What Is a Deep Dental Cleaning and Why Is It Important?
But sometimes, a simple cleaning isn't enough. In cases where gum disease or heavy plaque buildup is present, your dentist may recommend a deep dental cleaning — also known as scaling and root planing.
What Is a Deep Dental Cleaning?
A deep dental cleaning is a special procedure designed to treat gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) and restore your mouth’s health.
Unlike a regular cleaning that focuses on the surfaces of your teeth and gum line, a deep cleaning goes below the gum line to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the pockets that form between the teeth and gums.
This process typically involves two main steps:
- Scaling: removal of plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and below the gum line.
- Root Planing: smoothing out the roots of the teeth to help gums reattach to the teeth and prevent bacteria from accumulating again.
Depending on the severity of the problem, deep cleaning might require multiple visits and sometimes local anesthesia to minimize discomfort.
Signs You Might Need a Deep Cleaning
Your dentist or hygienist might recommend a deep dental cleaning if you show signs of early or moderate gum disease, such as:
- Swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gums pulling away from your teeth (gum recession)
- Visible tartar buildup below the gum line
- Loose teeth
- Deep pockets between your gums and teeth
A full dental exam, including X-rays and periodontal probing (measuring the pockets around each tooth), helps determine whether a deep cleaning is necessary.
Why Is Deep Dental Cleaning Important?
Deep dental cleaning plays a crucial role in maintaining your oral health. Here's why it's important:
1. Stops the Progression of Gum Disease
If left untreated, gum disease can progress from gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) to periodontitis (serious infection that damages gums and bones).
Deep cleaning removes the source of the infection and gives your gums a chance to heal.
2. Prevents Tooth Loss
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
By treating the infection early with a deep cleaning, you can save your natural teeth and avoid more complex (and expensive) dental procedures like implants or dentures.
3. Protects Overall Health
Research shows that oral health is closely linked to your overall health.
Gum disease has been associated with serious conditions like:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes complications
- Respiratory infections
- Premature birth and low birth weight
Keeping your gums healthy through deep cleaning can help reduce your risk of these systemic health problems.
4. Improves Breath and Appearance
Built-up plaque and tartar harbor bacteria that cause bad breath and give your teeth a yellow or dirty appearance.
A deep dental cleaning leaves your mouth feeling fresh and your smile looking brighter.