Deep Cleaning: Everything You Need to Know
Table of Contents
- Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings
- What is Deep Cleaning?
- When is Deep Cleaning Recommended?
- Advantages and Disadvantages
- Deep Cleaning Before and After
- How Much Does Deep Cleaning Cost?
- Post Deep Cleaning Care
Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings
Life's events can make keeping up with regular dental cleanings a challenge. However, staying up-to-date with your hygiene visits is crucial. Quick gum inflammation can lead to rapid bone loss and compromised teeth. This inflammation stems from plaque buildup that solidifies into tartar or calculus. If it's been a while since your last dental cleaning, calculus likely surrounds your teeth, necessitating a deep cleaning. Only a hygienist or dentist can remove this calculus, as your toothbrush or floss won't suffice.
What is Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning, technically referred to as scaling and root planing (SRP), is an intensive cleaning process. It often requires local or topical anesthesia for patient comfort. The process involves removing calculus and bacteria from beneath your gum tissue. Cleaning the pockets around your teeth can be discomforting without numbing.
When is Deep Cleaning Recommended?
Annual gum tissue measurements help ensure your gums' health. A measurement of 3 millimeters or less is normal, while anything over this can suggest inflammation. Deeper pockets, typically higher than 3 millimeters, signify inflammation. Prolonged gum inflammation, known as periodontitis, can cause bone loss, which may not be entirely reversible. Deep cleaning is often advised when several 4-millimeter pockets or higher are present, usually accompanied by bleeding.
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Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Reversal of gum inflammation and potential bone loss
- Tooth loss prevention
- Enhanced oral health and hygiene
- Boosted smile confidence
Disadvantages:
- Temporary discomfort post-procedure
- Soreness
- Sensitivity to cold
- Possible minor bleeding
Deep Cleaning Before and After
Before-and-after photos of deep cleanings can be jarring, but they're telling. “Before” images typically depict teeth swamped in calculus and plaque with inflamed gums. In contrast, “after” pictures showcase a clean mouth with vibrant, healthy gums. You can find numerous such photos online, emphasizing deep cleaning benefits and the importance of oral health.
How Much Does Deep Cleaning Cost?
Deep cleaning costs can vary based on your dentist's location, the applied anesthesia type, and the teeth number involved. Typically, costs are applied per mouth quadrant. The procedure can range from $300 to $700 per quadrant, contingent on your dentist and locality.
Post Deep Cleaning Care
It's normal to experience soreness and some cold sensitivity a day or two after a deep cleaning. Regular 3-monthly check-ups with your dentist or hygienist are usually recommended post-procedure to maintain the results. Continuous bacterial growth can jeopardize the gum health around your teeth, necessitating ongoing maintenance for healthy gums.
Dr. Thomas is a general dentist that loves sharing information about all aspects of dentistry, but is passionate about digital and implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas received his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continues to find helpful ways to inform and educate people about dental procedures and products.
Are you looking for a second opinion? Dr. Thomas is the CEO of Opinion Two Nonprofit Organization. Opinion Two is available online or on mobile app and it allows patients to receive dental second opinions with top US-licensed dentists. All proceeds are used to benefit future generations of dentists through scholarships and benefits to pre-dental programs.