Dental hygiene can help fight bad breath and also prevent gum disease. It is therefore important to brush and floss and visit a dentist at least twice every year for regular dental cleanings. Sometimes, however, a dentist might suggest a deep teeth cleaning. The signs that you may require an extensive cleaning are gingivitis, bleeding gums, and loose or loosened teeth. Although a thorough cleaning, known as periodontal scaling, also known as root planing, is quite common, however, it can be risky.
Here’s what you need to know about deep cleaning teeth, including advantages and disadvantages of this procedure.
What is deep teeth cleaning?
A deep teeth cleaning can eliminate a buildup of dental plaque or tartar on your teeth, which can reduce gum inflammation or improve gum health.
Plaque is a sticky layer that develops on teeth. It is made up of bacteria and forms when food particles are mixed with saliva. It is possible to eliminate plaque, which collects on your teeth each day, by brushing your teeth.
The act of brushing does not take away all plaque from the spaces between your teeth. The plaque that remains calcifies and hardens, forming tartar.
The buildup of tartar or plaque can cause gum disease. This is the case with gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums. If not treated, the gingivitis condition can progress towards periodontitis. It is a serious disease that damages the bone that holds the teeth.
Pro of deep cleaning
- helps stop gum disease
- fights bad breath
- protects the tooth roots
- Promotes healthy gums
- helps to prevent tooth loss
Cons of deep cleaning
- minor sensitivity and pain
- can lead to gum recession.
- risk of infection after the procedure
- In very rare instances, there is a risk of nerve damage.
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What are the advantages of deep cleaning teeth?
You may require a more thorough clean if your gums are infected and have caused your gums to pull back from the teeth, leaving the impression of a gap that is greater than 5 millimeters (mm) deep.
If gum disease becomes more severe, the space between your teeth and gums will continue to expand. This could weaken the bones that support your teeth. which can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss.
If your dentist suggests an extensive cleaning, the advantages of this procedure are:
- stopping the advancement of gum disease.
- taking care of the current inflammation and promote healing
- Cleaning your teeth both above and below the gumline
- removing the bad breath caused by gum disease
- protecting the roots of your teeth
What are the disadvantages of deep cleaning teeth?
While deep cleaning may be a cure for gum disease, it is not without risk. Some disadvantages of deep cleaning teeth include:
- Can cause nerve damage
- Does not guarantee the reattachment of your gums to your teeth.
- Could cause your gums to recede
- Possibility of infection if you’ve got an impaired immune system
- Exaggerated pain, and sensitivity
Sensitivity and pain are the most common side effects. The risk of sensitivity and pain from deep cleaning is typically minimal and lasts between 5 and 7 days, however, in extreme cases, it could last for a few weeks.
What does deep cleaning teeth involve?
Deep teeth cleaning differs from regular dental cleanings. Regular cleaning removes tartar and plaque off the top of your gumline. A thorough clean, however, will remove tartar and plaque under the gumline.
Gum disease can cause a gap, which is the gap that exists between gums and teeth in which plaque and tartar may get trapped. Cleansing below the gumline eliminates the plaque.
Deep cleaning involves gum scaling and root planning
Deep cleaning is usually performed throughout two or more times and includes gum scaling and root planning. Each visit could take anywhere from about 1 to 2 hours.
The tooth scaling appointment occurs where your dentist takes away tartar and plaque from beneath the gum line. In the course of your root planning visit the dentist will remove the tarter and plaque that build up on the root that are the roots of your teeth. This can reduce the size of the gap between your gums and your teeth and helps your gums to reattach to your teeth.
You may need to take antibiotics
If you’re defense system has been weak, it could be necessary to take a prescription antibiotic for a couple of days. This is because there’s a chance of getting an infection following the procedure. Furthermore, deep dental cleanings may sometimes release bacteria into the bloodstream.
Is deep cleaning painful?
Root planing and scaling may cause discomfort, which is why you’ll be treated with local or topical anesthetic to help numb your gums.
It is possible to experience some discomfort after the treatment. The gums may swell and you may also experience some bleeding, too.
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How can you reduce the sensitivity after deep cleaning teeth?
Consuming soft foods ( yogurt, applesauce, or potato mash) for several days following your procedure will help to reduce the sensitivity. Also, avoid eating cold or hot foods or drinks.
Utilizing over-the-counter pain medication such as Ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation in addition to rinsing the area using warm water with salt.
Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly helps to heal and prevent further gum inflammation. Make use of a soft bristle tooth at least two times per day and floss at least once each day.
How much does deep teeth cleaning cost?
The cost of deep-cleaning will vary based on the degree of gum inflammation or gum disease.
There’s a good chance that you’ll need two visits, but some patients may require as many as four visits to eliminate plaque and tartar. In these visits, the mouth is viewed as a quadrant. It is possible to pay $100 or more for each quadrant, based on the area you reside and the level of treatment you require. If you have dental insurance, most plans cover deep cleanings.
Wrapping Up
A deep teeth cleaning can help remove bad breath and aid in the recovery from gum diseases. Deep cleaning teeth can be risky, therefore it is important to know the potential problems or adverse side effects.
Although it’s a standard, safe procedure, you should expect some swelling and sensitivity afterward. If bleeding, swelling, or pain persists for longer than a week following your procedure, consult your dentist.
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