While a regular dental cleaning is a relatively brief procedure that can be completed in 30 to 60 minutes, a deep cleaning is significantly more extensive and time-consuming. Your hygienist will pay special attention to removing buildup on your teeth, roots, and along your gumline to help restore a healthy environment inside your mouth.
Deep cleanings have proved very beneficial to patients suffering from gum disease.
Deep Cleanings for Gum Disease
Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease, whereas periodontitis is a more severe condition.
Many patients prefer to skip maintenance and at-home care procedures, such as oil pulling and flossing. However, deep cleanings are necessary before these to remove buildup from the teeth.
While a regular cleaning focuses on the surface of the teeth and polishes the visible portions of your smile, deep cleaning involves scaling and root planing. It will remove bacteria, tartar, and debris built up under the gum line over time.
Tartar, or calculus, under the gumline is an invitation for bacteria to begin building up, which can contribute to the progression of gum disease. That’s why a deep cleaning is necessary as a first step in the treatment process once you have been diagnosed with gum disease. If gum disease isn’t addressed, it will lead to bone loss and even tooth loss.
Regular cleanings only remove tartar and debris above the gumline. Deep cleanings, on the other hand, include all of the following:
- Calculus, plaque, and debris at and below the gumline
- Smoothing and shaping of roots to remove bacteria
- Medical-grade ozone is placed in deep pockets
You will be given numbing medication during your deep cleaning. Depending on your case, deep cleaning may be done all at once, or your dentist may break the procedure into two quadrants (and two separate visits).
What Is Oil Pulling?
Following your deep cleaning, you’ll be able to take advantage of oil pulling, flossing, and the benefits of similar tactics that can help maintain the health of your gums. As part of Ayurvedic medicine, oil pulling involves swishing oil around in your mouth for at least 10 minutes. It’s believed to help remove bacteria from your gums and promote improved oral health.