Regular cleaning at your dentist's office is important for maintaining good oral health. However, sometimes, a deeper and more extensive cleaning is needed to remove built-up plaque and tartar from areas not reachable by regular cleaning. Please keep reading to understand what a deep cleaning entails and how it differs from a routine cleaning.
What is a Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, goes beyond a regular cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from beneath your gumline and on hard-to-reach surfaces of your teeth. Deep cleaning teeth removes built-up plaque and calculus not only on the visible surfaces of your teeth but also up to 4mm deep under your gums.
Why is a Deep Cleaning Required?
There are a few reasons why your dentist in Knoxville may recommend a deep cleaning:
Chronic Periodontal (Gum) Disease
If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, a deep cleaning is often the first step in treatment. Periodontal disease causes inflammation and can lead to receding gums, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss if left untreated. A deep cleaning removes the bacteria causing the inflammation.
Significant Buildup Below the Gums
Even if you don't have gum disease, it's possible to develop hardened plaque, known as calculus, in areas not reachable by your toothbrush or during a routine cleaning. If a significant amount of buildup accumulates under your gums, deep cleaning removes it before it can cause damage.
Preparation for Dental Procedures
A deep cleaning of teeth may be recommended to prepare your mouth for certain dental treatments, like dental implants, crowns, bridges, and veneers. Thoroughly removing all plaque, tartar, and bacteria creates an environment for these restorations to integrate successfully.
What Happens During a Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning is similar to regular cleaning but utilizes specialized dental instruments to access the roots beneath the gums. Here's a general overview:
• Numbing medication is applied to prevent discomfort.
• Dental instruments and ultrasonic devices remove plaque and calculus above and below the gumline.
• Hand instruments may be used to smooth rough spots on tooth roots.
• Antimicrobial gel is applied under the gums to control bacteria and promote healing.
• Your local dentist near me will review home care instructions for optimal healing.
How Long Does a Deep Cleaning Take?
The length of your deep cleaning appointment depends on the extent of buildup needing to be removed. Usually, 30 minutes to an hour is required to perform scaling and root planing above and below the gumline on all teeth. It may take place over multiple visits if extensive cleaning is needed.
What is the Recovery Time After a Deep Cleaning?
You can expect some tenderness in the treatment area for a few days. Your gums will be inflamed and may bleed slightly. This is normal as your gums heal.
Follow all of your dentist's home care instructions carefully. Avoid hard foods during the initial healing phase. Brush and floss gently using antimicrobial mouthwash. The inflammation and discomfort dissipate as your mouth recovers over the next couple of weeks.
Within a few weeks, you'll enjoy healthier gums and an environment less hospitable to excessive bacteria accumulation. Sticking to thorough oral hygiene routines at home will help maintain good results.
Is a Deep Cleaning Painful?
Thanks to advancements in local anesthetics, deep cleaning procedures today don't have to be painful experiences. The initial numbing shots may cause mild discomfort, but the cleaning is pain-free.
Any soreness in the following days can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication as directed by your family dentist near you. While a deep cleaning may sound intimidating, it doesn't need to hurt with proper numbing medication on board.
Key Takeaways: Deep Cleaning vs Routine Cleaning
• A deep cleaning thoroughly removes plaque and tartar above and below the gumlines, while a routine cleaning only accesses surface areas.
• Reasons for deep cleaning include gum disease, significant buildup below gums, or preparation for dental treatments.
• Deep cleanings take longer, require specialized tools to reach deeper areas, and involve a period of healing and soreness.
• Thanks to modern numbing agents, deep cleaning procedures can be made comfortable and painless for patients.
Schedule Deep Cleaning Appointments With Our Knoxville Office
If it's been a while since your last dental visit or if you've noticed signs of gum inflammation, don't put off scheduling a checkup. The skilled hygienists at Knoxville Dental Associates can assess the health of your gums and determine if a deep cleaning is recommended. We utilize advanced equipment and methods to perform scaling and root planning procedures comfortably and effectively.
With convenient office hours, we make it easy to get the thorough cleanings you need for optimal oral health. Contact our Knoxville dentist's office today to schedule your evaluation and cleaning!