What Happens During Deep Teeth Cleaning?
If your dentist has recommended a deep teeth cleaning, you might be curious about what it involves. Deep teeth cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is a procedure that goes beyond a standard cleaning to target plaque and tartar that build up below the gumline. It’s often necessary to treat the early stages of gum disease and prevent more serious issues down the road. Read on to learn more about what happens during a deep teeth cleaning.
Why Deep Cleaning Is Sometimes Needed
Even with a solid oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing, some areas of your mouth are harder to reach. Over time, plaque in those areas can turn into tartar and settle below the gums. When this happens, pockets form between your teeth and gums, trapping bacteria and leading to inflammation. When left unchecked, this can cause the gums to recede, the bone structure to weaken, and teeth to loosen.
There are several common signs that signal you might need a deep cleaning including: bleeding when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, tender or swollen gums, or signs of gum recession. Your dentist will measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth during an exam and decide if scaling and root planing is necessary.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Deep cleanings are usually done in one or two sessions, depending on how much of your mouth needs attention. Dentists prefer only treating half of the mouth at a time to avoid needing to numb the entire mouth.
Before the cleaning begins, a local anesthetic is applied to numb the area. This ensures the procedure is as comfortable as possible. Once you're numb, the dentist will begin the scaling portion of the procedure. This step involves removing plaque and hardened tartar from both above and below the gumline. Special dental instruments or ultrasonic tools may be used to break apart buildup and clean out pockets of bacteria.
After scaling, the next step is root planing. This process smooths the surfaces of your tooth roots. Smoother roots make it easier for the gums to reattach to the teeth and harder for bacteria to accumulate again. In some cases, an antibacterial rinse or medication might be placed beneath the gums to reduce bacteria and promote healing.
Does Deep Teeth Cleaning Hurt?
The procedure itself is not painful because you are numb during it. You might feel some pressure or vibration from the tools, but no sharp pain. After the numbness wears off, mild discomfort, gum soreness, or sensitivity is common for a few days.
To help with recovery, your dentist may suggest rinsing with warm salt water, avoiding crunchy or spicy foods, and using over-the-counter pain relief if needed. A soft toothbrush and gentle brushing will help your gums heal without additional irritation.
What’s the bottom line?
Deep teeth cleaning plays a critical role in restoring gum health and preventing further dental problems. If your dentist suggests it, they’ve likely found signs of early gum disease that need to be addressed. The sooner you get the deep teeth cleaning better, so speak with your dentist today.