Has your dentist recommended a deep cleaning of your teeth? Getting your teeth deep cleaned is the first step in managing gum disease. Unlike a regular teeth cleaning that only addresses the visible portion of the teeth above the gums, a deep cleaning reaches below the gum line to remove plaque and calculus from the roots of the teeth, as well.
If you have an upcoming deep cleaning, it is normal to feel anxious or have concerns. Some patients wonder if their teeth can fall out after getting a deep cleaning. Here’s what you need to know to be fully prepared for the procedure.
What is a Deep Cleaning of Your Teeth?
The goal of a deep cleaning of the teeth is to clean under the gums where plaque can gather and harden into calculus, causing or increasing your risk of gum disease. The procedure consists of two parts:
- Scaling. During the scaling portion of a deep cleaning special tools are used to clean under the gums, removing plaque and calculus from the roots of the teeth.
- Root Planing. After scaling the root surface is often uneven. Root planing is the process of smoothing the root surface so that the gum tissue can reattach to the roots more firmly, eliminating spaces for plaque to get under the gums.
Local anesthesia may be used to prevent any discomfort during the deep cleaning process.
The Why Behind a Deep Cleaning
The purpose of a deep cleaning is to treat gum disease. When plaque builds up on the teeth without being removed by brushing and regular dental cleanings, it hardens into calculus. The gums also begin to pull away from the teeth, which allows plaque to get under the gums where it can also harden. As gum disease progresses the gums recede further and the jaw bone becomes damaged, leaving the teeth without adequate support. Without treatment, the teeth can loosen and eventually fall out. A deep cleaning of the teeth can prevent this from occurring if it is performed at the right time and on a regular schedule when necessary.
Moving Forward After a Deep Cleaning
The results of a deep cleaning of your teeth is improved oral health. This means that you don’t have to worry about your teeth falling out due to having your teeth deep cleaned. On the contrary, your teeth will be less likely to fall out due to the removal of plaque that keeps gum disease at bay. Although the gum tissue is pulled away from the teeth during the cleaning, it can reattach more firmly afterwards.
In order to manage gum disease, it may be necessary to have repeat cleanings on a regular schedule. This is referred to as periodontal maintenance. Keeping up with regular deep cleanings can help you maintain your oral health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Dental Cleanings
How often do I need a deep cleaning?
The right schedule for you depends on the rate at which you develop plaque and calculus on your teeth. A common schedule is once every 2-3 years. In the mean time, you will be on “periodontal maintenance,” which means that you will have regular cleanings with both your regular dentist and your Periodontist on a more frequent basis to try to prevent calculus from re-forming as quickly under your gums.
Can a deep cleaning prevent gum disease?
If you are in the early stage of gum disease, called gingivitis, a deep cleaning may be recommended to prevent the infection from progressing. It can often be cured when it is detected early and treated.
Schedule a Deep Cleaning Today
If you’re in need of a deep teeth cleaning, contact Holzinger Periodontics & Dental Implants to schedule an appointment. We can develop a customized periodontal maintenance schedule to help you maintain excellent oral health.