A routine dental cleaning is essential for maintaining a healthy smile, but if your dentist has recommended a deep cleaning, you might be wondering what’s involved and why it’s necessary. Unlike regular cleanings, deep cleanings are designed to address more serious oral health issues, like gum disease and plaque buildup that’s accumulated below the gum line. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what to expect during a deep cleaning at a dental clinic in Perth, how it can benefit your oral health, and why it’s an important step in preventing more serious dental issues down the road.
What Is a Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a more intensive dental cleaning procedure that focuses on the areas below the gum line. While regular cleanings involve scraping plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, a deep cleaning targets plaque and tartar that have built up beneath the gum tissue and around the tooth roots. This procedure is often recommended if you have gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) or if plaque has accumulated in hard-to-reach areas.
Why Is a Deep Cleaning Necessary?
Plaque is a sticky, colourless film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth. If plaque isn’t removed through regular brushing and flossing, it can harden into tartar (calculus), which can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist. If tartar builds up below the gum line, it can lead to gum disease, causing inflammation, bleeding, and, if left untreated, tooth loss. A deep cleaning helps remove this buildup and prevent further gum damage.
What to Expect During a Deep Cleaning at a Dental Clinic in Perth
A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is an important dental procedure to remove plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline. If you’re considering a deep cleaning at a dental clinic in Perth, it’s natural to wonder what the process involves.
1. Initial Examination and X-rays:
Before your deep cleaning, your dental clinic in Perth will perform an initial examination of your gums and teeth. The dentist will check for signs of gum disease, such as gum swelling, bleeding, and pockets between your teeth and gums. X-rays may also be taken to assess the extent of plaque and tartar buildup beneath the gum line.
2. Local Anesthesia:
A deep cleaning can be a little more invasive than a regular cleaning, as it involves working below the gum line. To ensure your comfort, the dentist or hygienist may apply a local anesthetic to numb the area being treated. This helps reduce any discomfort, especially if you have deep pockets or inflamed gums.
3. Scaling:
The first step of the deep cleaning process is scaling, which involves removing plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and below the gum line. The dentist or hygienist uses specialised instruments, such as an ultrasonic scaler or hand tools, to carefully scrape away the buildup from the tooth roots and along the gum line. This process helps eliminate bacteria and reduces the risk of infection and gum disease.
4. Root Planing:
After scaling, the dentist will perform root planing, which involves smoothing out the surfaces of the tooth roots. This step helps remove any remaining tartar and rough spots on the tooth roots, making it harder for plaque to accumulate in the future. Smoother tooth roots also allow the gums to reattach properly to the teeth, promoting healthier gum tissue.
5. Rinsing and Irrigation:
Once the scaling and root planing are complete, the dentist may rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial solution to help reduce bacteria and promote healing. This helps prevent any infection from developing after the procedure.
6. Post-Treatment Care:
After the procedure, your dentist may recommend specific post-treatment care, such as using an antibacterial mouthwash to help fight bacteria. They may also advise you to take over-the-counter pain relievers or use cold compresses to reduce any swelling or discomfort.
How Long Does a Deep Cleaning Take?
The duration of a deep cleaning depends on the severity of the gum disease and how many areas of the mouth need to be treated. Typically, a deep cleaning takes 1-2 hours per quadrant (section) of your mouth, and the entire procedure may be completed over one or more visits. For more severe cases of gum disease, your dentist may divide the treatment into multiple appointments to ensure thorough care and minimise discomfort.
Recovery and Aftercare:
While a deep cleaning is a fairly straightforward procedure, it’s important to take care of your mouth as it heals. Here’s what to expect during recovery:
- Minor discomfort: It’s normal to experience mild discomfort or tenderness in the treated areas for a few days after the procedure. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
- Bleeding or swelling: Your gums may bleed slightly or swell in the days following the treatment. This is part of the healing process and should subside in a few days.
- Follow-up appointments: Your dentist will likely schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress and make sure the gums are healing properly. In some cases, additional treatments or maintenance cleanings may be necessary.
Benefits of Deep Cleaning:
A deep cleaning offers several benefits for your oral health, including:
- Prevention of gum disease progression: Deep cleaning removes harmful plaque and tartar that cause gum disease, helping to prevent further complications.
- Improved gum health: By removing bacteria and smoothing the roots, a deep cleaning can help reduce gum inflammation, bleeding, and tenderness.
- Prevention of tooth loss: By addressing gum disease early, a deep cleaning can help prevent the advanced stages of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss.
- Better overall health: Research has shown that gum disease is linked to various health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. By maintaining healthy gums, you’re supporting your overall well-being.
Conclusion:
A deep cleaning at a dental clinic in Perth is an essential procedure for individuals with gum disease or significant plaque buildup. It helps remove harmful bacteria, reduce gum inflammation, and promote healthier teeth and gums. If you’ve been recommended for a deep cleaning, don’t delay the treatment. By addressing gum disease early, you can prevent more serious dental issues and ensure the long-term health of your smile. At Medivance Dental, we offer expert care and personalised treatment to help you achieve optimal oral health. Visit our Contact Us page today to schedule your deep cleaning appointment.
FAQs
- What is a deep dental cleaning?
Deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline to treat and prevent gum disease. It’s more thorough than a routine clean. - Does deep cleaning hurt?
It’s generally not painful, especially with local anaesthetic. You may feel mild discomfort or sensitivity for a day or two afterwards, which fades quickly. - How long does a deep cleaning take?
It’s usually done in two appointments—one for each side of the mouth—taking about 45 to 60 minutes per session, depending on the severity of the buildup. - Who needs a deep cleaning?
People with gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease) often need deep cleaning. Your dental clinic in Perth will recommend it if your gums show signs of infection or inflammation. - What should I do after a deep cleaning?
Avoid hard or spicy foods for a day, maintain good oral hygiene, and use a saltwater rinse to soothe your gums. Follow any post-care instructions from your dentist closely.
