middle-aged couple hugging and smiling in front of white backgroundIf you have spent much time in a dental office, you may have heard the term “deep dental cleaning”. You may also be wondering if it is something you need. A deep dental cleaning is different from a routine dental cleaning that you receive from your hygienist. Today, our team at Metropolitan Dental Care will explore the differences between the two, and how you can determine which one you require. To find out if you need a deep dental cleaning in Lone Tree, read on!

Routine Dental Cleanings vs Deep Dental Cleanings

A routine dental cleaning is common. In fact, you’ve probably received numerous dental cleanings in your lifetime. During this procedure, the dental hygienist removes the plaque and tartar from your teeth surfaces, then polishes them to a bright, dazzling shine. Most patients necessitate routine cleanings approximately every six months, although this can vary depending on your unique dental needs.

A deep dental cleaning is performed when a patient is diagnosed with periodontal disease. Also referred to as scaling and root planing, a deep dental cleaning reaches deep into the gum line, sweeping out bacteria and irritants. In addition to cleaning the surfaces of the teeth, the clinician smooths the roots, as well. This will deter further plaque and bacteria from reattaching. Because scaling and root planing reaches deeper than a routine cleaning, the gums are numbed with local anesthesia for maximum patient comfort.

When is a Deep Dental Cleaning Necessary?

As aforementioned, a deep cleaning is intended to treat periodontal disease. When gum disease is present, bacteria in the mouth make the gums red, tender, and swollen. If left untreated, the bacteria can move down into the gum line, and begin to impact the underlying jawbone. This is referred to as periodontitis, and it can create pockets around the roots of the teeth, where debris, plaque, food, and other irritants can accumulate. When these pockets form, they cannot be reached by brushing and flossing alone. Therefore, intervention is necessary to treat the issue.

How Do I Know if I Have Gum Disease?

If you attend routine dental examinations, your doctor assesses your gum health on a regular basis. Often, this is performed by measuring the pocket depths around the teeth with a specialized instrument called a periodontal probe. Each tooth is measured at six different points that are located all the way around the root. Healthy teeth will measure between one and three millimeters. If gingivitis is present, pockets will measure around four millimeters. (Because the gums are slightly swollen, the probe drops lower into the gum line.) If deep periodontal pockets are present, the probe will fall even further into the gums, indicating periodontitis. Five- to six-millimeter pockets are considered mild to moderate, while anything above that indicates advanced periodontal disease.

Deep Dental Cleanings vs Gum Surgery

If you have been diagnosed with gum disease, your treatment options will depend on the severity of your condition. If it is detected early on, then a deep dental cleaning can eliminate bacteria and improve the health of your teeth and gums. Often, this is all that is necessary for mild periodontal disease.

If your gum disease is unchecked and untreated, it will progress over time. Advanced periodontal disease cannot be addressed with a deep cleaning, as the instruments will simply not reach far enough into the gums. In these, cases, gum surgery is recommended. To perform this, Dr. Mike Norouzinia, our periodontist, will move the gums back, clean out the infection around the teeth roots, and reposition the gums.

It is important to note that if gum disease is diagnoses in its early stages, it is quite manageable with non-surgical deep dental cleanings. Therefore, it is crucial to attend routine check-ups, so your doctor can monitor your gum health.

Learn More about Gum Treatments

If you are experiencing signs of gingivitis or gum disease, a deep dental cleaning could be the solution for you. To schedule a consultation with a Lone Tree dentist, call us at (303) 534-2626 or contact us online.