What is a deep teeth cleaning?
A deep cleaning is different from a routine dental cleaning. A deep cleaning, or as we call it, scaling and root planing, is needed when there's active gum disease present. It's different from a routine cleaning because there are areas where we have to remove tartar and calculus buildup that we don't have to address in a routine teeth cleaning.
When do you recommend a deep cleaning?
We recommend a deep cleaning for patients when they have active periodontal disease. We diagnose this through a number of different things, like X-rays and periodontal charting, to see what type of cleaning is best for you.
What are the signs your teeth may need a deep cleaning?
Some signs and symptoms that you may need a deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, are inflamed gums, a lot of bleeding when you brush, visible buildup on the teeth, and sometimes tooth mobility. Those are all symptoms of active gum disease.
How do you make a deep cleaning comfortable?
Here at our office, we make a deep cleaning as comfortable as possible. We use local anesthetic to make sure you're nice and numb throughout the procedure, and we remove all of the calculus buildup above the gums and underneath the gums and clean everything up so the foundation of your mouth is very healthy.
What are the benefits of a deep teeth cleaning?
The benefits of a deep cleaning for patients with active gum disease are many. There are many different things that are linked from oral bacteria to heart bacteria. When we do a deep cleaning and get those gums super healthy, it goes right back to your overall health and gets you super healthy, too.
What can you expect after a deep cleaning?
Sometimes after a deep cleaning, the gums can be a little bit sore, but that's to be expected. We've gone in there and cleaned everything up, and a lot of times those gums haven't been touched in a number of years. You may expect some soreness.
Afterwards, things are going to start feeling a lot better. There's going to be a lot less bleeding and a lot less inflammation. We're getting you back to overall health.
Why might there be gaps between the teeth after a deep cleaning?
Some patients may notice gaps in their teeth after a deep cleaning because, over time, that tartar or calculus buildup around the teeth almost feels hard like tooth material, and it can kind of bridge the teeth together and almost connect them in a way. When we remove that buildup, you may start to feel the normal spaces that are between the teeth once that buildup is removed.
Does dental insurance cover a deep cleaning?
Most of the time, dental insurance will provide a benefit for a deep cleaning. Deep cleanings are going to be a little bit more than a routine cleaning, but they are absolutely necessary when you have active gum disease.
What results can patients expect before and after a deep cleaning?
Before and after a deep cleaning, patients can expect results that include a lot less bleeding of the gums and a lot less inflammation. They can start to feel a lot better overall in their general health.
Once we start getting that infection out of the gums, you'll see kind of an immediate effect of feeling a lot better just from the inside out. A lot of the time, a lot of that stain is removed. You can expect the teeth to look a little bit brighter.
Your dental health matters to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’re looking for expert dental care near Richmond, MI, call (586) 800-2250 or email [email protected] to learn more. Ready to get started? Schedule your appointment below.