What Is a Deep Dental Cleaning and Why Would I Need One?

About half of adults 30 and older struggle with gum disease (periodontal disease), often sparked by high levels of plaque and tartar buildup. Numerous factors can contribute to advanced periodontal disease, many of which are preventable. 

When detected in the early stages, gum disease is highly treatable, reducing the risk of gum recession, jaw bone loss, and permanent tooth loss. At his premier family dentistry practice in Bayonne, New Jersey, Dr. David Gleaner and our exceptional staff offer deep dental cleanings to restore oral health and beautiful, healthy smiles. 

Deep dental cleaning 101

So what exactly is a deep dental cleaning? Deep dental cleanings, also called scaling and root planing, are nonsurgical periodontal treatments (gum disease treatments) that remove tartar, treat inflamed gums, and protect your mouth against gum disease progression. 

Deep dental cleanings are more in-depth than routine professional teeth cleanings and exceptionally thorough compared to what at-home brushing can accomplish.

Candidates for deep dental cleanings

Dr. Gleaner determines if you’re a candidate for a deep dental cleaning based on your oral health history, symptoms, and if you have severe tartar buildup or gum disease. He examines your teeth and gums and assesses your dental X-rays.

Signs of gum disease include:

• Bleeding gums
• Swollen gum tissue
• Bad breath
• Receding gum line
• Bright red gums
• Tooth pain or sensitivity

Nearly 75% of adults over 65 have gum disease. The risk increases if you have a family history of gum disease, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, or other chronic diseases. Other risk factors are hormone changes, stress, smoking, poor-fitted dental restorations (bridges, dental fillings, etc.), and crooked or misaligned teeth. Poor oral hygiene also contributes to gum disease.

What to expect during deep dental cleanings

You may receive local anesthesia before a deep dental cleaning to maximize comfort. Expect the following during scaling and root planing:

Scaling

Scaling is a deep dental cleaning procedure that removes tartar from the surface of your teeth. Our dental specialists use a vibrating ultrasonic scaler or manual scaler and scraping device to complete this process. The scaler chips off tartar from your teeth above the gum line, while a water spray washes it away and removes plaque from the pockets of your gums. 

Root planing

Root planing eliminates tartar from the roots of your teeth. This process is similar to scaling, but it cleans your teeth under the gum line. Our dental experts use a specialized tool to move aside gum tissue, exposing the surface of the tooth roots. They use a scaler to remove tartar and smooth the tooth roots. You might also receive an antibiotic injection into the gum pockets.

Afterward, your teeth and gums may be temporarily sensitive, swollen, or tender. Take over-the-counter pain relievers, use antibiotics or antimicrobial mouth rinses if instructed, and eat soft foods for a short period. Dr. Gleaner determines when to schedule your next follow-up dental visit to maintain superior oral health, a tartar-free smile, and gorgeous gums.

To minimize the risk of future tartar buildup and gum problems, brush your teeth after meals, floss daily, don’t smoke, eat nutritious foods, and see our compassionate family dentistry team regularly. 

Schedule an evaluation with Dr. David Gleaner by phone or online today to determine if you’re a candidate for a deep dental cleaning.