Teeth deep cleaning, or periodontal scaling and root planing, is a common procedure that treats gum disease by removing bacteria above and below the gumline. It may prevent future tooth loss.
Dental hygiene can fight bad breath and prevent gum disease. So it’s important to brush twice daily, floss daily, and get a routine cleaning at a dentist’s office twice yearly.
A dentist may recommend a deeper teeth cleaning if you’re experiencing symptoms of gum disease. This can help prevent tooth loss in the future.
Here’s what you need to know about deep cleaning teeth, including the disadvantages of this procedure.
A deep teeth cleaning, also called periodontal scaling or root planing, can remove plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth, reducing gum inflammation and improving gum health.
Some indicators that you might need deep teeth cleaning include:
Plaque is a sticky film that forms on teeth. It contains bacteria and develops when food particles mix with saliva. You can remove plaque, which collects on teeth daily, by brushing your teeth correctly, without applying too much pressure to your gums.
Brushing, however, doesn’t remove all plaque in between your teeth. Leftover plaque calcifies or hardens, which forms tartar.
The accumulation of plaque or tartar can lead to gum disease. This includes gingivitis, which is inflammation of the gums. If not treated, gingivitis can advance to periodontitis, a serious infection that destroys the bone that supports the teeth.
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A routine dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar above the gum line.
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning procedure that also involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line.
Dentists use this more involved procedure to treat gum disease. It removes buildup from the gap or pocket between the teeth and gums formed by receding or inflamed gums. However, they may only recommend it for people with a pocket depth of more than 4 millimeters (mm).
If gum disease causes your gums to pull away from your teeth, creating a space greater than 4 mm deep, you might need a deep cleaning.
If gum disease worsens, the space between your gums and teeth can continue to widen, which leads to a higher amount of bacteria in this space. The increased level of bacteria results in more inflammation, which in turn destroys the bone around the teeth. This can weaken the bones that support your teeth, causing loose teeth or tooth loss.
If your dentist recommends a deep cleaning, the benefits of this procedure include:
- stopping the advancement of gum disease
- treating a current infection and promoting healing
- cleaning your teeth above and below the gumline
- reducing bad breath caused by gum disease
- protecting the roots of your teeth
Although deep cleaning can treat gum disease, the procedure has a few possible risks. Generally, the benefits outweigh the risks.
Disadvantages of deep cleaning teeth can possible include:
- It doesn’t guarantee the reattachment of your gums to your teeth.
- It may not resolve receded gums.
- There’s a risk of possible infection if you have a compromised immune system.
- It may cause pain and sensitivity.
- Though unlikely, the procedure may potentially cause nerve damage.
Pain and tooth sensitivity are common. Pain may last one to two days, while sensitivity can last up to a week.
Risks from deep cleaning are usually minimal and last about 5 to 7 days, though for extensive cases, they may extend to a few weeks.
For recurring gum disease, you may need repeat deep cleaning procedures.
Pros of deep cleaning
- stops gum disease
- reduces bad breath
- protects the roots of teeth
- promotes healthy gums
- prevents tooth loss
- stops destruction of bone around teeth
Cons of deep cleaning
- slight pain and sensitivity
- may not resolve all gum recession
- rare risk of infection after the procedure
- in very rare cases, a risk of nerve damage
Deep teeth cleanings differ from routine teeth cleanings. Regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above the gumline. A deep cleaning, on the other hand, removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline.
Gum disease causes a space or gap between your teeth and gums, where tartar and plaque can become trapped. Cleaning below the gumline removes this buildup.
This procedure usually requires local anesthesia or a numbing agent.
Deep cleaning involves gum scaling and root planing
Deep cleanings usually take place over two or more visits and involve gum scaling and root planing. Each visit may take about 1 hour.
During the tooth scaling appointment, your dentist removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline. During the root planing visit, your dentist removes plaque and tartar that form on the roots of your teeth. Removing the plaque and tartar reduces the pocket space between your teeth and gums, helping your gums reattach to the teeth.
You may need to take antibiotics
If your immune system is compromised, whether due to a health condition or an immune suppressant medication, you might have to take an antibiotic for a few days following the procedure, though this is rare. That’s because there’s a risk of infection after the procedure. In addition, deep dental cleanings can sometimes release bacteria into the bloodstream.
A dentist may also prescribe a medicated mouthwash to reduce the risk of infection.
Is deep cleaning painful?
Teeth scaling and root planing can cause some discomfort, so you’ll receive a topical or local anesthetic to numb your gums.
You can expect some sensitivity after your treatment. Your gums may swell, and you may also have minor bleeding.
How to reduce sensitivity after the procedure
You can take steps to reduce discomfort from tooth sensitivity by:
- Making dietary changes: For a few days after your procedure, eating soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, or mashed potatoes can help reduce sensitivity. Your dental professional may also recommend avoiding extremely hot or cold foods and drinks, like hot or iced coffee and tea.
- Taking pain relievers: Taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil), can help.
- Rinsing with warm salt water: A dental professional may recommend rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to reduce bacteria and promote healing.
- Practicing daily dental hygiene: Brushing and flossing regularly promote healing and reduce further gum inflammation. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush at least twice daily and floss before brushing at least once daily.
After the procedure
After the procedure, it’s essential to practice good dental hygiene to prevent worsening gum disease.
This includes:
- flossing your teeth before brushing once each day
- brushing your teeth twice daily
Gum disease may recur or progress. If this happens, you may need additional deep teeth cleanings or other treatment options, such as surgical procedures.
The cost of deep cleaning varies depending on the severity of gum disease or inflammation.
You’ll likely have two visits, although some people might need up to four visits to completely remove tartar and plaque. During these cleanings, your mouth is considered in quadrants. Depending on where you live or how much treatment you need, you can pay $100 or more per quadrant.
If you have dental insurance, most plans cover some portion of deep cleanings, leaving you with a copay, though coverage depends on medical necessity and documentation of periodontal disease.
It’s best to make sure your plan will cover your deep cleaning before scheduling it.
If you have gum disease, a deep teeth cleaning can help eliminate bad breath and reduce the progression of the disease. It may help prevent future tooth loss.
Some people may need multiple sessions to complete the deep clean.
Although a common, safe procedure, you can expect some sensitivity and swelling afterward. If swelling, bleeding, or pain continues for more than a week after your procedure, talk with your dentist.