A Deep Cleaning Vs a Regular Dental Cleaning

We’ve all heard about the popular recommendation of routine visits to the dentist to have our teeth regularly cleaned twice a year. Chances are, you’ve experienced a regular teeth cleaning, but have you heard about a deep teeth cleaning before?

If you’re not familiar with it yet, this article will explain the difference between the two kinds of teeth cleanings from their definitions, procedures, when they are needed and the aftercare involved.

What is the difference between regular dental cleanings and deep teeth cleanings?

A regular teeth cleaning is a type of procedure that involves a thorough cleaning of the gums. This type of cleaning only focuses on the surfaces of the teeth, in between teeth and above the gum line. It can remove the build-up of tartar and bacteria. If you are someone who brushes or flosses every day and regularly visits your dentist, then it is highly likely that there is less build-up.

A deep cleaning is otherwise called scaling or root planing. Unlike regular teeth cleanings, this kind of cleaning goes under the gum line. It removes bacteria, tartar, and other debris that built up under it. This kind of build-up is something regular teeth cleanings cannot always address.

For you to know whether you will need a regular or deep teeth cleaning, will require you to visit a dentist in Winnipeg.

The difference in procedures

A consultation with the dentist is the first step for both procedures.

The dentist will usually recommend a regular teeth cleaning if the build-up is between 1-3mm. Anything more that might already require a deep teeth cleaning.

For a regular teeth cleaning, the dental professional will make use of a hand instrument to remove the plaque or tartar build-up on the surface of your teeth. Then, they will apply a toothpaste to polish them, and an air polisher to smoothen even more. A flossing session will follow, and the appointment will end with a fluoride treatment.

For a deep dental cleaning, a radiograph might be needed to see areas the naked eye can’t. If the results confirm a deep cleaning is necessary, the dentist will then apply an anesthetic – it can be a local injection or a topical gel. A hand-held scaler will then be used to remove the plaque from the teeth and its roots. Then, the dentist will perform root planing to scrape off the roughness of the roots – this is the area where the bacteria resides. After the procedure, you will be prescribed antibiotics for the gum inflammation. You will be provided instructions on all post-treatment care for the days or weeks to come.

When do you need a deep teeth cleaning?

Deep teeth cleanings are usually recommended if a patient shows signs of gum disease.

Gum disease is an inflammation of the gum line that can be detrimental to the bones that surround and support your teeth. The three stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis.

People who have poor oral hygiene and those who haven’t visited their dentist in a while are much more likely to suffer from gum disease.

Visit a dental clinic in Winnipeg for deep dental cleanings near you. As the famous saying goes, prevention is better than cure. If you maintain good oral hygiene, then you might only need regular teeth cleanings.

But if you’ve been carefree about your dental health, then you’ll have to pay the price at some point. You’ll have to look for deep dental cleanings in Winnipeg so your teeth won’t be damaged even further. It’s better to address the problem early so it won’t progress into a more serious one in the future.