Part of our routine dental care is the twice-yearly teeth cleaning to keep our mouths and gums clean and healthy. However, for some individuals, the dentist might recommend deep cleaning apart from regular cleaning. In this article, we explore what it means, when it is needed, and what happens during the procedure.
What Is a Dental Deep Cleaning?
A more intensive form of teeth cleaning, it involves removing tartar and plaque buildup from above and below the gum line. The procedure helps prevent further damage to the gums and bones that support the teeth and promotes healing. If you have advanced gum disease, dental deep cleaning may be recommended by your dentist or hygienist.
When Is It Necessary?
This procedure is necessary to treat advanced gum disease, also called periodontitis, a bacterial infection of the gums, bone, and other tissues holding the teeth in place. Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis, or the early stages of gum disease, is left untreated.
At the advanced stage, hardened plaque and tartar build up on the root surfaces of the teeth that sit below the gum line. This leads to bacteria infecting the ligaments and bone, breaking them down, and loosening the teeth.
What Happens During a Deep Cleaning?
This procedure has two stages: scaling and root planning. During the first stage, which is scaling, the dental professional removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from above and below the gum line. The tool used could be a manual, ultrasonic, or laser scaler.
During root planing, the root surfaces of the teeth are smoothed out. This reduces the risk of further plaque buildup after the procedure, as plaque is harder to adhere to smooth surfaces. Smoothing the roots also allows your gums to reattach to the teeth as they heal.
The entire procedure takes one to two hours in a single session but can be split into two appointments. Deep cleaning of the teeth could cost around $200-$400 and is usually covered by insurance. But if you’re paying out of pocket, the cost would depend on various factors, such as the severity of your gum problems, location, and the dental professional’s experience.
Have Your Teeth Checked and Cleaned by Our Dental Professionals
Keep your gums, mouth, and teeth healthy with the help of Dentistry at Ivy Falls in Johns Creek, Georgia. We offer different types of dental services, including teeth cleaning, whitening, and restorative treatments. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.