Dental Deep Cleaning: What Is It? Why You May Need It!

A bright smile reflects good oral health, and it all starts with regular dental care. While brushing and flossing are essential to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, they may not be sufficient to combat the hidden threats lurking below the gumline. Enter dental deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing – a non-surgical procedure crucial in preserving oral health and preventing tooth loss.

Read on to discover the importance of dental deep cleaning and how it can benefit your overall well-being.

What Is Dental Deep Cleaning?

Dental deep cleaning is a specialized dental procedure aimed at removing stubborn plaque, tartar, and bacteria that accumulate both above and below the gum line. Unlike regular dental cleaning, which focuses on the visible surfaces of the teeth, deep cleaning targets the hard-to-reach areas where harmful bacteria thrive, leading to gum disease and, eventually, tooth loss.

Why is Dental Deep Cleaning Necessary?

Preventing Gum Disease

Gum or periodontal disease is a common yet preventable condition affecting millions worldwide. It begins with the accumulation of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, on the teeth’s surface. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and causes inflammation.

Regular dental cleanings can remove plaque, but when tartar extends below the gumline, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. These bacteria release toxins that break down the gum tissue, leading to gum disease. Dental deep cleaning effectively removes tartar from below the gum line, preventing the progression of gum disease and potential tooth loss.

Reducing Inflammation and Promoting Gum Health

Early signs of gum disease, inflamed and bleeding gums, should never be ignored. Deep cleaning helps to reduce inflammation by eliminating the causative factors, such as tartar and bacteria. As the gums heal, they become healthier and less prone to bleeding, thus minimizing the risk of gum infections and other complications.

Halting Tooth Loss

Untreated gum disease can wreak havoc on oral health, eventually leading to tooth loss. When the gums and underlying bone become compromised due to infection, teeth lose their support and may loosen or fall out. Dental deep cleaning can halt the progression of gum disease, preserving the integrity of the teeth and preventing the need for costly tooth replacements.

Improving Overall Health

Oral health is intrinsically connected to your overall well-being. Poor oral hygiene and untreated gum disease have been linked to systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Investing in dental deep cleaning, you can maintain excellent oral health and potentially reduce the risk of developing systemic conditions associated with poor dental hygiene.

Look and Feel Better

A bright, healthy smile can significantly impact confidence and self-esteem. Dental deep cleaning can remove surface stains, discoloration, and plaque build-up, revealing a more radiant smile. This can boost your confidence in social settings and improve your overall quality of life.

The Dental Deep Cleaning Process

Now that we understand the importance of dental deep cleaning, let’s delve into the process. Typically, the procedure involves two main steps:

Scaling: The dentist or dental hygienist uses specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces, including below the gumline. This step is essential in combating gum disease and preventing its progression.
Root Planing: After scaling, the dentist smooths out the tooth roots’ surfaces to remove rough areas where bacteria can easily accumulate. This process promotes gum reattachment and helps prevent future plaque build-up.

The procedure may require local anesthesia, especially if you have sensitive gums or a considerable amount of tartar to be removed. The number of appointments needed for dental deep cleaning may vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual oral health.