The Smile Daily

Why Do I Need a Deep Cleaning?

When it comes to keeping your teeth healthy and clean, most of the time, a routine dental cleaning gets the job done. In some cases, though, your dentist might recommend a deep cleaning. Let’s take a look at what deep cleaning is and why you might need one.

What is a Deep Cleaning

For healthy patients, the space between the teeth and gums is small—usually 3mm or less. But for patients with gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or periodontitis, this space is deeper, which means food and bacteria get trapped there. A deep cleaning, sometimes called scaling and root planing, is a procedure used to remove hard-to-reach plaque and tartar from deep pockets in the gums.

Is Gingivitis Reversible?

Often, gingivitis and periodontitis are confused, but they’re actually two separate conditions. Gingivitis is the beginning stage of periodontitis. Bleeding of the gums, inflammation, and gum pain are all common signs of gingivitis. Luckily, with proper treatment, it is often reversible. Good hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing, can stop gingivitis before it turns into full-blown gum disease.

Left untreated, however, the bacteria that cause gingivitis will cause significant damage to your teeth and gums. Once gingivitis becomes periodontitis, you’re more likely to lose bone that can’t be recovered. That’s why, it’s important to take the early signs of gum disease seriously.

Benefits of a Deep Cleaning

Deep cleanings are an important part of treating gum disease and preventing further complications. While a deep cleaning visit might look slightly different from routine dental cleanings, it has several important advantages, including:

• Reaching deep pockets in the gums that an ordinary toothbrush misses
• Promoting overall health  
• Preventing more serious diseases caused by bacteria in the gums
• Encouraging reattachment of the gums to the teeth

The sooner you’re able to follow up on your dentist’s deep cleaning recommendation the better. Ideally, you’ll be able to return to routine cleanings after receiving your deep cleaning. Your dentist will advise on what makes the most sense for your specific smile.

What to Expect

A deep cleaning is a bit more invasive than a standard hygiene visit, so your dentist or hygienist will administer an anesthetic before beginning the cleaning to make the process more comfortable.   Generally, your hygienist will only treat one-quarter or one-half of your mouth at once. Using hand instruments or ultrasonic tools, the hygienist will carefully remove any buildup on your teeth and along your gums. You might also receive a special mouthwash designed to keep bacteria at bay.

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After your deep cleaning, it’s important to continue doing your part to keep your smile healthy and clean by flossing and brushing regularly. Follow the advice of your dentist and hygienist between appointments to keep gum disease under control and maintain your pearly whites.

Have more questions about deep cleanings? Ready to schedule your appointment? Let us know! You can call us at (757) 564-0804 or request an appointment through our website. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon.