If it’s been a while since your last dental cleaning, a standard cleaning may not be enough. In these cases, dentists often recommend a deep dental cleaning, or deep teeth cleaning to gently and skillfully remove plaque and tartar from all parts of the teeth, preventing decay and disease.
Learn more about the deep cleaning process, benefits, cost, and more in this blog.
The Deep Teeth Cleaning Process
The deep dental cleaning process involves three steps: preparation, scaling/root planing, and final treatments. The length of the procedure depends on the number of periodontal pockets you have.
Preparation
To prepare for this process, the dentist will ask about your medical history and perform an x-ray. This provides the information he or she needs to determine which areas of the mouth to focus on. To prepare your mouth, the dentist may administer local anesthesia so you feel no pain during the procedure. Your dentist will then begin probing the gums to determine if you have gingivitis or periodontitis.
Scaling
During this part of the process, your dentist will use a dental scaler to remove the plaque from above and below your gum line. Some dentists use a vibrating ultrasonic tool and a water spray to remove the plaque and tartar. This part of the process may be the most uncomfortable, but remember, your dentist will administer local anesthesia so you should only feel pressure, not pain.
Root Planing
Root planing involves a rubbing motion to smooth rough spots on the roots of the teeth. This is important because bacteria have a harder time sticking to smooth surfaces.
Final Treatments
In addition to scaling and root planing, the dentist might apply fluoride treatment and floss your teeth once more.
Benefits
Deep teeth cleanings are a critical part of oral hygiene maintenance for people with periodontal disease. Here are five benefits of receiving regular deep dental cleanings:
- Periodontal disease cannot progress if there is no plaque or tartar along the gum line.
- Without the bacteria and tartar, the gums can reattach to the tooth roots.
- The risk of cavities is reduced.
- Persistent bad breath, or halitosis, is eliminated.
- Healthy gums protect your tooth roots and jawbone.
FAQs About Deep Teeth Cleaning
How do I know if I need a deep dental cleaning?
Deep teeth cleanings are not recommended for everyone. However, if you have any form of gum disease, a deep teeth cleaning is often recommended to prevent the progression of the disease and other serious symptoms like tooth movement and tooth loss.
Though the symptoms of gum disease aren’t always visible, you may need a deep teeth cleaning if you have any of these symptoms:
- Gums that bleed easily
- Persistent bad breath
- A constant bad taste in your mouth
- Swollen, red, or tender gums
- Gum recession (gums that have pulled away from your teeth)
- Separating or loose permanent teeth
How much does it cost?
The cost of any dental procedure depends on various factors, including your location and your specific dentist. For deep dental cleanings in particular, dentists charge by the quadrant (upper right, lower right, upper left, lower left). So, the final cost is also determined by which teeth need to be cleaned.
According to costhelper.com, the cost for each quadrant can range from $100-$450. Other cost factors include how deeply the dentist has to clean, antibiotic injections, and debridement. If you have dental insurance, it should cover some of the cost. If you do not have dental insurance, talk to your dentist about your payment options.
What should I expect after treatment?
Following your deep cleaning procedure, your dental team will provide specific care instructions. This may include avoiding certain foods, not brushing the affected areas, and waiting one week to floss so you do not agitate the gums.
You may experience slight soreness of the gums, bleeding when you brush, and swelling. These are normal and should not be a concern unless the symptoms persist for more than a few days.
It can take 4-6 weeks for your mouth to completely heal and your dentist may recommend a follow-up appointment to ensure you are healing properly. Over time, with proper care, you should notice the gums rapidly improving and the pockets shrinking.
Schedule a Deep Teeth Cleaning Today
Could you benefit from a deep teeth cleaning? If so, don’t put off treatment any longer. Our team is eager to help you restore your smile back to health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.