Deep Teeth Cleaning

The initial stage of treatment for periodontal disease is usually a thorough cleaning that may include scaling or root planing. The objective of these non-surgical procedures is to remove dental plaque and tartar, or calculus, which cause gingival inflammation and disease. Scaling and root planing can be used as a stand-alone treatment or a preventive measure. They are commonly performed on cases of gingivitis and moderate to severe periodontal disease.

What Do the Procedures Entail?

Dr. Pinkas will only perform scaling and root planing after a thorough examination of the mouth, which may include taking x-rays and visually examining the mouth. Depending on the condition of the gums, the amount of tartar present, the depth of the pockets, and the progression of periodontitis, Dr. Pinkas may recommend scaling and root planing. In some cases, a local anesthesia may be used during the procedure.

Scaling:

When scaling is performed, calculus and plaque that attach to the tooth surfaces are removed. The process especially targets the area below the gum line, along the root. Scaling is performed with a specialized dental instrument called an ultrasonic scaler. The scaling tool usually includes an irrigation process that can deliver an antimicrobial agent below the gums to help reduce oral bacteria.

Root Planing:

Root planing is performed to remove cementum and surface dentin that are embedded with unwanted microorganisms, toxins, and tartar. The root of the tooth is smoothed, which promotes healing and helps prevent bacteria from easily colonizing in the future.

Antibiotics or irrigation with anti-microbial rinses may be recommended to help control the growth of bacteria that create toxins and cause periodontitis. In some cases, Dr. Pinkas may place antibiotic fibers in the periodontal pockets after scaling and planing. This may be done to control infection and to encourage normal healing.

When deep pockets between teeth and gums are present, it is difficult for Dr. Pinkas to thoroughly remove plaque and tartar. Patients can seldom, if ever, keep these pockets clean and plaque-free. Consequently, surgery may be needed to restore periodontal health.

Benefits of Treatment

If treatment is successful, scaling and planing may have many periodontal benefits. One is that it can help prevent disease. Research has shown that bacteria from periodontal infections can travel through the bloodstream and affect other areas of the body, sometimes causing heart and respiratory diseases. Scaling and root planing remove bacteria that cause these conditions.

Another benefit of treatment is protecting teeth against tooth loss. When gum pockets exceed 3mm in depth, the risk for periodontal disease increases. As pockets deepen, more bacteria are able to colonize, eventually triggering a chronic inflammatory response in the body that destroys gingival and bone tissue. This leads to tooth loss.

Finally, scaling and root planing may make the mouth more aesthetically pleasing and should reduce bad breath caused by food particles and bacteria in the oral cavity. Superficial stains on the teeth will be removed during scaling and planing, adding a bonus to the procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Cleaning

Are deep cleaning and periodontal maintenance the same?

No. Deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is performed as an initial treatment for gum disease. Periodontal maintenance is a regularly scheduled procedure to manage gum disease and keep it under control. Deep cleaning is more intense and typically takes longer to perform.

Is deep cleaning painful?

Dr. Pinkas numbs the area and, if needed, provides sedation so that you are comfortable and pain-free during deep cleaning. There may be some discomfort or sensitivity following deep cleaning, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. If they are not effective, please contact our office.

How many appointments are needed for deep cleaning?

It depends on the severity of the periodontal disease. In severe cases, we may perform dental scaling at one appointment and root planing at another or treat one half of the mouth at the first appointment and the other half at a second one.

How often do I need a deep cleaning?

Deep cleaning, including scaling and root planing, should only need to be performed once. However, we recommend regular periodontal maintenance to keep gum disease under control following treatment.