There are different levels of teeth cleaning. The first is the one you do at home every day when you brush and floss your teeth. The next is your regular dental cleaning every six months. The final level of teeth cleaning is dental deep cleaning. You’re typically a candidate for this if it’s been over a year since your last regular dental check-up.
What Is a Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning is necessary when bacteria has invaded below your gum line. This cleaning will help any gum disease you may have and prevent it from getting worse. We also recommend that patients who haven’t been getting their regular cleanings get a deep cleaning to get rid of the built-up bacteria.
Deep dental cleaning focuses on the area below the gum line and the roots. It will help prevent tooth loss and bad breath. On top of that, it will help protect your gums and the roots of your teeth. If you have an infection in your gums, it will also help get rid of the infection.
It’s Different from Your Regular Cleaning
A deep cleaning is all about getting below the gum line and removing built-up tartar, plaque, and bacteria. A regular cleaning focuses on the area above the gum line. Regular cleanings will also polish your teeth and make them sparkle. Deep cleanings have little to no cosmetic value.
How To Know If You Need a Deep Cleaning
Pay attention to your gums. If they’re swollen, red, or bleeding, you may have an infection. Bleeding and pain while brushing are also indicators that you need a dental deep cleaning. A receding gum line can also be a sign that you need a deep cleaning.
The best way to know if you need a deep cleaning is by going to the dentist. They can measure how much your gums receded and how much damage the bacteria is doing to your gums. They can also use x-rays to check for any bone loss or other issues.
Getting The Procedure
Since a dental deep cleaning is a somewhat invasive procedure, your dentist will often offer you a numbing agent. Then they will go in and clean underneath your gum line. They’ll remove the plaque build-up, and they’ll clean out the bacteria that are infecting your gums.
In addition to cleaning out tartar from your gums, the dentist will smooth any rough areas near the roots of your teeth. Rough spots can trap bacteria and cause another infection, so making that area smooth is important.
After The Deep Cleaning
Your gums have been pushed and moved around, so they’re going to be sensitive for a little while. You may also experience a little pain and bleeding when you’re brushing your teeth for a few days. This is to be expected, and it’s completely normal for an “invasive” dental procedure.
In some cases, this sensitivity may last for a few weeks, but that is also normal. If your gums are really bothering you, call your dentist. They may recommend a mouthwash or treatment for the pain. You can also try using toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
Aftercare
Once your cleaning is over, and your mouth feels like it’s back to normal, there are still steps you need to take to prevent more damage from occurring. Of course, you need to be brushing and flossing daily, but that’s not all.
Your dentist may also ask you to come in every three months, instead of every six, for your regular cleanings. The frequent cleanings are to keep track of your progress and ensure that the infection doesn’t come back.
Dental Deep Cleaning in Florida
If you believe you need a dental deep cleaning or you would like to have a dentist examine your gums for infection, contact Eriks Dental Group at 561-733-4004 or visit our website for more information. We will take care of your deep cleaning. Then, we’ll provide you with all the aftercare and dental maintenance information you need.