Just the words, dental deep cleaning can seem intimidating. Most people are familiar with a standard teeth cleaning (at least we hope so), but many people have never heard of dental deep cleaning and as a result, they don’t know what it entails or why they might need it. This uncertainty can lead to a lot of anxiety. Before worrying if you need this procedure, it is best to learn more. There are a number of reasons your dentist or hygienist might recommend a dental deep cleaning to prevent or treat gum and periodontal disease.
What is dental deep cleaning?
There are some common misconceptions about dental deep cleaning and its uses. A dental deep cleaning is a professional procedure done by a dental hygienist to treat gum or periodontal disease. The process is often referred to as scaling and root planning.
During dental deep cleaning, your hygienist will scale your teeth first. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and from the pocket area between the teeth and gums. The hygienist will clean all the way down to the bottom of the pocket. To do so, he or she will use an electric, ultrasonic or manual device, depending on the equipment your dental practice uses. At Artistic Dental, we use the latest technology to treat our patients.
After scaling, the hygienist will begin the process of root planning. Root planning is where the hygienist will smooth out the tooth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth. This promotes healing and a healthy relationship between your gums and teeth.
Does dental deep cleaning hurt?
Depending on the condition of your teeth and gums, the scaling and root planning process can cause some discomfort or mild pain. If necessary, your doctor may recommend Novocain to minimize any discomfort during your treatment. At Artistic Dental Dr. Dougherty and Dr. Adhikari work closely with our hygienist to determine the best treatment options for our patients. In some cases, the dentist may recommend Novocain for a patient, while others may not need it.
If you take good care of your oral health with daily brushing and flossing, most dental treatments, such as dental deep cleaning will not be necessary. Sticking to a consistent health routine and keeping up with regular visits to your dentist is the best prevention.
At Artistic Dental, we love to see your smiles every 6 months. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit our website or call us at 602-840-5400.