Most people think that deep dental cleaning involves brushing and flossing their teeth every day. Some are probably putting whitening solutions on the teeth too. This is not what you call deep cleaning. A periodontist does the procedure because it involves cleaning below the gumline and down to your roots.
But, how is deep dental cleaning different from regular dental cleaning? The latter focuses on the teeth and the areas above the gumline. The procedure is non-invasive and is usually done every six months to maintain good dental hygiene. Deep dental cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria below the gumline and down to the roots. The procedure can stop the progression of gum disease and tooth loss.
There is no specific time when people need to go to a periodontist for deep dental cleaning. The procedure is not always right for good dental health maintenance. However, people should undergo deep cleaning when they have deep pockets. This means more than 4 mm of exposure between the gums and teeth. Also, people should have deep cleaning if they have not gone to the dentist for regular deep cleaning for more than a year.
A deep dental cleaning includes two procedures: scaling and root planing. Scaling is when the plaque and tartar are removed from the surface of the teeth and the pocket between the gums and teeth. Root planing is when the dentists use a scaling instrument to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth’s roots. The dentists will use anesthesia to numb the areas to be cleaned.
The procedures will require two or more visits to the dentist. The first visit will be for the scaling, while the second visit will be for the root planing. The two procedures cannot be done subsequently on the same day because they will be too painful for the patient. After several weeks, the patients need to do a follow-up checkup so the dentist can check if everything healed.
Deep dental cleaning is crucial in preventing gum diseases and periodontitis. When the gums wear out, the bones of the teeth will be exposed. If there is at least 4 mm of exposed root, it is time to visit the dentist. Neglecting the teeth’s health can lead to several conditions, including abscesses, infection in the tissue around the teeth, and even heart disease.
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If your dentist has already recommended deep dental cleaning in the past, make sure to get one soon. You should not wait for severe problems before going to a dentist. Make an appointment for regular cleaning, and once you are there, the dentist can take a look if you need deep cleaning instead. Regular visits to the dentist will keep your teeth healthy and strong.
Request an appointment or call Charles E. Dyer IV, DDS, MS, PC at 281-213-0900 for an appointment in our Cypress office.
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