Most people brush and floss their teeth religiously and feel that this is all that is needed to maintain proper dental health. Plaque can accumulate beneath the gum line and form tartar in areas that brushing cannot reach. At this point, regular cleaning is not sufficient, and one needs to consider professional treatment for gum disease, which is known as deep cleaning of teeth.
What Makes Deep Cleaning Different from a Regular Cleaning
While a typical dental cleaning is carried out on the visible parts of the teeth, deep cleaning involves the teeth above the gum line. This means that scaling involves removal of the plaque and tartar above and below the gum line, while root planning ensures the tooth roots are smoothened to allow reattachment and healing of gum tissue.
It is important to know this difference since, according to Healthline, once there is accumulation of tartar beneath the gums, there is formation of pockets for bacterial growth and infection.
Signs You Might Need a Deep Cleaning
Gum diseases develop slowly, making it effortless to overlook any warning signs. Some of the warning signs that one should never ignore include bleeding gums while brushing, foul breath, gum receding, and some loosening of the teeth. If anyone experiences such symptoms, then they need to inquire about deep teeth cleaning in Quincy, MA, immediately.
Why Healthy Gums Matter Beyond Your Smile
Healthy gums do not only affect the appearance of the teeth but other things as well. For instance, studies have revealed that unhealthy gums may lead to serious health conditions such as cardiovascular problems and issues with blood sugar levels. This is because bacteria from the gums can find their way into the bloodstream.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Deep cleaning involves cleaning one side of the mouth at a time under the effect of local anaesthesia. The use of ultrasonic devices and manual tools helps in removing tartar, while the smoothing of roots reduces the tendency of bacteria to resettle. Post-procedure mild discomfort for a day or two is normal, and the patients get back to their routine life within no time.
Finding the Right Care in Quincy
Working with an experienced dentist located close to you will make the whole procedure easier. An efficient local dental office that provides detailed information about each step of the treatment and the aftercare instructions will help make the experience easy rather than daunting for the patient. It becomes all the more important for people residing in Quincy along with the South Shore area of Massachusetts to schedule this procedure with an experienced and reliable dental office.
Dentists such as the ones working at Trussmile Dental in Quincy can provide periodontal and gum care services.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I know if I need a deep cleaning instead of regular cleaning?
During your exam, your dentist will measure the depth of the pocket between your teeth and gums. Deep pockets (greater than 3 mm) and tartar under the gum line are good indications for a deep cleaning process.
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Is deep cleaning painful?
Prior to the procedure, local anesthesia is administered to ensure you do not experience any pain during it. There may be some tenderness over the coming days, and that’s perfectly fine.
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How long does the procedure take?
Scaling and root planing are usually done over a series of appointments, one appointment per quadrant or half of the mouth, and each appointment lasts about an hour.
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Will my insurance cover the cost?
Insurance typically covers scaling and root planing when you have gum disease as a medical necessity. You’ll have to look at what your insurance plan covers.
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How often will I need follow-up cleaning after a deep cleaning?
Most patients switch to periodontal maintenance visits, which occur every three to four months instead of the usual biannual visits because of the presence of gum disease.
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Can deep cleaning reverse gum disease completely?
In its early stage, the process is very effective in restoring gum health and sometimes even reversing gingivitis. It helps to manage the issue in cases of more advanced gum disease.
