Oral hygiene is an essential aspect of maintaining good health. Brushing and flossing regularly are important, but deep cleaning your teeth at least once a year is also recommended. Deep cleaning involves scaling and root planing, which are procedures done by a dental hygienist or dentist to remove plaque and tartar that have accumulated on the teeth and below the gum line. In this article, we will discuss the importance of deep cleaning, what happens during the procedure, what to expect before and after the treatment, and some tips to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
Importance of deep cleaning
Deep cleaning or periodontal scaling and root planing are crucial for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. This procedure is typically recommended for patients who have not had regular professional cleanings in over a year or those with severe gum disease. The benefits of deep cleaning include:
Removing plaque and tartar buildup:
Even with regular brushing and flossing, tartar can still accumulate on the teeth and below the gum line. This buildup can lead to gum inflammation, bleeding, and eventually tooth loss.
Preventing gum disease:
Gum disease is caused by bacteria that infect the gums, resulting in inflammation, bleeding, and eventually tooth loss. Deep cleaning removes the bacteria and helps prevent further infection.
Freshening breath:
Bacteria that cause gum disease can also cause bad breath. Deep cleaning removes these bacteria, resulting in fresher breath.
Saving money:
If gum disease is left untreated, it can result in expensive dental procedures such as extractions, implants, or even surgery. Deep cleaning can help prevent these costly treatments.
What happens during the deep cleaning procedure
The deep cleaning procedure typically involves two main parts: scaling and root planing.
Scaling:
The dental hygienist or dentist uses a scaler tool to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gum line. They may also use an ultrasonic scaler, which uses vibrations to break up the tartar.
Root planing:
Once the tartar is removed, the dental hygienist or dentist uses a root planing tool to smooth out the roots of the teeth. This makes it harder for bacteria to stick to the roots and cause further infection.
The procedure can take anywhere from one to two hours depending on the extent of the tartar buildup and the severity of the gum disease. Local anesthesia may be used to numb the gums if they are sensitive or bleeding.
What to expect before and after the deep cleaning procedure
Before the procedure:
Consultation: The dentist will examine your teeth and gums and determine if deep cleaning is necessary. They may also take x-rays to check for bone loss.
Medications: If you have severe gum disease, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth.
Cost: The cost of deep cleaning varies depending on the extent of the tartar buildup and the severity of the gum disease. You should check with your dental insurance provider to see if the procedure is covered.
After the procedure:
Soreness: Your gums may feel sore and tender for a few days after the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help ease the discomfort.
Bleeding: It is normal to experience some bleeding when brushing or flossing after the deep cleaning procedure. However, if the bleeding persists, you should contact your dentist.
Follow-up appointments: The dentist may schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure that the infection has been eliminated.
Tips to maintain healthy teeth and gums
Brush and floss regularly: Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day to remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and gums.
Use mouthwash: Mouthwash helps kill bacteria that cause bad breath and gum disease.
Quit smoking: Smoking increases the risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer.
Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
Regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can help prevent the buildup of tartar and identify early signs of gum disease.
Conclusion:
Deep cleaning is an important aspect of maintaining healthy teeth and gums. It removes plaque and tartar buildup, prevents gum disease, freshens breath, and saves money on expensive dental procedures. If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding or swollen gums, make an appointment with your dentist and discuss the possibility of deep cleaning. Remember to maintain good oral hygiene habits to prevent future dental problems.
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