When you undergo an ordinary teeth cleaning procedure performed by your dentist, you experience scaling. It is simply the process of removing the dental tartar that has formed on the surface of your teeth. Deep cleaning, on the other hand, involves a process known as root planning. This requires root surface smoothening, and removal of infected tooth surfaces.
The gum pockets surrounding the teeth in people who have gum pocketing or gum disease have become deep. This allows tartar deposits to develop, and accumulate under the gum line. Addressing this issue somewhat blurs the distinction between the two processes mentioned in the previous paragraph.
During the process of cleaning, your dentist will scale tartar away. At the same time, he does root planning as he sees fit. Any rough spots are planed, resulting in a smooth, silky tooth surface.
Deep Cleaning Explained
The process of deep cleaning involves deep scaling and root planning.
Tartar and plaque, when left on the teeth, provide a healthy environment for bacteria to thrive. This results in gum irritation that makes gums susceptible to bleeding. Your gums may bleed a little when you eat or brush your teeth. In some cases, this later develops into gingivitis. Your dentist will treat your gingivitis by cleaning your teeth through scaling and polishing. An antiseptic mouthwash containing chlorhexidine may likewise be recommended. You will then be shown the proper way of brushing and flossing your teeth.
Almost all adults, at one time or another, have experienced having a gum disease of some sort such as gingivitis. If ignored, the inflammation will cause a periodontal pocket once it reaches the very foundations of your teeth. The bacteria that reside in the pocket can then cause a lot more damage.
Gum disease can likewise inflict damage on the bone structures that support the teeth. Eventually, the teeth will loosen. The unfortunate thing is that the person remains clueless until the situation reaches extreme levels. No symptoms are experienced until then. By this time, the damage sustained by the supporting structures has become irreversible. The key is early detection. Once the onset of gum disease is detected early enough, its progression can be stopped, and the current condition may be improved.
What to Expect after a Deep Cleaning Procedure
After undergoing deep cleaning, you may experience varying levels of discomfort in the deeper areas under your gums. You may also experience some bleeding, and your teeth may become a little more sensitive to temperature. To relieve the discomfort, the dentist may prescribe painkillers. You may be instructed to brush your teeth more gently, or delay it altogether to prevent aggravating the tender or bruised areas in your gums. Your dentist may likewise ask you to rinse with salt water.
