Your dentist or hygienist has just recommended a “deep cleaning.” It’s a term that can sound intimidating, and it’s natural to have questions about what it means for your oral health. What is it, why do you need it, and what does it involve? A deep teeth cleaning is a specific, therapeutic procedure prescribed for a very important reason: to treat the early to moderate stages of gum disease and stop it from progressing.
At Sunshine Dentistry in Richmond Hill, we believe that a well-informed patient is a comfortable patient. We want to demystify this process for you. This guide will answer the most common questions we hear about this procedure, explaining why a deep teeth cleaning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect the foundation of your smile.
1. What Exactly Is Deep Teeth Cleaning?
The clinical term for this procedure is “scaling and root planing.” Unlike a standard cleaning that focuses on the teeth at and above the gum line, a deep teeth cleaning is designed to clean the areas below the gum line. Its purpose is to remove the buildup of plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the root surfaces of your teeth.
2. Why Do I Need Deep Teeth Cleaning?
This procedure is recommended when your gums have started to show signs of periodontal (gum) disease. In a healthy mouth, your gums are snug against your teeth. When plaque and tartar accumulate, they can cause the gums to become inflamed and pull away. In addition, this forms small spaces called “periodontal pockets.” Moreover, bacteria thrive in these pockets, and a regular cleaning simply cannot reach them. A deep teeth cleaning is the necessary treatment to clean out these pockets and give your gums a chance to heal and reattach to your teeth.
3. How Is This Different from My Regular Cleaning?
This is a crucial distinction. A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) is a preventive measure for a healthy mouth. A deep teeth cleaning is a therapeutic treatment for an active disease. Think of it this way: a regular cleaning maintains a healthy state, while a deep cleaning is prescribed to bring an unhealthy state back to health. It is a more involved and detailed procedure focused specifically on the tooth roots below the gum line.
4. Is Deep Teeth Cleaning Painful?
This is often the number one concern for our patients, and the answer is no. Your comfort is our highest priority. Because we will be working below the gum line, where the area can be sensitive, we will always use a local anesthetic to completely numb the sections of your mouth we are treating. You will be fully comfortable and will not feel any pain during your deep teeth cleaning.
5. What Is the Process Like?
Your deep teeth cleaning is typically broken down into two main steps, performed by one of our skilled dental hygienists:
- Scaling: This is the process of meticulously removing all the plaque and tartar buildup from both above and below your gum line, cleaning all the way down into the periodontal pockets.
- Root Planing: After the scaling is complete, we will gently smooth out the root surfaces of your teeth. This makes it more difficult for new bacteria and plaque to stick, and it helps your gums to heal and reattach snugly to your teeth.
6. How Long Will the Appointment Take?
Because the process is so thorough, a deep teeth cleaning is usually broken up into two appointments. We typically treat one half of the mouth (e.g., the upper right and lower right side) in the first visit, and the other half in the second visit. This ensures we can be meticulous and also keeps you comfortable.
7. What Can I Expect After My Deep Teeth Cleaning?
After your appointment, it’s normal to experience some mild tenderness or sensitivity in the treated areas for a few days as your gums begin to heal. You can easily manage this with over-the-counter pain relievers. We will provide you with specific home care instructions to help promote healing and keep the area clean.
8. Will My Dental Insurance Cover This Procedure?
In most cases, yes. Because a deep teeth cleaning is a medically necessary treatment for gum disease, most dental insurance plans provide coverage for scaling and root planing. Our administrative team at Sunshine Dentistry will be happy to help you understand your benefits and submit any necessary pre-authorizations.
9. How Can I Prevent Needing Another Deep Teeth Cleaning?
This is the best question of all! The goal of this treatment is to get your gum health back on track so you can maintain it with a less intensive routine. The key to prevention is a partnership between you and our team. It involves diligent home care—consistent brushing and flossing—and a regular schedule of maintenance cleanings (periodontal maintenance) at our office, typically every 3-4 months, to ensure the pockets stay clean and healthy.
Conclusion: An Investment in Your Health
A deep teeth cleaning is far more than just a cleaning; it is a vital procedure to stop gum disease in its tracks and protect not only your teeth but your overall health. At Sunshine Dentistry in Richmond Hill, Ontario, we are committed to providing our Richmond Hill community with gentle, thorough, and compassionate care. We are here to help you get your gums healthy and keep them that way for life.
If you have been told you need this treatment or have any concerns about your gum health, please contact our office today to schedule a consultation.
