Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels With proper dental hygiene, it is possible to prevent gum disease as well as bad breath. It is recommended that you have your teeth cleaned twice a year, and you should brush and floss regularly. Dentists will sometimes recommend deep cleanings. Bleeding gums, receding gums, and loose teeth are some of the signs that indicate you might require deep cleaning. However, there are risks associated with deep cleanings.

What Is Deep Teeth Cleaning?

Deep teeth cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth is an effective way to reduce gum inflammation and improve gum health. Plaque develops on the tooth’s surface. It contains bacteria and is developed when food particles combine with saliva. Plaque accumulates on teeth daily and can be removed by brushing them. However, plaque in between your teeth cannot be removed by brushing. The calcification or hardening of plaque leads to the formation of tartar.

Gum disease can be brought on by plaque or tartar build up. This includes gingivitis, a gum condition characterized by inflammation. Without treatment for gingivitis, periodontitis can develop. This is a serious infection that destroys the bone that holds your teeth in place.

How Does Deep Cleaning of Teeth Benefit You?

If gum disease causes your gums to move away from your teeth, leaving a space more than 5 millimeters (mm) deep, you might need a deep cleaning.

Your gums and teeth may become further separated if gum disease worsens. Tooth loss or loose teeth may result from these conditions weakening the bones supporting your teeth.

Dentists recommend deep cleanings for several reasons, including:

1. Preventing gum disease from progressing

2. Promoting healing and treating an infection

3. Keeping your teeth clean above and below the gum line

4. Getting rid of bad breath caused by gum disease

5. Protecting teeth roots

Do Deep Cleanings Have Any Disadvantages?

Deep cleaning can treat gum disease, but the procedure is not without risks. Deep cleaning teeth has the following disadvantages:

1. Nerve damage is possible

2. No assurance of your gums reattaching to your teeth

3. Gums may recede

4. Compromised immune system may result in possible infections

5. Pain and sensitivity

In most cases, deep cleaning is associated with minimal risks. The effects typically last for only five to seven days. However, in extensive cases, this may extend to a few weeks.

What Does A Thorough Dental Cleaning Entail?

There is a difference between routine and deep teeth cleanings. Plaque and tartar are removed from the upper gum line by a regular dental cleaning. In contrast, deep cleanings remove plaque and tartar from within the gum line.

The gums and teeth can become separated when you have gum disease, causing tartar and plaque to accumulate between them. Getting rid of this build up requires cleaning beneath the gumline.

Deep Cleaning Involves Gum Scaling and Root Planing

The deep cleaning involves gum scaling and root planing and usually takes two to three visits. Each visit may take between an hour and two hours to complete.

Removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line during the tooth scaling appointment is necessary. During the root planning procedure, the dentist removes plaque and tartar build up around the roots of your teeth. As a result of this treatment, the amount of space between your teeth and gums will be reduced and your gums will be able to reattach to your teeth.

Antibiotics may be necessary

You may need antibiotics for a few days when your immune system is compromised. The procedure may leave you susceptible to infection afterward. The release of bacteria into the bloodstream can also occur during deep dental cleanings.

Does Deep Cleaning Hurt?

To minimize discomfort, the gums will be numbed with a topical or local anesthetic during teeth scaling and root planing.

Depending on the treatment, you may experience some sensitivity following the procedure. There is a possibility that your gums will swell, and you may experience some minor bleeding as well.

Reducing Sensitivity After the Procedure

It is recommended that in the first few days after the procedure, you should eat soft foods (yogurt, apple sauce, or mashed potatoes) to reduce sensitivity. It is also essential to avoid foods and beverages that are too hot or too cold.

To reduce inflammation, it is advisable to take pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen while also rinsing the affected area with warm salt water.

Maintaining good oral hygiene promotes healing and reduces gum inflammation. It is recommended to gently brush your teeth twice a day, and floss at least once.

The Cost of Deep Teeth Cleaning

Depending on the severity of gum disease or inflammation, the cost of deep cleaning may vary.

You may need two visits to remove tartar and plaque altogether, but some people may need as many as four. This type of cleaning is done in quadrants. According to where you live or how much treatment you require, you may have to pay $100 or more per quadrant. Deep cleanings are usually covered by dental insurance.

Conclusion

Deep cleaning of the teeth promotes the healing of gum disease as well as the prevention of bad breath. It is important to be aware of the potential side effects or complications associated with deep cleanings.

Even though this is a safe and standard procedure, there may be some swelling and sensitivity afterward. After your procedure, visit your dentist if swelling, bleeding, or pain persists.