You probably know that simply brushing and flossing are not enough to maintain your dental health. Getting professional teeth cleaning treatments from time to time is necessary, too. Dental cleaning removes harmful plaque and tartar from your teeth, which brushing, and flossing cannot eliminate. This treatment prevents infections and complications, so it’s recommended every six months.
Some patients also get a deep dental cleaning at least once a year. This treatment follows the same steps to remove plaque and tartar build-ups. However, it involves reaching out beyond the gum line into the roots’ surfaces. Want to opt for dental deep cleaning? Here are some questions you should ask first.
What types of teeth cleanings do you offer?
The five different types of cleanings are prophylaxis, gross debridement, root planning, and periodontal cleaning. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate type of cleaning for you, depending on the results of your oral examinations and X-ray.
Why are oral examinations important?
This step is necessary for your dentist to identify what kind of deep dental cleaning you need. The tests will check how healthy your mouth is and whether you have deep pockets and bone loss. Different treatments will be recommended for patients with a healthy mouth compared to those with gingivitis or periodontal disease. For example, prophylaxis cleaning is given to patients with healthy gums as preventative cleaning. Meanwhile, scale and polish treatment is done for people with gingivitis. Root planning is recommended for patients with mild to moderate generalized or advanced localized periodontal disease.
What can I expect after the treatment?
As with most dental treatments, deep dental cleaning can leave patients feeling some discomfort while chewing or biting. Most patients experience soreness, bleeding, and tooth sensitivity for days after the treatment. Talk to your dentist, so you know what to expect.