What’s the Difference Between Deep and Routine Dental Cleanings?

Proper dental hygiene is the best way to protect your oral health. That means brushing twice a day and using floss and mouthwash at least once a day. Getting your routine dental cleanings twice a year is equally important. Sometimes these measures aren’t enough, however, and a deep cleaning is needed.

It’s easy to confuse routine cleanings and deep cleanings, but they’re not the same. There are significant differences between the two. Hopefully, this post will help clear up any confusion you may have, but if you still have questions, please call us here at El Segundo Modern Dentistry and we’ll be happy to answer them.

What Does a Routine Dental Cleaning Look Like?

A routine dental cleaning is the one you should have at least every six months. It removes minimal tartar and plaque build-up on your teeth before cavities and gum disease can get started. Routine cleanings can treat mild cases of gingivitis but not extensive ones. Your dental hygienist will also remove mild stains and discoloration and polish your teeth during these cleanings.

Finally, your dentist will examine your mouth and teeth for any developing issues. Routine dental cleanings are quick and shouldn’t cause any discomfort or pain.

What Does a Deep Dental Cleaning Look Like?

If you have a substantial amount of plaque and tartar on your teeth, it can’t be removed with a routine dental cleaning. That’s when you need a deep dental cleaning, also called scaling and root planing. You may have moderate to advanced gum disease as well as this point, and a deep cleaning will help treat it.

A deep dental cleaning is much more intense and involved than a routine dental cleaning. It may involve several appointments. In the first step of a deep cleaning, called scaling, tartar and plaque are scraped off the teeth and removed from below the gum line. A special tool is used to remove pockets of bacteria and tartar in the gums. An antibiotic gel may also be applied to kill hard-to-reach germs.

The second step of a deep cleaning is root planing. Your dentist will clean the roots of your teeth below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Next, the rough spots on the roots will be smoothed -or planed -to make it harder for bacteria to grow on them in the future. The gums will have to reattach to the teeth after this procedure and it's important to maintain good oral hygiene to encourage them to do so.

Sometimes your whole mouth can be deep cleaned in one appointment. More often, it will be broken up into 2-4 appointments to minimize discomfort and time spent at the office.

You may have to make one or more follow-up visits to El Segundo Modern Dentistry for your doctor to check your gums and monitor progress.

How Do I Know Which Type of Cleaning I Need?

Most people will only need a deep dental cleaning if they have gum disease, or it’s been a while since they’ve seen a dentist. The amount of plaque and tartar on your teeth will determine if you need a deep cleaning.

So will the presence and depth of any pockets in your gums. Your hygienist or your doctor will measure the depth of these pockets with a special tool called a probe. A depth of 4 or more usually indicates the need for a deep dental cleaning.

Both the dental hygienist and your doctor will be able to tell if you need a deep cleaning when you come in for your routine cleaning. If you’re unsure, ask them, and they’ll be happy to answer any questions!

Does a Deep Dental Cleaning Hurt?

Because of the extensive nature of a deep cleaning, it can sometimes cause discomfort or soreness. Your doctor will apply a local anesthetic to numb your gums for the procedure. Your teeth and gums might be sore for a few days after as well.

You can take over-the-counter pain relievers to ease any discomfort. Be careful what you eat and where you chew to reduce the soreness.

How Much Does a Deep Dental Cleaning Cost?

One of the other differences between a routine dental cleaning and a deep dental cleaning is the cost. Routine cleanings are usually covered by insurance at 80-100% of the cost, meaning you will have only a minimal out-of-pocket expense.

Deep dental cleanings are different. Not all insurance companies cover them, and many require a co-payment. After your doctor determines you need a deep cleaning, the staff at our El Segundo office will contact your insurer and find out what your coverage is. They will then go over your estimated costs and options for financing.

What Happens if I Choose Not To Get a Deep Dental Cleaning?

Deep dental cleanings are optional, but your doctor wouldn’t recommend one if it wasn’t necessary for your oral health. You will only be told you need a deep dental cleaning if you have a significant buildup of plaque and tartar that can’t be removed during a routine cleaning and/or you have pockets of bacteria in your gums.

Both of these are warning signs of gum disease, or periodontal disease. If left untreated, gum disease is progressive. The infection will spread, leading to permanent damage around your gums and eventual tooth loss. Periodontal disease also causes chronic bad breath and abscesses. It even increases your chances of developing heart disease and diabetes.

The best way to stop gum disease is to treat it early. You do that by getting a deep dental cleaning. Your oral health is worth it!

Are You Ready To Improve Your Oral Health With a Deep Dental Cleaning?

At El Segundo Modern Dentistry, we do everything possible to help our patients achieve the best possible oral health. This includes deep cleanings. If you need a deep dental cleaning, see us right away. We have flexible appointment times to fit into your busy schedule.

Improve your oral health today! Call our El Segundo office at (424) 277-2671 to schedule your appointment for a smile-enhancing deep cleaning.

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