What Is a Dental Deep Cleaning? Here's What Is Involved.

Has your dentist recently suggested that you could benefit from a dental deep cleaning? Are you feeling anxious about this procedure?

First of all, dental anxiety is totally normal. In fact, it affects between 30 and 40 million Americans every year.

Second, one of the best things you can do if you're struggling with anxiety about an upcoming procedure is to do some research to learn what you can expect and why it is important.

Read on to learn more about the benefits of a dental deep cleaning and what this treatment entails.

What is a Dental Deep Cleaning?

First things first, let's explain what a dental deep cleaning (also known as scaling and root planing) is and how it differs from a traditional cleaning.

During a regular dental cleaning, the dentist focuses on cleaning the surfaces of your teeth and the areas between them. They work on polishing the visible portions of your teeth and keep their attention above the gum line.

During a deep cleaning procedure, the dentist focuses on removing bacteria, tartar, and other debris that has accumulated below the gum line.

When these substances are present below the gumline, they can't be removed with regular cleaning measures. This causes inflammation (known as periodontitis) as your body tries to eliminate the bacteria on its own.

If the bacteria and tartar are not removed from below the gums, infection and inflammation will spread. This can eventually lead to loose teeth and bone and tooth loss.

Who Can Benefit from this Treatment?

For most dental patients, a traditional cleaning is sufficient for keeping the mouth healthy. However, some people need the help that comes with a root scaling and planing.

Root scaling and planing helps to prevent the spread of periodontal disease. This prevention allows the gums to heal and return to their normal positions.

The following people are often predisposed to periodontal disease and can benefit most from root scaling and planing:

• People with a family history of periodontal disease
• Pregnant women
• Teens who are going through puberty
• People who are taking certain medications (such as anti-depressants, heart medications, and oral contraceptives)
• Thos who eat a diet high in sugar and low in nutrients
• People who clench or grind their teeth
• People who experience high levels of stress
• People who chew tobacco or smoke
• People with diabetes
• People who don't practice good oral hygiene

If you're part of one of these groups, that may be why your dentist has recommended root scaling and planing.

What to Expect During Your Treatment

The idea of a deep dental cleaning can definitely be intimidating. But, the more you know about the procedure, the less anxious you'll be going in.

Depending on the severity of inflammation in your gums, your dentist can either perform the scaling and root planing procedure in one or two visits. Sometimes, they'll treat just one or two quadrants of the mouth at a time. Other times, they'll treat the whole mouth at once.

During the appointment, the dentist will numb the areas of the mouth that they're treating.

They'll then use a special tool to get under the gum line and remove tartar, bacteria, and debris.

Once they've removed the cause of the inflammation, they'll shape (or plane) the roots of the teeth. By doing this, they can remove places where bacteria could possibly collect in the future.

What to Expect after the Treatment

Recovery from the scaling and root planing procedure is fairly straightforward.

It's common to feel some pain and discomfort after this procedure. Your dentist will usually write a prescription for a strong anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen and give you instructions for how often you should take it to minimize your pain.

They will also prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection.

You may experience some swelling, as well as minor bruising and chapped lips.

Applying ice and keeping your head elevated will help relieve swelling. The bruising will go away after a few days.

Some people also experience some sensitivity, especially to cold things, after their treatment. It usually lasts for a few weeks, but it will subside with time. Keeping the areas free from plaque also helps reduce sensitivity.

Aftercare Tips

In addition to recommending rest and painkillers, your dentist will also likely recommend rinsing your mouth with lukewarm salt water 4-6 times each day to help minimize bleeding and prevent infection.

You can eat as soon as the numbness wears off. But, you should avoid certain foods, including:

• Sticky, hard foods like chips, nuts, popcorn, and ice cubes
• Brittle foods
• Spicy or highly seasoned foods
• Acidic foods and drinks (citrus fruits, soda, coffee, etc.)

It's best to rely on soft, easy-to-eat foods instead, such as:

• Scrambled eggs
• Mashed potatoes
• Soup
• Pasta
• Smoothies

You should also avoid smoking for 7-14 days after your treatment. Smoking limits blood flow and slows down the healing process.

Maintaining Good Oral Health after Your Cleaning

You may have had a deep cleaning that stopped periodontal disease from spreading, but that doesn't mean you're out of the woods for good.

To prevent the need for future treatments (or more invasive procedures), it's important to start to prioritize good oral health. Some things you can do to maintain clean, healthy teeth and gums include:

• Brushing and flossing frequently and with proper technique
• Using a high-quality, American Dental Association-approved toothbrush
• Changing your toothbrush every 3-4 months
• Using a tongue scraper to get rid of excess bacteria
• Avoiding late-night snacking

Your dentist will also likely recommend that you see them for regular checkups to make sure that your mouth is healing well and to prevent future bacteria buildup. Don't skip these visits, even if everything feels fine -- they're essential for keeping your teeth clean and healthy.

Do You Need a Dental Deep Cleaning?

If you live in or around the Batavia, Illinois area and are looking for a dentist to perform your deep cleaning, contact us at Murphy Dentistry today.

Dr. Murphy and his professional, experienced staff will make sure you the help you need to improve your oral health and prevent future problems.