You go to the dentist for regular cleanings, but what if they recommend that you get a deep teeth cleaning at your next visit? What exactly is a deep teeth cleaning, and why is it helpful for your teeth? Here’s a closer look at the dental deep cleaning process.
Deep Teeth Cleanings
A dental deep cleaning, sometimes known as gum therapy, is a dental technique that cleans between the gums and teeth all the way down to the roots. It is very similar to a standard cleaning you receive at the dentist’s office, but the hygienist takes it a step further. They’ll continue to clean below the gumline, removing tartar buildup all the way to the root of the tooth. It is an intricate process and may take more than one visit to fully complete, but it can go a long way in helping to prevent against gum disease. So if you have gum disease or are at risk for the condition, a deep teeth cleaning may be just what the dentist ordered.
Routine cleanings and daily brushing really helps to remove plaque and tartar, but when it gets under our gum line, it can harden and become difficult to remove. If this tartar remains in place, it can lead to gum disease, a condition categorized by red, swollen gums that can bleed when irritated. Untreated gum disease can lead to an infection, which will then require a deep teeth cleaning to treat.
Although a standard teeth cleaning and a deep teeth cleaning are pretty similar in nature, they have different goals. A traditional teeth cleaning is performed as a preventative measure to help protect your teeth against the onset of conditions that could harm them. A Deep teeth cleaning is required when an infection has already set in, and cleaning out tartar, bacteria and the disease is necessary.
Do I Need A Deep Teeth Cleaning?
There are a couple of clues that suggest that you could benefit from a dental deep cleaning. If you have signs of gingivitis or gum disease, or you can kind of feel a larger pocket developing under a tooth (sometimes noticeable when flossing), you could be an ideal candidate for a dental deep cleaning. However, the only way to know for sure is to visit a dentist’s office on a regular basis. Aside from providing those preventative cleanings that we mentioned, they can also conduct tests to look for the formation of pockets underneath your teeth that suggest tartar is causing problems.
Many dentists recommend that you undergo a deep cleaning if tests reveal that you’re dealing with a pocket that’s 4mm or greater, Without treatment, the bacteria that thrives in this pocket will continue to contribute to tartar formation and tooth bone loss. So if you believe you’d be a good candidate for a dental deep cleaning, or you’re just interested in scheduling your preventative cleaning, do yourself a favor and reach out to Dr. Brooks’ office today. We can provide you with all your teeth cleaning needs!