It is very common to have regular dental cleanings every six months for cavity and gum disease protection. But it is not well-known that there is also a deeper cleaning called “root planing and scaling.” This procedure is usually reserved for people with moderate to advanced gum disease. It’s more thorough and can help to prevent further damage to the gums. Knowing the difference between the two cleanings is vital to good dental health.
Both routine and deep cleanings aim to eliminate plaque and tartar deposits that could result in gum disease and other oral health problems. But beyond that purpose, the two procedures are different.
Regular Cleanings
Going to the dentist for your regular checkup is essential for ensuring your teeth and gums stay healthy. During your appointment, your hygienist will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth above the gum line. This cleaning procedure is important to protect against gum disease, as well as treat the early stages of it (gingivitis).
Regular dental cleanings are an excellent opportunity to ask your hygienist for advice on better teeth care. They can evaluate your brushing and flossing methods and ensure you do everything correctly to remove as much plaque and tartar as possible. In addition to avoiding gum disease, regular cleanings help to eliminate bad breath. Cleanings are usually done with a dental exam so the dentist can check your teeth, screen for oral cancer, and take X-rays if needed.
Deep Cleanings
On the other hand, deep cleaning is a comprehensive approach to oral hygiene that targets the buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria in hard-to-reach places. Removing this buildup helps prevent the spread of bacteria and protects your teeth from the toxins it produces. With regular deep cleanings, you can keep your mouth healthy and avoid the pain and discomfort of gum disease.
Over time, the gums around your teeth can start to recede, creating small areas of space for bacteria to slip down to the roots. These infections in the lower part of the tooth can weaken it, leading to the potential for teeth to eventually fall out. Gum disease is a major contributor to adult tooth loss in the United States.
Deep cleaning is a process that involves thoroughly cleaning the gums and roots of the teeth to help prevent gum disease from worsening and leading to tooth loss. This cleaning includes removing bacteria below the gum line and around the roots. Additionally, the dentist will also smooth out the roots’ surfaces to make it more difficult for bacteria to cling to them in the future.
During the procedure, a dentist or dental hygienist will use special tools to remove the plaque and tartar below the gum line. They might use an antibiotic gel or rinse to ensure all the bacteria are removed. Local anesthetics or sedation can keep the patient comfortable during the process.
In Closing
Routine dental and deep cleanings are important in preventing infection and tooth loss caused by gum disease. Always talk to your dentist to find out which one you need.
Schedule Your Teeth Cleaning at Family Dental of Westborough
If it’s been long since your last dental cleaning in Westborough, MA, don’t put it off any longer. Book an appointment online today at Family Dental’s website or call (508) 366-7450!