Teeth Cleaning (Deep Cleaning): What to Expect During the Procedure?

A cleaning procedure termed a scale and polish is frequently included in regular dental visits. 

Before polishing the surface of your teeth, the dentist removes plaque and tartar from areas that are challenging to reach with brushing and flossing. 

A scale and polish will eliminate plaque and tartar for most patients, but for some, the tartar may be the reason for gum disease. The patient would require deep teeth cleaning in this situation.

Dentists advise deep teeth cleaning for patients with gum disease, particularly if it has developed into periodontitis. 

Tartar accumulation below the gum line is eliminated by deep cleaning. Under local anaesthetic, the procedure is carried out. The gums can feel sore afterwards, but it does not hurt.

What is Teeth Cleaning?

Dental scaling and root planing, often known as deep cleaning, is another name for dental cleaning. Simply said, a deep clean goes a little bit further than a standard clean. 

Toxins like calculus, tartar, and other particles that have adhered to the surfaces of your teeth are removed by your dental hygienist by reaching below the gum line.

The gum disease or the immune response of the gums, will worsen if these materials are not removed. Gum pockets will certainly get deeper and deeper as a result of this leakage.

Loss of teeth and possibly loss of bone are long-term effects of growing pockets.

The root surface, which is technically below the gum line, is physically being cleaned and/or scraped during this deep teeth cleaning.

What is Involved in the Process of Deep Teeth Cleaning?

1. Pre-Appointment Diagnosis: 

Your dentist will first measure the gaps between your teeth and gums using a periodontal probe to check for gum disease. 

A gap wider than 3 mm indicates gum disease. They will also look for bleeding, inflammation, and loose teeth. X-rays may be taken to assess any bone loss from periodontitis.

2. First Deep Cleaning Appointment: 

Typically, deep cleaning requires two appointments. At the first appointment, your dentist will numb one side of your mouth with a local anaesthetic. 

They will then remove tartar below the gumline using manual tools and ultrasonic equipment if needed. Numbness might make it hard to talk, eat, or drink.

3. Second Appointment: 

The second appointment involves treating the other side of your mouth with the same methods. Your dentist will also check the healing progress of the first side. 

Each appointment usually lasts from one to four hours. In severe cases, antibiotic gel, tablets, or a strong mouthwash may be used.

4. Follow-Up Appointment: 

About two weeks after your second cleaning, a follow-up appointment will be scheduled. 

The dentist will measure the gaps between your teeth and gums to see if they have improved. Depending on the results, further treatment with a specialist might be recommended.

What to Expect During Teeth Scaling?

The scaling procedure is carried out by your provider using an ultrasonic vibrating instrument. 

These steps could happen during teeth scaling:

• The scaler's vibrating metal tip removes tartar from your teeth above the gum line.

• Tartar and plaque from the gum pockets are removed by spraying water on the scaler.

• To get rid of any last few little bits of tartar, your doctor utilises a manual dental scaler and scraper (called a curette).

What to Expect During Root Planing?

In contrast to scaling, root planing is performed on the roots of your teeth, which are located below the gum line.

Your dentist will:

• gently remove your gum tissue with the aid of a tool to reveal the surface of the roots.

• uses the same tools for tooth scaling to remove tartar from the roots and smoothen them.

• an antibiotic drug may occasionally be directly injected into any gum pockets.

Does Deep Cleaning Hurt?

Deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing (SRP), is generally manageable in terms of discomfort. Your dentist will numb your gums with a local anaesthetic to minimize pain during the procedure.

After the treatment, you might experience some sensitivity, throbbing, or achiness, but these effects are usually mild and temporary. Even routine cleanings can cause a bit of discomfort.

The temporary sensitivity occurs because the root surface is left very clean, removing the tartar and calculus that previously acted as a thermal barrier. This can make your teeth more sensitive to temperature changes for a few weeks.

Take Care of your Teeth and Gums After Root Planing

Various practices can aid in your recovery after having your roots planed.

1. For a couple of days, avoid acidic meals and beverages.

2. Saliva will help to remineralize and fortify the root surfaces, so make sure you have some in your mouth. Try mouth taping if you breathe through your mouth at night to avoid dry mouth.

3. Use toothpaste with nano-hydroxyapatite (nHa).

4. Switching to a sonic toothbrush might help break up plaque gently before it becomes tartar buildup.

Who Needs Scaling and Root Planing?

Before your dentist detects gum disease during a checkup, several of the warning symptoms may already be present.

• Bad breath

• Gum disease (also known as gingivitis or stage I periodontitis)

• Sensitive/Inflamed gum tissue

• Sensitivity when flossing

Make an appointment with your dentist straight away if you experience any of these signs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sustaining excellent oral health and general well-being requires an appreciation of the significance of tooth cleaning, especially deep cleaning. 

Regular dental cleanings help to avoid future gum diseases and mouth infections by removing plaque, tartar, and germs.

You can make sure that your smile is bright, healthy, and long-lasting by making routine dental appointments a priority and by paying attention to the recommendations of trained dental experts. 

A happy, healthy lifestyle should always include practising good oral hygiene habits and getting competent dental care. 

Therefore, make that much-needed dental appointment and start taking care of your teeth right away!