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What is a Dental Deep Cleaning?

By Staff | March 6, 2019

A dental deep cleaning is also known as gum therapy. It is a type of treatment that cleans between the teeth, gums and down to the roots. A dental hygienist will clean the sides of the teeth, gums, and tooth during a regular dental cleaning. The dental hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line during deep teeth cleaning, and clean all the way down to the tooth root. A deep teeth cleaning is also referred to as root planing and scaling.

How is a Deep Teeth Cleaning Different from a Regular Teeth Cleaning?

The mouth is filled with plaque and bacteria. That’s why it’s so important to floss and brush your teeth regularly. A routine exam can also remove the plaque that is near your gum line. If the plaque is not removed, then it will harden and turn into tartar.

If you have a genetic predisposition to gum disease or you have neglected your dental care, then you may develop gingivitis. This is a condition that causes your gums to become red and inflamed. Untreated gingivitis will lead to periodontitis. This is an infection that will attack the bones that support the teeth and the gums. It can eventually lead to tooth loss. Pocket readings and x-rays are used to check whether you have gum disease. If you have gum disease, then action will need to be taken to prevent the infection from getting worse.

Comparing deep teeth cleaning to a regular cleaning is a lot like comparing apples to oranges. They are two different treatments. Regular cleaning is a form of preventative maintenance. Deep teeth cleaning stops the gum disease from progressing.

Do I Need a Deep Teeth Cleaning?

The only person who can tell you whether you need deep teeth cleaning is your dentist or dental hygienist. If you have significant pockets that are greater than 4 mm, then you are at a greater risk for developing periodontal disease and you will be a good candidate for deep teeth cleaning as it’s your best chance to stop your gum disease from getting worse. The problem will only continue to progress if left untreated as tartar and plaque will continue to fill the pockets and will eventually lead to tooth loss.

If your dentist tells you that you need to get deep teeth cleaning, then you can rest assured that you are not alone. The American Academy of Periodontology has stated that over 47 percent of adults have gum disease.

The Consequences of Gum Disease

It’s important to note that if you have gum disease and do not get deep teeth cleaning, then your physical health can suffer. Many studies have shown that people who have gum disease are more likely to develop diabetes, heart disease and dementia. That’s why if your dentist tells you it’s time for a dental deep cleaning, you should schedule one as soon as possible. Your mouth, and your overall health will be much improved for doing so.

If you think you might have gum disease, it’s worth seeing your dentist. Deep teeth cleaning might be just the thing to get your oral health back on track. If it has been a long time since you have made a trip to the dentist, why not schedule a visit today? If you’re looking for a dentist in the Southfield Michigan area, follow the links below to contact the Fortson Dentistry office nearest you:

Posted in General Dental