Most people know the value of regular teeth cleaning for preserving oral health. Yet what many don’t know is that there are two different types of cleaning – an essential hygienic treatment and a more profound, more involved treatment typically recommended to those with moderate or advanced gum disease.
But have you ever heard of deep dental cleaning before? It’s also known as root planing and scaling, but more is needed to capture what it does and why it is necessary. You may wonder how to distinguish between the two types of cleanings and figure out if one applies to you – read on for more information!
Dental Cleanings: What They Are And How They’re Done
Routine dental cleaning are professional cleaning performed by a trained hygienist. These hygienists use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and any other debris that has been collected in the hard-to-reach places between your teeth and gums.
Once they’ve released these deposits, they usually give you a fluoride treatment or apply sealants to help protect your teeth against cavities.
What is Deep Dental Cleaning and When is It Necessary?
Deep dental cleaning is typically recommended for moderate or advanced periodontal (gum) disease. This type of cleaning goes beyond simply removing surface plaque and tartar. Instead, it involves the removal of plaque, tartar, and bacteria deep in the pockets around your teeth and gums. This cleaning also helps reduce inflammation in the area, allowing your gums to heal properly and protect you from further damage.
If you’re suffering from gum disease or are at risk for developing it, your dentist may recommend a deep dental cleaning as part of your preventive care. Additionally, if you have developed cavities that have gone untreated for some time, a deep cleaning may be necessary to help prevent further decay.
It’s important to remember that regular dental cleaning are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. So even if you don’t need a deep cleaning now, make regular appointments with your dentist for check-ups and cleanings. This will help you stay ahead of any problems that may arise in the future, keeping your smile healthy and beautiful for years to come.
If you have questions or concerns about deep dental cleanings, speak with your dentist. They can provide more information on this type of cleaning and help you decide if it’s right for you. Then, with the proper care and maintenance, you can look forward to a lifetime of healthy smiles!
It is important to remember that routine dental cleanings and deep dental cleanings are critical components of good oral health care and should be noticed when establishing a health care plan. Understanding what these different types of cleanings are and when they should be considered can ensure that you get the optimal level of care for your teeth and gums, helping keep them healthy and happy.
If you have questions about dental or deep cleanings, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist for more information. They will be able to answer all of your questions and help you decide which type of cleaning is best for you!
What To Expect During A Routine Teeth Cleaning
Astonishingly, 36% of US citizens are too afraid to visit their dentist! If the mere thought of going for an appointment is causing your heart rate to increase or sweat beads to form on your palms, you’re not by yourself.
Despite all this fear, though, it remains essential that we maintain our oral health through regular dental cleanings.
Neglecting your oral health affects your teeth’ well-being and can also be associated with other serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, and even diabetes.
HEALTH HISTORY
Before your scheduled visit, many dental offices require you to fill out either new patient forms or update existing ones if you’re an established client. Your dentist will be interested in learning about any medical conditions and allergies, the status of your oral health, and what medication is currently being taken.
Additionally, they may ask questions regarding habits such as smoking cigarettes or using smokeless tobacco products, drinking coffee, etc., that could significantly impact one’s dental well-being.
Our team will ask about your former operations and oral health record for all new patients, such as any past dental surgery. If you are pregnant, they may choose to postpone x-rays until after delivery.
EXAMINATION
After the initial questions, your dentist will examine your mouth and teeth, including any existing fillings or crowns. The examination can include checking for cracks or cavities, as well as taking note of any gum disease or irregular tissue growth. They may also perform an oral cancer screening during this part of the exam.
TOOTH CLEANING
Once all visible issues are addressed, it’s time to begin cleaning! Your dental hygienist will use special tools to remove the sticky build-up of plaque from around your teeth and gums. This cleaning also helps reduce inflammation in the area, allowing your gums to heal properly and protect you from further damage.
X-RAYS
If your dentist notices any abnormalities during their examination, they may take x-rays to better look at what’s happening. X-ray images can reveal minor issues that are not visible to the naked eye, including abscesses and impacted teeth. Sometimes, these images will be sent out for further evaluation by an oral surgeon or another specialist.
FLUORIDE TREATMENT
Depending on your age and dental health needs, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatment following the cleaning process. Fluoride helps protect against cavities by strengthening the enamel of your teeth and making them more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth. This treatment is commonly provided as a gel or foam and applied directly to your teeth.
FINAL EVALUATION
At the end of your appointment, your dentist will go over their findings with you and explain any additional treatments that may be recommended. They will also advise on maintaining good dental hygiene at home and answer any questions or concerns you may have. For example, they might talk to you about the importance of regular brushing, flossing, and avoiding sugary snacks and drinks.
Overall, visiting your dentist for routine cleaning is essential to maintaining a healthy mouth. Our dental team here at Keels Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to meet your oral health needs.
So don’t hesitate to contact us today and book your appointment!