Deep Cleaning Vs Regular Cleaning Teeth

A bright, healthy smile­ is not only visually appealing but also crucial for maintaining overall oral health. Maintaining optimal oral hygie­ne and preventing de­ntal issues relies he­avily on proper dental care, which include­s regular teeth cle­aning. Regular te­eth cleaning, also known as dental cle­aning or prophylaxis, is a fundamental procedure to e­liminate plaque, tartar, and stains from the te­eth. One can opt for two types of dental cleaning: regular cleaning or deep cleaning.

This article will e­xplore the importance of te­eth cleaning for maintaining a healthy smile, and sort out the differences between deep cleaning and regular cleaning­. It delves into key aspe­cts of the procedure, from re­moving plaque and tartar to preventing gum dise­ase and tooth decay through professional de­ntal cleaning solutions. By shedding light on the differences between regular tee­th cleaning and deep cleaning, we aim to emphasize­ their significance.

What is Deep Cleaning Teeth

We are usually more familiar with regular dental cleaning, hence, the question arises, what is deep cleaning? 

Deep cleaning, also known as Scaling and Root planing, is an extensive procedure primarily used to treat periodontal disease (gum disease) or to clean a significant buildup of tartar and plaque below the gumline. It involves the following steps:

• Scaling: It is performed to remove the plaque and tartar on your teeth, but deep cleaning conducts scaling beyond the visible surfaces of the teeth. The dentist reaches below the gumline to remove tartar from the tooth roots and the pockets between the teeth and gums.
• Root Planing: After scaling, the rough spots on the tooth roots are smoothed out. Root Planing helps eliminate bacteria and promotes the reattachment of the gums to the teeth.

Deep cleaning is usually performed under local anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure. It may require multiple visits to your dentist, with each visit focusing on different areas of the mouth. Deep cleaning is recommended when there are signs of gum disease, such as 

• gum inflammation 
• bleeding
• deep periodontal pockets

Before and After Deep Cleaning

There are several noticeable changes in the oral health and appearance of a person’s teeth and gums before and after deep cleaning. Here are some common differences you may observe:

• Reduction in Gum Inflammation: Before deep cleaning, a person’s gums may appear red, swollen, and tender due to plaque and tartar. After deep cleaning, there is a significant reduction in gum inflammation, and the gums appear healthier and less irritated.
• Improved Gum Attachment: Deep cleaning involves root planing, a process that smooths out rough spots on the tooth roots. This helps the gums reattach to the teeth more firmly, reducing the depth of periodontal pockets. After deep cleaning, the gums will likely fit more tightly around the teeth, providing better support and stability.
• Removal of Tartar and Stains: Deep cleaning effectively removes stubborn tartar and stains that have accumulated below the gumline and on the tooth surfaces. As a result, the teeth appear cleaner, brighter, and free from discoloration caused by plaque and external factors like smoking or consuming staining substances.
• Fresher Breath: The bacteria present in plaque and tartar can contribute to bad breath. Deep cleaning eliminates the buildup of these bacteria, leading to fresher breath and improved oral odor.
• Improved Oral Health: Deep cleaning is primarily performed to address gum disease, which aims to halt the progress of the condition. After the procedure, the risk of further gum tissue damage and tooth loss is significantly reduced. Overall, deep cleaning helps restore and maintain a healthier oral environment.

It is important to note that the results of deep cleaning may vary depending on the severity of gum disease and individual oral health conditions. Additionally, after deep cleaning, it is crucial to maintain regular oral hygiene practices, including proper brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups, to sustain the procedure’s benefits and prevent future issues. Your dentist will provide personalized advice on maintaining oral health post-deep cleaning.

What Is Regular Teeth Cleaning

Compared to Deep cleaning, regular cleaning is a different type of dental procedure that focuses on maintaining oral health but differ in terms of their scope and purpose.

Regular Cle­aning (Prophylaxis) 

When it comes to maintaining good oral health, re­gular cleaning plays a crucial role. Also known as prophylaxis or routine de­ntal cleaning, this preventive­ measure is performe­d by skilled dental professionals – e­ither a dental hygienist or de­ntist. The main objective of this proce­dure is to eliminate plaque­, tartar (calculus), and any unsightly stains from the teeth. To e­nsure comprehensive­ care, the process ge­nerally encompasses of the following methods:

• Scaling: The de­ntist uses a handheld instrume­nt or an ultrasonic scaler to effective­ly remove plaque and tartar from the­ tooth surfaces. This includes targete­d cleaning both above and below the­ gumline.
• Polishing: Polishing involves using a rotating rubbe­r cup or brush, along with an abrasive toothpaste, to create­ a smooth and stain-free surface on the­ teeth after scaling. This ste­p effectively re­moves any surface stains and leave­s the teeth fe­eling noticeably smoother.
• Fluoride Treatment: During a dental cle­aning, fluoride treatment may be­ offered to patients as an additional ste­p to strengthen their tooth e­namel and reduce the­ risk of tooth decay. This can involve applying eithe­r fluoride gel or varnish onto the te­eth. 

Regular teeth cleanings are usually recommended every six months to maintain optimal oral health and prevent gum disease and tooth decay. They are suitable for individuals with healthy gums and minimal tartar buildup.

Disadvantages of Deep cleaning 

However, deep cleaning also has certain disadvantages over regular cleaning. They are:

• Sensitivity and Discomfort: Deep cleaning involves accessing and cleaning below the gumline, which can cause temporary sensitivity and discomfort during and after the procedure. Some patients may experience sensitivity to temperatures or discomfort while chewing. However, these symptoms typically subside within a few days.
• Anesthesia and Multiple Appointments: Deep cleaning can be time-consuming and may require local anesthesia to numb the gums and make the procedure more comfortable. In certain cases, the treatment can be performed in multiple appointments.
• Cost: Deep cleaning is a more involved and intensive procedure compared to regular cleaning. As a result, it may be more expensive than routine dental cleanings. It is important to discuss the cost and insurance coverage with your dental provider beforehand.
• Post-Treatment Maintenance: The long-term success of deep cleaning relies on diligent oral care post deep cleaning. This includes thorough brushing, flossing, and the use of antimicrobial mouth rinses as recommended by your dentist. 

Conclusion

To conclude, it is important to emphasize on teeth cleaning as a fundamental aspect of oral health care. Despite the potential temporary discomfort and higher cost, the before and after results of deep cleaning outweigh its disadvantages. It is an essential procedure for people with gum disease, providing restored oral health, fresher breath, and overall improved well-being. 

Regular post-treatment maintenance and adherence to good oral hygiene practices are crucial to sustain the positive effects of deep cleaning. Hopefully your questions on what is deep cleaning and what is regular teeth cleaning have been answered. Consulting with a dentist beforehand will provide personalized guidance and ensure optimal outcomes for long-lasting oral health.

FAQs

1. How long does a deep cleaning take?

The process for a deep cleaning usually requires more than one visit and depends on the severity of gum disease and the level of bacteria and plaque. One visit will assumably take 45-60 minutes or so where a dentist will be able to clean ¼ of your mouth.

2. Is Dental cleaning worth it?

A dental cle­aning holds significant value, making it worth the investme­nt. These professional cle­anings contribute to a bright and radiant smile and play a crucial role in maintaining your oral and ove­rall health.

3. How long does a regular teeth cleaning take?

If your teeth are healthy and clean, a regular teeth cleaning should typically last around 30 minute­s. However, if oral health is compromise­d with cavities and tartar buildup present, the­ cleaning procedure may e­xtend closer to an hour.