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At the office of Dr. Brett Langston, DMD, we offer many services to keep your teeth healthy. One such service is deep teeth cleaning. This specialized treatment addresses and manages gum disease. It’s a therapeutic option that offers a thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums. Sometimes, a regular cleaning isn’t enough to target these areas.
Without deep teeth cleaning, bacteria can continue to invade beneath your gum line and worsen any symptoms you might be experiencing, such as persistent bad breath, swollen and bleeding gums, and increased tooth sensitivity. By removing plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas, we help prevent gum disease from advancing and alleviate these uncomfortable symptoms so you can maintain a happier, healthier smile for many years.
If plaque or hard deposits, called calculus, have formed at the roots of your teeth, you need deep teeth cleaning, also called scaling and root planing. These deposits can make the bone around your teeth swell and become inflamed. You may have symptoms like painful gums and bone loss, and eventually, you may lose your teeth.
A major part of caring for your teeth is regularly cleaning them. These cleanings aim to prevent cavities and keep your gums healthy. Most patients schedule appointments every six months, but your specific needs may require more frequent visits.
For a regular cleaning, our hygienist focuses on the portion of the teeth above the gumline. They’ll scale your teeth, remove hard debris, polish, floss, and give a fluoride treatment.
Unfortunately, sometimes plaque and tartar form below the gum line. Bacteria in these areas can cause more severe problems if not treated promptly, so we recommend a deep cleaning.
The goal of deep teeth cleaning is to stop gum disease from progressing. Your hygienist uses special tools and techniques to remove debris below your gums, including on the root surfaces.
Scaling and root planing are typically recommended for patients at high risk of developing or already having gum disease. These patients may have swollen and bleeding gums and loose teeth. These are all classic signs of gum disease.
A routine cleaning is recommended for patients to maintain good oral health. Routine cleanings include regular maintenance checkups to ensure everything is healthy.
Deep teeth cleaning is often needed when too much bacteria has caused a gum infection. During the early stages, it can be removed with routine cleanings. However, when untreated, pockets can form, pulling the gums away from the teeth. Losing too much of this tissue can lead to bone and tooth loss.
Our dental team may recommend deep teeth cleaning services for several reasons.
Deep teeth cleanings are vital to treating gum disease. Removing the culprits that cause this condition — plaque and bacteria — helps stop its progression and prevent further damage.
Plaque and tartar both have bacteria that can cause gum disease. Plaque is the sticky layer that builds up on your teeth every day. When plaque has been on the teeth too long, it hardens, turning into tartar. The longer they stay on your teeth, the more harm they can cause.
Deep teeth cleanings are not a service every patient needs. However, if you have any form of gum disease, you may benefit from it.
Symptoms of gum disease are not always visible during the early stages. It may be difficult for you to decide whether you need specialized dental services. However, we recommend deep teeth cleaning for our patients who have these symptoms:
If your symptoms are caused by plaque and tartar buildup below your gums, deep teeth cleaning can get rid of the buildup and restore your mouth to a healthy environment.
It’s tempting to put off what seems like a minor dental problem. However, the warning signs of gum disease should not be dismissed. This is especially important if you have other chronic conditions, like diabetes.
You should always schedule an appointment with Dr. Brett Langston, DMD, if you notice these symptoms:
We’ll give you a thorough examination and determine the best treatment, which could be deep teeth cleaning.
Every deep teeth cleaning varies depending on the condition of your mouth and how many sections are involved. Sometimes, you need multiple scaling and root planing appointments because the hygienist works on one section at a time.
Deep teeth cleaning extends toward the tooth’s root, so we give you a numbing agent to minimize discomfort. Once you are numb, the hygienist will remove plaque and tartar beneath the gumline and near the root, a process known as scaling.
Using minimally invasive dental hand instruments, the hygienist completes one section of the mouth at a time. You may experience slight discomfort, but if you let the hygienist know, we can give you more numbing agents.
The next step, which is also completed one section at a time, is root planing. This step involves smoothing the tooth roots, which allows the gums to reattach. Root planing is less invasive than scaling and should not cause any discomfort.
After deep teeth cleaning, a bit of discomfort is expected. To manage immediate symptoms, use over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medications, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Always follow the dosage instructions on the package.
Using a saltwater rinse also helps with swelling and inflammation. Add half a teaspoon of salt to a cup and mix in 8 ounces of warm water. Stir until the salt dissolves. Swish for 15 to 30 seconds and spit the solution into the sink. Repeat this process three times a day.
Most people tolerate scaling and root planing well, but some discomfort is expected. You can take OTC pain relievers an hour before the appointment to help manage any pain.
If you smoke, it’s strongly recommended to quit entirely or at least commit to remaining smoke-free before and after your treatment. It will lead to the best results because treatment will be more effective.
With no plaque or tartar beneath your gums, your gum infection cannot progress. But that’s not the only benefit of this treatment.
Bacteria in tartar will continue irritating your gums if it’s not removed. Once it’s gone, your gums slowly reattach. Your gums protect the tooth’s root and jawbone, so restoring their health impacts the rest of your oral cavity.
Patients with advanced gum disease often lose their teeth because the supporting tissues and jawbone get destroyed. Deep teeth cleaning is an early intervention that saves your teeth by preventing disease progression. It will not reach the stage where extraction is the only option.
Not every patient needs a deep cleaning, but depending on gum health, it may be beneficial. To manage the condition, some patients must be seen every three to four months.
Because you’ll be numb, don’t eat until the feeling has returned to your mouth. If not, your biting could damage your gums and interrupt the healing process. When you do eat, it’s best to avoid certain foods. Lemons and tomatoes are acidic and can also disrupt the healing process. Nuts or popcorn could get stuck in the gums.
In some cases, we’ll prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection. Follow the instructions and take the medication until it is finished.
Some swelling and minor bleeding are normal. Use OTC pain relievers to manage this discomfort. You can also use ice in the area to help with swelling.
Deep teeth cleaning is safe and has minimal postoperative side effects. The most common complaints are mild tooth sensitivity and gum soreness.
Our team is trained and skilled. They are careful not to harm your mouth or tear fragile tissues. Your teeth may feel loose after a deep cleaning, but a heavy accumulation of calculus can stabilize teeth and cover up how loose they really are.
Call Dr. Brent Langston, DMDand team to schedule an evaluation. We’ll determine whether you have gum disease and whether deep teeth cleaning can improve your condition. Contact us today!