Deep Cleaning

What is a deep cleaning?

Deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a dental treatment that improves and prevents advanced oral disease. The specially trained dental hygienists at Sunrise Dental perform regular deep cleanings for patients with gum disease to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gums, which are sources of bacteria and infection.

Deep cleanings, along with regular periodontal maintenance are an effective non-surgical treatment for restoring and maintaining your oral health, especially when you have a history of periodontal disease. Deep cleanings may help slow progressive oral disease that could lead to:

• Gum recession
• Bone loss
• Tooth loss 
• Oral abscess 
• Dental pain

For many dental patients, deep cleanings can help avoid the need for advanced treatments, including bone grafts, dental implants, crowns, bridges, or dentures. Sunrise Dental uses the Biolase® Epic X™ diode laser for laser-assisted periodontal therapy to achieve even greater bacterial reduction, along with better and faster health outcomes than cleaning with traditional instruments alone.

Who should get deep cleanings?

The team at Sunrise Dental recommends deep cleanings for adults who suffer from periodontal disease. 

You may need deep cleanings if you have:

• Loose or missing teeth
• Frequent oral abscesses 
• Receding gums
• Exposed tooth roots
• Bleeding gums
• Frequent cavities 
• Sensitive teeth or nerve-related tooth pain
• Pain with brushing or eating

The team discusses everything you can expect and outlines a recommended schedule that helps restore and protect your dental health. 

What does a deep cleaning entail?

A deep cleaning lasts about an hour and involves a more meticulous cleaning than a routine dental cleaning. It includes removing plaque and tartar above and below the gums, so that inflammation can be reduced and the tissues can heal.

An initial deep cleaning may require multiple visits, as it can take significant time to remove extensive tartar buildup beneath your gum line. Typically, your dental hygienist uses an anesthetic to numb your gums and teeth as they work on one side at a time over two appointments. 

After your initial deep cleaning,  you should maintain this optimal state of oral health by coming every 3-4 months for a cleaning called periodontal maintenance. At these maintenance visits, any plaque and tartar that has accumulated in that time will be removed. You do not need to be anesthetized at these visits. This level of care and attention to your teeth and gums will help keep them in the best shape they can be in, and help to slow the rate of inflammation and bone loss.

If you need a deep cleaning to improve and protect your health, call or schedule an appointment online with Sunrise Dental today.