What Is Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Understanding the Importance of Scaling and Root Planing for Oral Health
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Understanding the Importance of Scaling and Root Planing for Oral Health
Deep teeth cleaning, professionally known as scaling and root planing, is a non-surgical periodontal treatment that goes beyond regular dental cleanings to address gum disease and restore oral health. At Serenity Dental Spa, Dr. Naghmeh Pashmini and our skilled hygienists offer this specialized treatment to help patients overcome periodontal issues and maintain healthy gums and teeth for a lifetime.
Understanding when and why deep cleaning is necessary can help you make informed decisions about your oral health and prevent more serious dental problems. Here’s when a deep cleaning is needed versus a traditional cleaning for patients.
Professional Dental Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning
While regular dental cleanings focus on removing plaque and tartar from visible tooth surfaces above the gum line, deep cleaning addresses bacterial buildup that has accumulated below the gum line in the pockets around your teeth.
This is important because bacteria located below the gum line can cause gum inflammation, tooth loss, and have even been linked to serious health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Left untreated, this deep bacterial buildup can progress to advanced gum disease, potentially requiring more invasive treatments or tooth extraction, making deep cleaning a crucial preventive measure for maintaining both your oral and overall health.
Who Needs Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Deep cleaning becomes necessary when gum disease progresses beyond the earliest stage (gingivitis) to periodontitis. Several factors help determine if you’re a candidate for this treatment:
- Gum inflammation and bleeding. Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing, appear red and swollen, or feel tender may indicate an infection that requires deep cleaning.
- Persistent bad breath. Chronic halitosis that doesn’t improve with regular oral hygiene often signals bacterial buildup below the gum line.
- Gum recession. Gums that pull away from teeth, making teeth appear longer, suggest periodontal disease progression.
- Deep periodontal pockets. During your examination, if Dr. Pashmini measures pocket depths of 4mm or greater, deep cleaning is typically recommended.
- Loose teeth. Teeth that feel loose or have shifted position may indicate advanced gum disease requiring immediate intervention.
What to Expect During Treatment
At Serenity Dental Spa, we ensure your deep cleaning experience is as comfortable as possible. We use local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. For patients with anxiety, we offer sedation dentistry options to help you relax during treatment.
The deep cleaning process involves two crucial steps:
Step 1: Scaling
This first phase involves carefully removing plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from tooth surfaces and beneath the gum line. Special instruments reach into periodontal pockets to eliminate buildup that regular cleaning cannot access.
Step 2: Root Planing
The second phase smooths the root surfaces of your teeth, making it harder for bacteria to get underneath the gums and allowing your gums to heal properly. This process helps reduce pocket depth and promotes gum reattachment to the tooth surface.
The combination of these two procedures creates a clean, smooth environment that allows your gums to heal and reduces inflammation.
What to Expect After Deep Cleaning
After your deep cleaning, you may experience some mild sensitivity or soreness, which typically resolves within a few days. Dr. Pashmini provides detailed aftercare instructions to promote optimal healing and maintain your results.
The healing process following deep cleaning varies by individual, but most patients notice improvements within a few weeks, including:
- Reduced gum bleeding and inflammation
- Fresher breath and improved taste
- Decreased tooth sensitivity over time
- Firmer, healthier-looking gums
Follow-up appointments allow Dr. Pashmini to monitor your healing progress and determine the best maintenance schedule for your specific needs. It’s crucial to maintain your results with regular dental visits, proper home care, and a healthy lifestyle.
Ask Us About Deep Cleaning During Your Next Appointment
If you notice any signs of gum disease, such as bleeding, swelling, or bad breath, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Pashmini. Early intervention with deep cleaning can prevent more serious problems and preserve your oral health. Contact Serenity Dental Spa at (703) 313-7000 to schedule your consultation and learn more about deep cleaning today.
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