Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning, as the name suggests, is the process of removing the bacteria, plaque, and tartar from the surface of teeth. Plaque and tartar are the main causes of periodontal disease. They offer the right conditions for bacteria to thrive and grow. Hence, removal of plaque would vastly improve the oral health of a person.

Oral cleaning can be distinguished into 3 types:

• Cleaning the surface of the teeth

• Cleaning in between the teeth

• Cleaning the surface of the root of the teeth.

Deep cleaning is mostly concerned with the removal of plaque from the surface of the roots.

How can ordinary cleaning be differentiated from deep cleaning?

Ordinary cleaning or scaling is the process of removing the bacteria and accumulated plaque from the surface of the teeth. However, deep cleaning involves removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the roots, smoothening out the surface of the root and removing any infected tissue or any debris from under the gums. Deep cleaning massively helps patients who are suffering from gum diseases such as periodontal, as the microbes are removed from under the gums.

What are the advantages or deep cleaning?

• The accumulated plaque and tartar from the root surface can be removed.

• Any rough spots on the root can be smoothened out, thereby preventing the accumulation of microbes. It also allows the gums to reattach to the surface of the tooth.

• Any foreign particles or bits of food which are stuck under the gums can be removed.

• Deep cleaning reduces the chances of infection due to periodontal disease.

Should you go for deep cleaning?

Gum diseases have the following symptoms:

• Swelling of the gums.

• Bleeding of the gums

• Pain while chewing food.

• Sore and ulcers on the gums.

When you're experiencing the following symptoms, it is advisable for you to go for a deep cleaning. Studies have shown that after root planing has been performed, the extent of periodontal infection drastically reduces. This is because the infection causing bacteria are removed from under the gums, which allows the gums to recover to their normal health.

How long will the procedure take?

This totally depends on the depth of the pockets and the roughness of the root surfaces. The deeper the pockets and the rougher the surface of the root are, it makes the procedure more time-consuming. Hence, your dentist would clean the teeth one quadrant at a time, making sure all the teeth are perfectly cleaned.

What can be expected after deep cleaning?

 Since the scaling device would be inserted between the gums and the root of the tooth, there would be slight pain and discomfort in the gums for a few days. The gums and the adjoining region may feel sore and tender, which would eventually wear off. The teeth may feel a slight elevation insensitivity. The extent of the infection caused to the gums due to periodontal disease would reduce noticeably. However, maintaining proper oral hygiene after the procedure has been done will make it more effective.