Routine Dental Cleanings vs. Deep Cleanings

Regular dental cleanings can help your smile look and feel healthy. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist every six months or at least twice a year to get your teeth professionally cleaned. However, there may be situations when you need a deep cleaning, also known as periodontal scaling and root planing. Understanding the differences between these procedures can help you make informed decisions about your dental care.

An overview of routine dental cleanings

A routine dental cleaning is a preventive procedure aimed at maintaining oral health. It is typically recommended every six months and is suitable for individuals with healthy gums and minimal plaque buildup. Routine dental cleanings prevent gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues. They also allow the dentist to monitor their patient's oral health and catch any potential problems in their early stages.

During a routine cleaning, the dentist or dental hygienist will typically do the following:

• Remove plaque and tartar: Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. When not removed, it can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. They use special tools to scrape away plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the patient’s teeth and along the gumline.
• Polish the teeth: After removing plaque and tartar, the dentist or dental hygienist polishes the patient’s teeth using abrasive toothpaste and a high-powered electric brush. This helps remove surface stains and leaves the patient’s teeth smooth and shiny.
• Flossing: The hygienist will floss between the patient’s teeth to remove any remaining debris and ensure their gums are healthy.
• Fluoride treatment: In some cases, the dental professional may recommend a fluoride treatment to help strengthen the enamel and prevent cavities.

An overview of deep cleanings

A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is more intensive than routine dental cleanings. Dentists typically recommend deep cleanings for individuals with gum disease or significant plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline. This procedure involves:

Scaling

The dental hygienist will use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline, including the pockets that have formed between the teeth and gums due to gum disease.

Root planing

After scaling, the dental professional will smooth out the roots of the teeth to help the gums reattach to the teeth and reduce the depth of the pockets. This step can prevent bacteria from accumulating in these pockets and causing further damage to the roots of the teeth.

Deep cleanings may require multiple visits to complete. In some cases, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help treat any infection in the patient's gums.

Ideal candidates for deep cleanings

Deep cleanings are recommended for individuals diagnosed with gum disease, particularly if they have gum pockets with depths greater than 3 millimeters. These pockets indicate gum disease and the potential need for a deep cleaning. In addition, individuals who have gum disease or heavy plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline may also benefit from deep cleaning to prevent further bone loss.