What Can You Expect During Your Dental Deep Cleaning
Keeping your smile and oral health in top shape goes beyond regular brushing and flossing; sometimes, at some point, you may need a deep dental cleaning to get your teeth and gums back to their best. If this is the case, you might wonder what to expect during the procedure.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process, addressing common concerns, educating you, and alleviating any anxiety you might be feeling.
Understanding the Need for a Dental Deep Cleaning:
Before delving into the procedure, it’s crucial to understand what a dental deep cleaning is and why you might need it.
If you have any signs of gum disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, your dentist will recommend a dental deep cleaning. Gingivitis and periodontitis involve the accumulation of plaque and tartar, which usually leads to inflammation, bleeding gums, damage to the supporting structures of your teeth, and even loss of your teeth.
The Initial Assessment:
Your journey through a dental deep cleaning begins with a thorough assessment by one of our top Chicago dentists. They will examine your teeth and gums, measure the pocket depths between your teeth and gums, and assess the extent of plaque and tartar buildup. They might also take X-rays to identify any underlying issues not visible during your regular examination.
Local Anesthesia:
They’ll then administer some local anesthesia to keep you comfortable during the procedure. This numbing agent helps alleviate any potential discomfort and ensures a pain-free experience. One of our top Chicago dentists will discuss the anesthesia with you and address any concerns you may have.
Scaling:
The first phase of deep cleaning involves scaling, where your dentist will use specialized tools, including various scalers, to remove the plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and below your gumline. This process aims to eliminate bacterial buildup that contributes to gum disease.
Root Planing:
Following scaling, the next step is root planing. This involves smoothing out the tooth roots to discourage the reattachment of bacteria and facilitate the healing process. Root planing helps reduce pocket depth, promoting improved gum health.
Post-Procedure Care and Aftercare:
After the deep cleaning, our dental team will give you post-procedure care instructions. These may include recommendations for gentle oral hygiene practices, dietary considerations, and any prescribed medications, such as antibiotics, if necessary. It’s crucial to follow these guidelines to support the healing process and prevent the recurrence of gum issues.
Follow-Up Appointments:
After your deep cleaning, your dentist will schedule a follow-up within a couple of weeks in order to check in on your progress and ensure the success of the deep cleaning. They may suggest further follow-ups for ongoing assessment, additional cleanings if needed, and adjustments to your oral care plan.
Initial Follow-Up Appointment:
- This first follow-up appointment within a few weeks after the completion of the deep cleaning allows your dentist to assess how your gums are responding to the treatment and to monitor any signs of improvement or areas that may require further attention.
Assessment of Healing:
- Your dentist will also evaluate the healing of your gums and may measure the pocket depths to check for any reduction. Reduced pocket depths indicate that the gums are reattaching to the tooth surfaces, the ultimate goal of dental deep cleaning.
Additional Treatment or Maintenance:
- Depending on the assessment, your dentist may recommend additional treatments or maintenance procedures if needed. This could involve additional scaling and root planing sessions, especially if certain areas require further attention.
Periodic Follow-Ups:
- In cases of advanced periodontal disease, or if there are ongoing concerns, your dentist may schedule periodic follow-ups. These appointments may involve regular cleanings at more frequent intervals to maintain the health of your gums.
Home Care Instructions:
- Your dentist will give you specific instructions for at-home oral care to maintain the deep cleaning results. This usually includes proper brushing, flossing, and using any prescribed or recommended oral care products.
While a dental deep cleaning may seem a little scary, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of your teeth and gums and preventing the progression of gum disease. When you understand what to expect during a dental deep cleaning and actively participate in your oral care, you can contribute to a healthier smile that lasts a lifetime. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to discuss them with one of our top Chicago dentists —we’re here to support you.
You can call us at 773-481-2200 or schedule online.