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Have you ever heard of a deep dental cleaning and wondered what it is? Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, goes beyond regular cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. It’s a game-changer we dentists worship for preventing gum disease and keeping your mouth healthy.
If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum recession, this treatment might be exactly what you need to get your smile back on track.
Deep teeth cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a dental procedure that treats gum disease and protect your oral health. It goes deeper—literally—than a regular cleaning, targeting areas beneath the gumline where plaque and tartar build-up.
Here’s how it works:
Scaling: We use special tools to eliminate plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and from below the gum line. This is crucial because bacteria in these hidden areas can lead to gum disease.
Root Planing: Once the tartar is removed, the roots of your teeth are smoothed out. This helps your gums reattach to your teeth, reducing pockets where bacteria can hide and grow.
Unlike regular cleanings that focus on keeping your teeth shiny and clean above the gums, deep cleaning specifically addresses the foundation of your oral health—your gums and the areas beneath them. It’s a powerful way to stop gum disease in its tracks and protect your smile.
You might need a deep cleaning if you’re showing signs of gum disease. Did you know that over 42% of adults over age 30 have some form of periodontal disease? This condition can silently progress, but here are the key warning signs:
Catching gum disease early is crucial. With no treatment, it may lead to tooth loss and even affect your overall health.
Deep cleaning helps address these problems before they escalate, restoring your gums to a healthier state.
Wondering what to expect during a deep cleaning? Here’s a step-by-step look at how it works:
Deep cleaning is typically done in sections over one or two visits, depending on the extent of treatment needed. Afterward, follow-up visits may be scheduled to monitor healing and ensure your gums stay healthy.
Deep cleaning offers more than just a healthier smile—it’s a vital step in protecting your oral and overall health. Here are the key benefits:
Prevents Gum Disease from Getting Worse: By removing plaque and tartar below the gum line, deep cleaning stops gum disease from advancing to more severe stages.
Reduces Gum Inflammation and Bleeding: Say goodbye to swollen, bleeding gum, as the treatment helps calm irritation and promotes healing.
Helps Gums Reattach to Teeth: Smoothing the tooth roots encourages your gums to reattach, reducing pockets where bacteria thrive.
Protects Teeth from Bone Loss: Without treatment, gum disease can lead to bone loss, eventually causing teeth to loosen or fall out. Deep cleaning safeguards teeth and prevents this.
If you’re dealing with gum disease, a deep cleaning is one of the best ways to regain control of your oral health and keep your natural teeth for years to come.
Not at all! A local anesthetic numbs the treated area, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable it is.
After the deep cleaning, you might experience some soreness or sensitivity, especially when eating or drinking hot or cold foods. However, this is temporary and can be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers as well as following our aftercare instructions.
Your gums will feel better as they heal, and the long-term benefits far outweigh any short-term discomfort.
Taking care of your teeth and gums after a deep cleaning is key to a smooth recovery and long-lasting results. Here are some tips to help you heal:
Dental deep cleaning is a safe and useful way to treat gum disease, but there are a few things you should know. After the procedure, you might notice some temporary side effects, like sensitivity to hot or cold foods and mild gum tenderness. Don’t worry—this is totally normal and should go away in a few days with proper care.
It’s also really important to complete all recommended sessions. Deep cleaning is often done in stages, and if you skip an appointment, some areas might not get treated, which could leave your gums vulnerable to infection.
For patients with more advanced gum disease, your dentist might recommend periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3 to 4 months. These regular visits can help prevent gum disease from coming back and keep your smile healthy in the long run.
If you’re noticing signs of gum problems like bleeding, swelling, or persistent bad breath, don’t wait—schedule a consultation today. Early treatment can make all the difference in protecting your smile and preventing more serious issues.
At Nova Dental in Woburn, MA, our team is here to help you achieve a healthier, happier smile. Call us at (781) 369-5722 or schedule an appointment online. Let’s get your gums back on track!
A deep cleaning usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour per session. Depending on the severity of gum disease, numerous visits may be required to treat different sections of your mouth.
Many dental insurance plans honor deep cleaning, especially if it’s deemed medically necessary to treat gum disease. Check with your provider for coverage details.
Deep cleaning is typically a one-time treatment for gum disease, but patients with ongoing issues may need periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3 to 4 months to keep their gums healthy.
Yes! By treating gum disease early, deep cleaning helps prevent bone loss and gum recession, which are the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. It’s a powerful tool for preserving your natural teeth.