A Deep dental cleaning is a two-step process that involves removing tartar from above and below the gum line (scaling) and smoothing the roots of your teeth (planing). It can be painful, but it is necessary to prevent serious health problems.
Gum disease
Gum disease can affect not only a person’s oral health but also their overall health. The bacteria and inflammation associated with gum disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to other systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Gum disease can also damage the bones and tissues that support teeth, resulting in tooth loss. Deep cleanings help to stop gum disease from progressing by eliminating plaque and tartar under the gum line.
Patients with gingivitis — the first stage of gum disease — can often reverse their condition with a commitment to improved oral hygiene, regular teeth cleanings, and routine dental exams. However, those with advanced gum disease, called periodontitis, may need a more involved treatment such as scaling and root planing.
Fortunately, most dental insurance providers consider deep cleanings preventive care and will cover the majority of their cost. To learn more about your specific coverage, consult with a knowledgeable and experienced dental team.
Plaque buildup
When gum disease develops, pockets form around the teeth and trap bacteria. These pockets can cause permanent damage if left unchecked. Deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, addresses these pockets by scraping away plaque and tartar from the sides of the tooth roots and bone. This discourages future bacteria growth.
The dentist or dental hygienist may use a tool with a vibrating tip to loosen the plaque from the surface of the tooth and then chip it away from the teeth with a special tool. Afterward, they might use local anesthesia to numb the area for comfort.
In addition to scaling and root planing, a dentist might treat the gums with antibiotics or rinses to prevent infection. This treatment can also prevent the condition from progressing to periodontitis, which is more severe and may lead to serious health problems. Fortunately, most insurance plans cover this type of dental care. However, the process can take longer and cost more than a regular cleaning.
Tooth sensitivity
While painful, tooth sensitivity usually lasts no more than a few days. The discomfort is caused by the soft dentin that encases the nerves inside your teeth. Since it is porous on a microscopic level, hot or cold substances can penetrate the dentin and reach the tooth’s nerves, triggering pain and sensitivity.
The duration of your tooth sensitivity depends on several factors, including gum health and the procedures performed during deep dental cleaning. If your gums are inflamed or have been damaged, sensitivity will occur for longer than if the gums are healthy and the procedures are mild.
Regular visits to your dentist help prevent sensitivity and other major dental problems. You can also prevent sensitivity by following good oral hygiene practices and using fluoride products, such as toothpaste and mouthwash. Having dental insurance also helps make necessary treatments more affordable. Contact your provider if you have questions about the type and extent of coverage you receive.
Tooth decay
Most dentists recommend that patients visit a dental hygienist twice a year to have their teeth cleaned. Regular cleanings help remove the plaque and tartar that builds up on teeth. However, if bacteria continue to develop in the crevices and roots of your teeth, a deeper cleaning is required. This procedure is known as a deep dental cleaning, or scaling and root planing.
The deep cleaning process involves removing the bacteria hiding in your teeth and gum pockets. This can reverse early stages of gum disease, and it will prevent more advanced damage from occurring in the future.
While it may sound intimidating, deep cleaning is relatively painless. Hygienists apply a topical or local anesthetic to the affected areas, so you won’t feel any discomfort during treatment. You may experience sensitivity or soreness in the week following treatment, but these symptoms should disappear once the anesthetic wears off. Most dental insurance providers cover the cost of regular cleanings, which are often considered preventive care.