What Is Dental Deep Cleaning?
You’re probably aware of the importance of maintaining good oral health. Regular brushing and flossing are essential to keeping your teeth and gums healthy. However, sometimes even the most diligent brushing and flossing can’t remove all the plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth.
Find out what dental deep cleaning is and why it’s important here.
What is Dental Deep Cleaning?
A deep dental cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a procedure that goes beyond a regular cleaning to remove plaque and tartar buildup from below the gum line. This buildup can lead to gum disease if left untreated, which can cause tooth loss and other health problems.
During a deep dental cleaning, your dental hygienist will use special tools to remove the buildup from your teeth and roots. They may also apply antibiotics to help prevent infection.
Who Needs Dental Deep Cleaning?
It's important to understand that only some people need a deep dental cleaning. For example, when you visit Eagle Run West Dental Group, your dentist or hygienist will evaluate your oral health during your checkups to determine if you need a more thorough cleaning. We base the decision on several factors, including the amount of plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth, the depth of gum pockets, and the presence of gum disease.
You may not need a deep cleaning if you have good oral hygiene habits and no signs of gum disease. However, if you have signs of gum disease or a significant buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth, a deep cleaning may be necessary to prevent further damage.
It's also worth noting that some patients may require more frequent deep cleanings than others. For example, if you have a history of gum disease or are genetically predisposed to it, you may need more frequent cleanings than someone who doesn't have those risk factors.
Ultimately, the decision to get a deep dental cleaning should be made in consultation with your dentist or hygienist. They can evaluate your oral health and recommend the appropriate treatment plan. By following their recommendations and maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.
4 Signs You May Need a Deep Dental Cleaning
Bleeding Gums
If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it could be a sign of gum disease. The buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth is often the cause of bleeding, as it irritates your gums and causes them to become inflamed. Deep dental cleaning can remove this buildup and help restore your gum health.
Swollen or Tender Gums
In addition to bleeding, swollen or tender gums are another common sign of gum disease. If your gums are red, puffy, or sore to the touch, it's crucial to schedule an appointment with your dentist or hygienist as soon as possible. They can evaluate the extent of the damage and recommend a treatment plan.
Bad Breath
While there are many causes for bad breath, including certain foods and medications, it can also be a sign of gum disease. The odor can be from bacteria that cause gum disease and produce foul-smelling gasses that can linger in your mouth. Deep cleaning can remove these bacteria and freshen up your breath.
Loose Teeth
In advanced cases of gum disease, the tissues that support your teeth can become damaged, leading to loose teeth. If one or more of your teeth feel wobbly or unstable, seeking immediate dental care is critical. A deep cleaning may help save the affected tooth if caught early enough.
How Often Should You Get a Dental Deep Cleaning?
It's important to understand that the frequency of deep dental cleanings depends on each patient's needs. While some patients may only need one every few years, others may require them more frequently.
Factors that can influence how often you need a deep cleaning include:
Gum health - The primary reason for getting a deep cleaning is to treat gum disease, so if you have healthy gums, you may only need one sometimes. However, if you have signs of gum disease like bleeding or swollen gums, your dentist or hygienist may recommend more frequent cleanings to help manage the condition.
Plaque and tartar buildup - Even if you don't have gum disease, you may still need a deep cleaning if there is a significant buildup of plaque and tartar on your teeth. This buildup can happen even with good oral hygiene habits, especially in hard-to-reach areas like between teeth or along the gumline.
Risk factors - Some people are more prone to developing gum disease than others due to factors like genetics or certain medical conditions. If you have these risk factors, your dentist or hygienist may recommend more frequent cleanings to help prevent gum disease from developing in the first place.
Previous dental procedures - If you've had extensive dental work done in the past, such as implants or crowns, your dentist may recommend more frequent deep cleanings to maintain longevity and prevent complications.
Ultimately, it's up to your dentist or hygienist to evaluate your oral health and determine how often you should get a deep cleaning. By following their recommendations and maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.
Other Tips for Maintaining Good Oral Health
In addition to regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, there are other things you can do to maintain good oral health:
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Avoid sugary drinks and snacks
Use mouthwash daily
Quit smoking or using tobacco products
Contact Our West Omaha Dentists
At Eagle Run West Dental Group, we're committed to helping our patients achieve optimal oral health. If you think you may need a deep dental cleaning or have any questions about maintaining good oral hygiene, please don't hesitate to call 402-498-8804 or contact us today.
About the Author: Drs. Sharlene and Robert Wilson offer various general and cosmetic dentistry services in Omaha, NE. They earned their doctorate from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. With over 30 years of combined experience, both are committed to helping patients achieve beautiful, healthy, and long-lasting smiles. Call 402-498-8804 to schedule an appointment.