You probably know
that simply brushing and flossing are not enough to maintain your dental
health. Getting professional teeth
cleaning treatments from time to time is necessary, too. Dental cleaning
removes harmful plaque and tartar from your teeth, which brushing, and flossing
cannot eliminate. This treatment prevents infections and complications, so it’s
recommended every six months.
Some patients also
get a deep dental cleaning at
least once a year. This treatment follows the same steps to remove plaque and
tartar build-ups. However, it involves reaching out beyond the gum line into
the roots’ surfaces. Want to opt for dental deep cleaning? Here are some
questions you should ask first.
What types of teeth cleanings do you offer?
The five different
types of cleanings are prophylaxis, gross debridement, root planning, and
periodontal cleaning. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate type of
cleaning for you, depending on the results of your oral examinations and X-ray.
Why are oral examinations important?
This step is
necessary for your dentist to identify what kind of deep dental cleaning
you need. The tests will check how healthy your mouth is and whether you have
deep pockets and bone loss. Different treatments will be recommended for
patients with a healthy mouth compared to those with gingivitis or periodontal
disease. For example, prophylaxis cleaning is given to patients with healthy
gums as preventative cleaning. Meanwhile, scale and polish treatment is done
for people with gingivitis. Root planning is recommended for patients with mild
to moderate generalized or advanced localized periodontal disease.
What can I expect after the treatment?
As with most dental
treatments, deep dental cleaning can
leave patients feeling some discomfort while chewing or biting. Most patients
experience soreness, bleeding, and tooth sensitivity for days after the
treatment. Talk to your dentist, so you know what to expect.
