Do you often wonder about the importance of deep cleaning for your oral health? At 701 Dental, we believe in educating our patients about preventive dental care in Bismarck. This blog post will shed light on everything you need to know about deep cleaning, a vital dental procedure that helps maintain your oral hygiene and overall health.
What is Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a dental procedure that goes beyond a regular cleaning. It involves removing plaque and tartar build-up below the gum line, which a regular cleaning cannot reach.
- Scaling: This process involves scraping off the tartar and plaque from the surface of your teeth and from the pocket area between the teeth and gums.
- Root Planing: This involves smoothing out your teeth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth.
Why is Deep Cleaning Necessary?
Deep cleaning becomes necessary when there are deep pockets between your teeth and gums, usually caused by gum disease or gingivitis.
- If left untreated, these conditions can lead to severe tooth decay, tooth loss, and other health complications.
- Regular cleanings only clean the surfaces of the teeth, but deep cleanings tackle the bacteria hiding below the gum line.
The Deep Cleaning Process
Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a thorough dental procedure aimed at treating gum disease and preventing its progression. This process goes beyond regular cleaning and involves several important steps:
- Examination and Assessment:
- Your dentist will first conduct a comprehensive examination of your mouth.
- They may take X-rays to assess the extent of gum disease and bone loss.
- The dentist will measure the depth of your gum pockets using a probe.
- Anesthesia Administration:
- To ensure your comfort, a local anesthetic will be applied to numb your gums and the roots of your teeth.
- This step is crucial as it allows for a pain-free experience during the procedure.
- Scaling:
- Using specialized instruments, your dentist or hygienist will remove plaque and tartar (calculus) from your teeth.
- This process includes cleaning both above and below the gum line.
- Ultrasonic devices may be used alongside manual scaling tools for more effective removal.
- Root Planing:
- After scaling, the dentist will begin the root planing process.
- This involves smoothing out the roots of your teeth to remove infected tooth structure and toxins.
- Smoothing the roots helps eliminate bacteria and provides a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth.
- Irrigation:
- The cleaned areas are typically irrigated with an antimicrobial solution to help eliminate any remaining bacteria.
- Antibiotic Application:
- In some cases, the dentist may apply a topical antibiotic directly to the cleaned pockets.
- Alternatively, they might prescribe oral antibiotics to help control bacterial infection.
- Post-Procedure Care:
- Your dentist will provide instructions for at-home care following the procedure.
- This may include special brushing techniques, the use of a prescription mouthwash, or dietary recommendations.
- Follow-up Appointments:
- You'll likely need to return for a follow-up visit to ensure proper healing.
- Your dentist will reassess your gum health and may recommend additional treatments if necessary.
It's important to note that deep cleaning is often performed in quadrants (sections of your mouth) over multiple appointments. This allows for more focused care and helps manage any discomfort you might experience. The entire process plays a crucial role in treating gum disease and restoring oral health.
Aftercare and Recovery
After a deep cleaning procedure, you may experience some discomfort or sensitivity for a few days.
It's important to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent further plaque and tartar build-up.
Regular brushing, flossing, and follow-up visits to the dentist are crucial for your oral health.
Deep Cleaning at 701 Dental in Bismarck, ND
At 701 Dental, we're committed to providing comprehensive dental care to our patients. Dr. Alexa Carlson and her team are skilled at performing deep cleaning procedures. We ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience for all our patients. Don't wait for oral health problems to escalate. Reach out to us at (701) 255-0586 to request an appointment today.
