for a person to keep clean at home. In both of these cases, a deep teeth cleaning will be required.
Why Deep Teeth Cleaning is Needed
When a person has any pockets around the gums, the standard method of teeth cleaning is not going to be enough to rid him or her of all plaque and tartar. This is because bacteria can get down into the pockets, causing more tooth damage – and making the perfect environment for tartar and plaque to build up. Therefore, a deep teeth cleaning will be crucial in terms of making certain the mouth is free of gum disease.
How Deep Teeth Cleaning Differs from Standard Cleaning
For a standard teeth cleaning, a dental assistant will basically use scaling to remove any dental tartar and plaque from the surfaces of the teeth. Specialized instruments and hand tools are used that work to remove all of the unwanted deposits. The teeth are then polished smooth, and fluoride may also be applied. Depending upon how much tartar and plaque is on the teeth, a standard cleaning can take from 30 to 60 minutes, and the procedure is not at all painful for most people.
A deep teeth cleaning is like a standard cleaning in that the tartar and plaque are scaled off. However, another process – called root planing – is also used in order to remove any infected tooth structure as well as any deposits under the gumline. Scaling and root planing are used at the same time in order to get the teeth back to their smooth, healthy condition. Deep teeth cleanings are typically broken down to be done either in quadrants of the mouth or in halves of the mouth since the appointments take a good deal longer than standard cleanings. Additionally, anesthetics or numbing agents may be used in order to provide pain relief during the procedure, though not all patients require them. Some dentists prescribe antibiotic gels for use with deep teeth cleanings so as to fight infection as well.
