So your dentist just said the words 'deep cleaning' and you're sitting in that alamo dental clinic wondering what could possibly happen next. Trust me, I was once in your shoes, silently panicking as my hygienist droned on. Allow me to help shed light on what exactly a deep cleaning is, what to expect during the procedure, and whether or not you need one.
What Is A Deep Dental Cleaning
The medical term for a deep cleaning is scaling and root plating. Essentially, your hygienist will be cleaning beneath your gum line, removing plaque and calculus (hardened tartar). They'll also smooth your tooth roots to help prevent bacteria buildup. Even people who take excellent care of their teeth can require a deep cleaning since tartar can accumulate in places your toothbrush can't reach.
How Is A Deep Cleaning Different Than A Regular Cleaning
A regular cleaning only removes plaque and tartar from above your gums, a deep cleaning, however, cleans beneath your gums as well. A deep cleaning also generally takes longer to perform and requires the use of numbing medication. Think of a regular cleaning as merely washing your car while a deep cleaning is like getting your car's engine cleaned. They're similar procedures but on different levels.
Indications For A Deep Cleaning
The most common sign that you might need a deep cleaning is bleeding gums, especially when flossing. Additional warning signs can include bad breath that doesn't seem to go away, inflamed or swollen gums, gums that have pulled away from your teeth, or loose teeth. Many people assume that bleeding gums are completely normal, but they are actually a sign that your gums are inflamed and irritated.
Why Are Healthy Gums Important
Your dentist will measure the pockets between your gums and teeth with an especially small ruler. The pockets should be no deeper than 1-3 mm. If the pockets are deeper than 4mm, your dentist will likely recommend a deep cleaning since bacteria and plaque can accumulate in the larger pockets. It's generally impossible to clean out these pockets with regular brushing and flossing, so a deep cleaning can be necessary to remove the buildup.
Is A Deep Cleaning Painful
The short answer? No, not really. You might feel some pressure or a strange scratching sensation, but most people aren't actually bothered by the sounds or movements of the procedure itself. Many people get a bit anxious about the strange noises that come from the dental tools, but most dentists are understanding and often recommend an extra shot of numbing medication if you're particularly worried.
How Long Does A Deep Cleaning Take
A full deep cleaning can often take up to 2 hours. Many dentists will split the procedure into multiple visits, especially if your entire mouth needs to be cleaned. Some dentists will do 1/4 of your mouth per visit. Each section only takes about an hour to clean. Getting the procedure split up allows you to limit the amount of time your mouth is numbed at once. You should be able to speak normally throughout the entire procedure and eat shortly after.
What To Expect After A Deep Cleaning
Your gums will likely be a bit sore for a couple of days and could become irritated by very hot or cold foods and drinks. You might notice some blood on your toothbrush when you brush your teeth, but this should subside within a few days. You'll probably want to stick to eating soft foods for the first day or so after the procedure, but you should be back to eating normally shortly after. If your gums begin to hurt a few days after the procedure, contact your dentist since this could be a sign of an infection
Aftercare Following A Deep Cleaning
The most important part of your at-home care following a deep cleaning is making sure you're brushing your teeth gently and flossing regularly. You'll also want to rinse with warm salt water several times per day for the next few days. Your dentist may also recommend a special type of mouthwash that you should use for the next few weeks. Some people may need a follow-up cleaning every 3 months for a while after their initial deep cleaning in order to keep their gums as healthy as possible.
How Much Does A Deep Cleaning Cost
A deep cleaning costs more than a regular cleaning. It can vary drastically depending on how much of your mouth needs to be cleaned and where you live. Most dentists, however, will cover at least a small amount of the cost since a deep cleaning is considered to be a form of treatment rather than just maintenance. Always ask if they'll provide a detailed billing estimate beforehand. You may also ask about setting up a payment plan.
Why A Deep Cleaning Is A Good Investment
I understand that you might be hesitant to have a Deep Dental Cleaning since it can be somewhat uncomfortable and expensive, but it's considerably less expensive than having to replace missing teeth. Left untreated, gum disease can progress to the point where your teeth literally fall out. There's also some evidence that having gum disease can increase your risk of having a heart attack or developing diabetes. In the long run, a deep cleaning is actually a wise investment.
Conclusion
A deep cleaning might not be something you look forward to, but it's nothing to be terrified of either. The procedure itself is relatively simple and necessary in many cases. If your gums bleed frequently, you have persistent bad breath, or your dentist has recommended the procedure, it's best not to put it off. Schedule a consultation with Alamo Family Dentistry today and ask about having a deep cleaning to help assess the health of your gums.
F.A.Q
Is a deep cleaning considered to be the same thing as a regular cleaning?
No, a regular cleaning only removes plaque and calculus from the part of your teeth that are above your gums. A deep cleaning, on the other hand, actually goes beneath your gum line in order to remove plaque and calculus from your tooth roots.
How long will it take for my gums to heal following the procedure?
Most people feel relatively normal within a few days of the procedure, although your gums may remain slightly tender for up to a week. Your gums may take a few weeks to fully heal.
Can I go back to work the same day as the procedure?
Yes, most people are able to immediately return to work or other normal daily activities. Your mouth may be numb for the first few hours, but you shouldn't feel any pain. You should avoid eating a large meal right before the procedure, however.
How often will I need to have a deep cleaning?
If your gums remain healthy, you should only need regular cleanings once per year. If you've had gum disease, then your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning every 3-4 months.
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