Why Deep Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing) Are Necessary for Patients with Gum Disease

While a regular dental cleaning is an in-and-out procedure that can be completed in 30 to 60 minutes, a deep cleaning is a much more extensive and time-consuming process. Your hygienist will pay special attention to removing build-up on your teeth, roots and along your gumline to help restore a health 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 while periodontitis is more severe.

Many patients would prefer to jump straight to the maintenance and at-home care procedures, such as oil pulling and flossing. However, deep cleanings are necessary prior to these things so that the build-up can be removed from your teeth.

While a regular cleaning focuses on the surface of the teeth and involves polishing the visible portions of your smile, deep cleaning involves scaling and root planing. A deep cleaning will focus on removing bacteria, tartar, and debris that have built up overtime under the gum line.

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 work to remove tartar and debris at and 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 places in deep pockets

You will be given a numbing medication during your deep cleaning. Depending on your case, deep cleaning may be handed all at once or your dentist may break the procedure up 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 clean bacteria out of your gums and encourage improved oral health.