Good oral hygiene is essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Sometimes brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings aren’t enough though. Plaque and tartar can build up beneath the gumline, creating pockets where bacteria grow. If left untreated, this can lead to gum disease, inflammation, and even tooth loss. To prevent this, your dentist may recommend a deep teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. If you're wondering what happens during this procedure, read on to learn more about what you need to know.
Why Might You Need a Deep Teeth Cleaning?
A deep teeth cleaning is recommended when plaque and tartar accumulate beneath the gumline, where regular brushing and flossing can’t reach. Over time, this buildup can cause gums to pull away from the teeth, creating spaces where bacteria grow. These bacteria can lead to gum disease, which, if untreated, can result in tooth and bone.
Your dentist may suggest a deep cleaning if you show signs of early gum disease or periodontal disease, which affects the tissues and bones supporting your teeth. Symptoms like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, or swollen gums might indicate that a deep cleaning is necessary.
What Happens During the Procedure?
A deep cleaning is typically done in one or two visits, depending on the severity of the buildup and the amount of the mouth requiring the deep teeth cleaning. The procedure involves two main steps:
- Scaling: The dentist begins by removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces and beneath the gumline. Specialized dental tools, such as an ultrasonic scaler or hand instruments, are used to carefully scrape away hardened deposits that can’t be removed through brushing alone.
- Root Planing: After scaling, the dentist smooths out the root surfaces of the teeth. This process helps gums reattach to the teeth and prevents future bacteria buildup. Root planing also reduces inflammation, allowing the gums to heal and tighten around the teeth.
Does a Deep Teeth Cleaning Hurt?
To ensure comfort, a local anesthetic is applied, which numbs the area being treated. While you may feel some pressure or movement, the anesthetic prevents pain during the procedure. However, some discomfort is normal once the numbness wears off. Tenderness, mild swelling, and slight bleeding may occur for a few days after the cleaning, but these symptoms are temporary. Most patients find that any discomfort can be managed with:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
- Warm saltwater rinses to soothe gums.
- Soft foods for a day or two to avoid irritation.
- A soft-bristle toothbrush to keep gums from becoming more sensitive.
The Bottom Line
A deep teeth cleaning is an important procedure meant to remove harmful plaque, stop gum disease, and restore oral health. While it’s more involved than a regular cleaning, it is a routine and manageable procedure. If you have concerns, speak with your dentist. They can walk you through what to expect and provide personalized aftercare recommendations.