If a dentist says that a dental deep cleaning is needed, patients may wonder what it is and its purpose. Dental deep cleanings are usually advised after a patient exhibits signs of gum disease in a comprehensive periodontal evaluation (CPE), often done annually. This article discusses what the procedure is all about and what patients can expect.
The process of examining the gums involves the use of a dental tool called a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the gap (also called the periodontal pocket) between the gum and teeth. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), a good gum pocket depth should be 3mm or less. Anything more than that may be a sign of gum disease and prompt the dentist to suggest a dental deep cleaning. Probing the gum tissue is painless and an important process for anyone during a dental appointment.
A regular dental cleaning involves the dentist removing plaque and tartar from the teeth and along the gum line. A dental deep cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar as well, but it extends below the gum line. Additionally, the expert will perform a meticulous cleaning of the root’s surfaces, also known as root planing.
The dentist might suggest a dental deep cleaning if they determine that a patient’s home oral care routine is not enough to reverse a mild case of gum disease (known as gingivitis). It is usually the first step in the treatment of periodontitis, the more advanced version of gum disease. Deep cleanings can help prevent more invasive treatments for gum disease which, if not treated promptly, can cause tooth loss.
Root planing eliminates plaque and tartar deposits on the roots and smooths rough spots where bacteria tend to accumulate on the root. This procedure is necessary to remove bacteria responsible for gum disease and to provide the gums with a smooth surface for reattachment. Root planing procedures may last between one to two hours over multiple appointments. Patients will typically get local anesthetic or numbing gel before the treatment starts.
The professional may use conventional dental tools like scalers and ultrasonic cleaning or a laser to remove plaque and tartar. Using lasers generally results in less bleeding, discomfort, and swelling than traditional cleaning methods, but the person needs to be trained on its usage. In certain situations, the deep dental cleaning process may include applying antimicrobials below the gum line to destroy the bacteria.
Patients may experience tooth sensitivity, soreness, or bleeding for a few days after the procedure. Additional dental appointments may be necessary so that the dentist can monitor the healing progress and check the depth of gum pockets.
Here are frequently asked questions about deep dental cleaning:
Some patients do not need a deep cleaning. However, in the case of individuals with gingivitis or a more severe case of gum disease, a deep cleaning may be necessary to avert tooth loss and avoid further infection. It might be tough to tell when you need a thorough cleaning since gum disease does not usually produce pain or obvious signs. The dentist will make the assessment and recommend the proper treatment.
Since scaling and planing might be somewhat uncomfortable, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb your gums during your cleaning. After the procedure, your gums may be sore and bleed a little when you clean your teeth for the first several days. During the first few days after getting your teeth worked on, you may also experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. It may take a few weeks for the sensitivity to subside. Use a mouthwash or an over-the-counter pain medication, and ask your dentist about desensitizing toothpaste if you are still experiencing discomfort.
After a deep cleaning, you will get personalized maintenance recommendations to implement at home. You will need to come back in around four to six weeks to make sure your recovery is going well. The dentist may also propose a set schedule of more frequent regular cleanings. This will help stop new infections and speed up recovery. Your pocketing will be monitored to make sure your gum health is improving. When it comes to gum health, most patients react well to thorough cleaning and, with proper maintenance, notice results quickly. Your gums and teeth will heal, and your pockets will diminish with time.
Dental deep cleanings are an effective way to save a tooth after a bacterial infection. It is necessary to be proactive about oral health to prevent the recurrence of infection and another dental deep cleaning appointment. Aside from brushing, flossing, and using antimicrobial dental rinses, patients should watch their diet and visit a dentist regularly for a checkup and regular dental cleanings.
Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistmiamibeachfl.com or call Miami Beach Smiles at (305) 203-4148 for an appointment in our Miami Beach office.
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