What Happens During Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Deep teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a specialized dental procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from beneath the gum line. This treatment is particularly important for patients battling gum disease, as it targets areas that regular dental cleaning cannot reach. In this article, we’ll break down what happens during a deep teeth cleaning and why it’s a crucial part of maintaining oral health.
Preparation
The process begins with a comprehensive examination. Your provider will assess your oral health, paying close attention to the depth of pockets in the gums and the extent of plaque buildup. X-rays may be taken to check for any bone loss or underlying issues that could complicate the treatment. This initial evaluation is essential because it guides the approach to cleaning, which ensures that your specific needs are addressed.
Before the cleaning begins, a local anesthetic is typically administered to the areas of the gums that will be treated. This numbing agent minimizes discomfort and ensures relative comfort throughout the process. Although you might feel a slight prick from the injection, the benefit is that it greatly reduces pain during the deeper cleaning of the gum tissues.
Scaling and Root Planing
With the area numb, the dental professional begins the scaling phase. This involves the careful removal of plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth, especially below the gum line. Hand instruments, such as scalers and curettes, along with ultrasonic devices that vibrate to break up deposits, are commonly used during this phase. The ultrasonic tool not only helps to dislodge hard deposits but also sprays a cooling mist, keeping the area comfortable while washing away debris.
After scaling, the procedure moves into the root planing phase. This part of the treatment smooths the surfaces of the tooth roots in order to remove any rough spots where bacteria can adhere, and helps the gums to reattach to the teeth more securely. A smoother root surface minimizes future plaque buildup, which is critical for long-term gum health. Root planing is particularly important for patients with periodontal disease, as it reduces the inflammation and pockets that allow bacteria to thrive.
The duration of a deep cleaning session varies depending on the extent of the buildup and the number of teeth involved. In some cases, treatment may be divided into multiple visits to ensure each quadrant of the mouth is given the necessary attention. Your dental team will check in to ensure you remain comfortable throughout the process, ensuring optimal comfort and consistent pain management.
Follow-Up Care
Following the procedure, it is normal to experience some sensitivity or mild discomfort in the gums and teeth. This post-treatment soreness is usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and gentle rinsing with a prescribed mouthwash. Your dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene will help prevent plaque from re-accumulating.
With a combination of careful planning, meticulous examination, effective numbing techniques, precise scaling, and root smoothing, deep teeth cleaning helps to eliminate harmful bacteria and promote healing. Although temporary sensitivity may result, the benefits of a thorough deep cleaning far outweigh the short-term discomfort.