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Maintaining oral hygiene is essential for overall health, and while regular brushing and flossing are crucial, sometimes a deeper clean is required to keep teeth and gums in top shape. Known as “deep cleaning” or “scaling and root planing,” this procedure goes beyond regular cleaning to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar from below the gumline. In this article, we’ll explore who performs deep cleaning of teeth, what the procedure entails, and why it’s important for oral health.
1. Who Performs Deep Cleaning of Teeth?
Deep cleanings are specialized dental procedures typically carried out by dental professionals trained in periodontal (gum) care. The two primary providers who perform deep cleanings are:
a. Dental Hygienists
Dental hygienists are often the first line of care for patients needing deep cleaning. Hygienists are specially trained to clean and polish teeth, remove plaque and tartar, and perform deep cleaning techniques when necessary. They work closely with dentists to assess the patient’s oral health and determine the right approach for deep cleaning.
In many practices, dental hygienists handle the entire deep cleaning procedure. They are experts in non-surgical cleaning methods, using advanced tools and techniques to effectively clean below the gumline.
b. Dentists or Periodontists
In cases of severe gum disease, a dentist may take over the deep cleaning process or refer the patient to a periodontist. Periodontists are dentists with additional specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of gum diseases and are experts in managing more advanced periodontal issues.
For patients who need intensive cleaning or surgical intervention, periodontists may perform procedures such as scaling, root planing, or even gum surgery. Periodontists are particularly skilled in treating cases where gum disease has advanced and involves bone or tissue loss, ensuring the best outcomes for patients with complex needs.
2. What Does Deep Cleaning of Teeth Involve?
Deep cleaning is more comprehensive than a regular cleaning, targeting the areas beneath the gumline to eliminate bacteria and buildup that contribute to gum disease. The deep cleaning process usually involves two main components: scaling and root planing.
#### a. Scaling
Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of the teeth, especially below the gumline. Using ultrasonic tools or manual scalers, the dental professional carefully removes hardened plaque deposits, or tartar, that accumulate on the teeth and gums. This step helps prevent bacteria from causing inflammation and infection in the gums.
#### b. Root Planing
Root planing involves smoothing the surfaces of the tooth roots to help the gums reattach more securely to the teeth. This part of the procedure reduces the pockets that bacteria can inhabit, helping to stabilize the teeth and prevent further gum recession.
Root planing may take more than one visit to complete, depending on the extent of the gum disease and the areas that need treatment. By smoothing out the tooth roots, root planing not only improves oral health but also enhances the gums’ ability to heal and reattach to the teeth.
3. Why Is Deep Cleaning Necessary?
Deep cleaning is typically recommended when a patient shows signs of gum disease, especially gingivitis or the more advanced periodontitis. These conditions lead to inflammation, bleeding, and receding gums, which, if left untreated, can lead to tooth and bone loss.
a. Plaque and Tartar Buildup
While brushing and flossing can remove plaque on the surface, they often can’t reach below the gumline where tartar and bacteria accumulate. Deep cleaning helps target these hard-to-reach areas, preventing further infection.
b. Gum Disease Management
Deep cleaning is often the first step in treating gum disease, and in many cases, it’s enough to reverse early signs of gingivitis and prevent it from progressing to more severe periodontitis. This procedure also reduces inflammation, allowing the gums to heal and reattach to the teeth, which helps protect the underlying bone structure.
c. Preventing Tooth Loss
Without treatment, gum disease can progress to the point where the gums pull away from the mouth spacers for teeth creating deep pockets that weaken the attachment of the teeth to the jaw. By deep cleaning and removing infection, dental professionals can help prevent the progression of gum disease and reduce the risk of tooth loss.
4. Who Needs Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning is typically recommended for individuals with moderate to severe gum disease. Your dentist may suggest this procedure if you exhibit one or more of the following symptoms:
– **Persistent bad breath**: Often caused by bacteria in the mouth.
– **Bleeding gums**: Indicating potential inflammation or infection.
– **Receding gums**: A sign of advancing gum disease.
– **Gum pockets**: Deepened spaces between teeth and gums that trap bacteria.
It’s important to note that not everyone needs a deep cleaning. Those with healthy gums and no signs of gum disease may only require regular cleanings to maintain their oral health.
5. How Is Deep Cleaning Different from Regular Cleaning?
Regular dental cleanings focus on removing plaque, tartar, and stains from the who does deep cleaning of teeth surface of the teeth and above the gumline. They are primarily preventive and are usually performed twice a year. However, regular cleanings don’t address the deeper areas below the gumline, where bacteria can accumulate and cause gum disease.
Deep cleanings, on the other hand, specifically target these problem areas and are often necessary to prevent or treat gum disease. While regular cleanings are routine, deep cleanings are generally performed less frequently, depending on the severity of the gum disease and the individual’s oral health needs.
6. Preparing for Deep Cleaning and What to Expect
Preparing for deep cleaning is usually straightforward. Here’s what patients can expect:
– **Local Anesthesia**: To minimize discomfort, the dental professional may use a local anesthetic, especially if gum disease is advanced or if the procedure is expected to be lengthy.
– **Possible Discomfort**: Some soreness or sensitivity may be experienced after the procedure, especially if significant scaling and root planing were done.
– **Aftercare**: Following a deep cleaning, it’s essential to follow the dentist’s advice regarding oral care. Rinsing with a prescribed mouthwash, avoiding certain foods, and maintaining proper brushing and flossing habits are essential for recovery.
7. How Often Is Deep Cleaning Needed?
For patients with a history of gum disease, deep cleaning may be recommended once or twice a year to prevent recurrence. In contrast, those with healthy gums typically do not require deep cleanings unless they develop gum disease in the future.
Regular check-ups are essential to assess whether additional deep cleaning sessions are necessary. Your dentist will help determine the best frequency based on your oral health and specific needs.
Final Thoughts
Deep cleaning is a vital procedure performed by dental professionals to treat and prevent gum disease. Dental hygienists, dentists, and periodontists play essential roles in delivering this service, depending on the severity of the condition. Deep cleanings help eliminate plaque and tartar from below the gumline, reduce inflammation, and protect against tooth loss.
Maintaining good oral hygiene habits, attending regular dental check-ups, and following professional advice can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.tte
