What is a deep cleaning?
Deep cleaning is a term that we use to help patients understand the difference between this treatment and a regular cleaning. The clinical term for it is scaling and root planing.
Scaling and root planing involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth, including deposits that have accumulated below the gumline and along the root surfaces. When you have periodontitis, these areas can be difficult or impossible to clean adequately with regular brushing and flossing at home.
The goal of a deep cleaning is to remove those deposits and create a healthier environment for the gums and supporting tissues.
Why do patients need a deep cleaning?
Not every patient needs a deep cleaning. We may recommend scaling and root planing when an examination shows signs of periodontitis, such as deeper periodontal pockets, tartar below the gumline, bleeding or inflammation, and loss of the bone supporting the teeth.
Once periodontitis has caused loss of the supporting bone and tissues, those changes generally aren't reversed simply by having a cleaning. The goal of periodontal treatment is to control the infection and inflammation and help prevent additional damage.
After an exam, X-rays when appropriate, and measurements of the gums around your teeth, we'll determine whether scaling and root planing is appropriate for you.
What happens during a deep cleaning appointment?
Because a deep cleaning involves working below the gumline and along the root surfaces, we want to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Local anesthetic may be recommended depending on the areas being treated, the depth of the periodontal pockets, and your individual sensitivity.
We may use an ultrasonic scaler, sometimes called a Cavitron, which uses vibration and water to help remove plaque and tartar. We can also use hand instruments to carefully clean areas along the teeth and root surfaces.
How long the procedure takes and whether treatment is completed in one or multiple appointments depend on how much of the mouth needs treatment, the amount of buildup, your periodontal condition, and your comfort. Your provider will explain what approach is appropriate for you.
Do I need a deep cleaning every time I come in?
No. Scaling and root planing is an active periodontal treatment rather than something that automatically needs to be repeated at every cleaning appointment.
After treatment, many patients with a history of periodontitis transition to periodontal maintenance. These visits allow us to monitor the condition, remove new plaque and tartar, and help maintain the health of the gums and supporting tissues.
Periodontal maintenance is often recommended more frequently than routine preventive cleanings, but the appropriate interval depends on your individual periodontal health and risk factors. We'll recommend a schedule based on how your gums respond to treatment.
Do I truly need a deep cleaning?
We don't recommend deep cleaning for everyone. The recommendation is based on what we find during your periodontal examination, which may include X-rays, measurements around the teeth, bleeding, inflammation, tartar buildup, and bone levels.
Periodontitis can damage the gums, connective tissues, and bone supporting the teeth. As it progresses, teeth may eventually become loose because they've lost some of that support. Treating the disease and maintaining periodontal health can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of additional periodontal damage.
Research has also found associations between periodontal disease and certain systemic conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. These relationships are complex, and periodontal disease isn't considered a direct cause of every health condition associated with it.
If your dental provider recommends scaling and root planing, ask them to explain the findings that led to the diagnosis and how the treatment is intended to help your periodontal health.
What are the benefits of having a deep cleaning?
One of the main benefits of a deep cleaning is removing plaque and tartar from below the gumline and along the root surfaces. This can help reduce periodontal inflammation and create a healthier environment around the teeth.
As the gums respond to treatment, you may notice less bleeding, swelling, or tenderness. Periodontal treatment may also help with bad breath when gum disease and bacterial buildup are contributing to the problem.
The goal isn't to promise that the gums will return completely to their original condition, especially when periodontitis has already caused bone or tissue loss. Instead, we're working to control the disease, maintain the supporting structures that remain, and help you keep your teeth healthy for as long as possible.
Understanding your dental care options is an important part of protecting your oral health. Contact us at (253) 544-4073 or email [email protected] with any questions.