What is deep cleaning, and how does it help oral health? Here’s the rundown on deep cleaning from your favorite Miami dentist, Dr. de Cardenas.

What is a Deep Cleaning?

Deep cleaning is different from your regular cleaning you likely have every year. This type of procedure goes below the gum line to clean hard-to-reach spots, like the roots and pockets at the base of your tooth. Tartar can build up around the exterior and roots of your teeth, which can cause serious bacterial infections if left untreated.

Periodontal scaling and root planing are techniques that remove built-up tartar. If the tartar can’t be removed using manual scraping, they’ll also use an ultrasonic removal device. This device is what sets deep cleaning apart from regular cleanings. Depending on how much tartar buildup you have in your teeth, this process of removing tartar can be quite long and may need to be broken up into multiple sessions at the dentist.

While a deep cleaning might sound tedious or overkill, it’s a crucial part of preventing dangerous infections. If left untreated, you can develop an even worse condition and require a more extensive procedure, like a root canal. So how do you know when a deep cleaning is needed?

The ADA recommends scheduling dentist appointments for the intervals recommended by your personal dentist, usually every year or every six months. So there’s no set answer for how often you should get a deep cleaning. Each case requires a different approach, so your dentist will recommend whether or not you should get a deep cleaning and how often.

One simple reason for getting a deep cleaning is if you want to check for gum disease. You can do this by measuring how far your gums pull away from your teeth. Any pocket that’s more than five millimeters deep will require immediate deep cleaning. Other symptoms of gum disease include things like:

• Swelling gums
• Bleeding gums
• Bruising around the gums
• Pus in the gums
• Bad breath

Gum disease occurs due to bacteria getting into the pockets and roots of the teeth. Certain gum diseases will also require additional treatments apart from deep cleanings. If you have gum disease, it’s recommended to get a deep cleaning if it’s been more than six months since your appointment with your dental hygienist. 

How Does Deep Cleaning Work?

Before the procedure, your dentist will review your medical history and perform a dental x-ray. This review will give your dentist a good idea of which areas to focus. Afterward, the dentist will measure the depths of the gum sockets using a unique tool.

This process also determines if the patient has gingivitis or periodontitis. After this, the dentist will begin the scaling process. As we mentioned earlier, this involves scraping the tartar from the teeth. If needed, your dentist will use an ultrasonic tool, and then they’ll polish your teeth using gritty toothpaste.

An air polisher is applied to smooth out the teeth. The dentists may go through a final flossing and a fluoride treatment.

Most of the time, any discomfort associated with a deep cleaning is bearable. However, individuals with particularly deep pockets will be in a lot more pain than others. Similarly, people with sensitive teeth might be incredibly uncomfortable. As such, a dentist will administer a local anesthetic as it’s needed. This will numb the area around your gum.

Dentists will administer antibiotic fiber into small pockets created between the teeth for some patients. This expedites the overall healing process while reducing bleeding and lowering the potential risk for infection.

Scaling and root planing during deep cleanings work ideally with every day, proper dental care. Teeth cleaning procedures help patients defend against gum disease and maintain beautiful, natural teeth. However, this is only part of the job. The rest is up to dental patients to maintain good work at home through brushing and flossing. Deep cleanings provide several benefits, including:

• Gum disease prevention and defense
• Maintaining overall good dental health
• Preventing potential tooth loss within the jawline

Deep Cleaning in Miami for Teeth

Deep cleaning in Miami represents a crucial component of dental health. However, it additionally benefits overall patient health. Poor oral hygiene may lead to several serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. In fact, medical specialists have developed a strong link between gum disease and cardiovascular disorders.

For this reason, regular dental hygienist visits for cleanings and screening are vital. While the dentists remove plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing might’ve missed, they take a look at your mouth to ensure everything is going well. Regular dental cleanings can help you reduce the risk of developing more severe conditions than dirty teeth.

A common affliction for those that do not care for their teeth is oral cancer. When a dentist can detect this condition early on, oral cancer remains highly curable. This is why routine oral examinations are so important.

A dental professional can make a diagnosis simply by observing your gums. The gums and gum line provides a plethora of information about your general overall health. This includes information concerning warning signs for diabetes, anemia, and leukemia.

Additionally, practicing a solid oral hygiene regimen in your home will help you maintain the best possible oral health. Nevertheless, situations may still arise that require the attention of a dental professional.

Do you want to ensure your smile remains bright and healthy? You should certainly take some time to visit a dental hygienist at least once per year. Give us a call today and book an appointment with us!