It’s time to get back on track!

To take care of your teeth and ensure they remain healthy for your entire life, it’s important to keep up with regular dental cleanings. However, sometimes life gets in the way. It happens to everyone here or there—life gets busy, finances get scary, and thoughts of the dentist fade into the background.

If it’s been a while since you were at the dentist last, don’t worry! We have solutions to help get your teeth back on track. Tartar has a pesky way of forming where you don’t want it to, including under the gumline. If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, it might be a good choice to get a deep cleaning to eliminate any accumulated buildup.

If you aren’t expecting it, being prescribed a deep cleaning can feel a bit surprising. You may think, “But doesn’t a regular dental cleaning do the same thing?” “Why bother with a deep cleaning?” Though they both help get the teeth clean, a deep cleaning tackles hidden tartar under the gumline and can make a world of difference to your oral health. After all, preventing tooth decay is the ultimate goal!

Why You Might Need a Dental Deep Cleaning

Gum disease is more common than you might think. If you find yourself struggling with bad breath, gums that bleed when you brush your teeth, or even a gumline that’s slowly receding, gum disease might be the culprit. Don’t panic! It’s reversible. But if you aren’t able to get to the dentist and receive the necessary treatments to tackle the problem, it will only get worse. Your gumline will continue to recede, weakening your teeth’s support system and leading to tooth loss.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of gum disease, there’s a high chance that you have tartar and plaque buildup below the gumline. When left untreated, this buildup can create pockets between the teeth and gums that give bacteria plenty of time and space to eat away at the enamel protecting your teeth.

If your dentist suggests a deep cleaning, it’s likely that they noticed the progression of these issues. Getting it taken care of will not only make you feel healthier, but it can prolong the health and longevity of your natural teeth.

What is a dental deep cleaning?

Deep cleanings are often spread out over two one-to-two-hour appointments. During the first appointment, the goal will be tooth scaling. This is where your dentist uses a vibrating tool called an ultrasonic scaler to remove tartar and plaque from the visible parts of your teeth. Once this is done, a manual scaler will be used to remove anything that is left. During the second visit, the goal will be root planing. This is where your dentist works to remove the tartar that has accumulated below the gumline. The technique is very similar to tooth scaling, just at a deeper level.

Both of these treatments can help reverse gum disease, also known as periodontitis, and promote healthy gums, drastically decreasing your chances of cavities and bad breath and making it easier to keep up with your regular oral hygiene routine without discomfort or fear of what could be going on beneath the surface. 

What to Expect After Your Cleaning

Teeth scaling and root planing can cause some discomfort, but we won’t let you go without help! We use a topical or local anesthetic to numb the area and ensure you are comfortable during the entire procedure. You may experience some soreness and sensitivity after everything is done. Because of this, your dentist will likely recommend that you stick to soft foods such as yogurts, soups, and mashed potatoes to help your teeth rest. Taking over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen and Tylenol can also bring some relief in those first few days.

After your deep cleaning, be sure to keep up with regular maintenance! After all, you don’t want all your dentist’s work to go to waste. For this reason, it’s important to keep up with your follow-up visits. These are more than just a formality. If we notice anything going on, we will be able to address it before the problem gets bad enough to need further work.

Your teeth will thank you!

If you are offered a deep cleaning at your next dental appointment, don’t panic! It’s a great way to get back on top of your oral health. Your teeth, gums, and even jaw will thank you for the extra attention.

If it’s been a while since you’ve been in to see a dentist, you can quickly and easily request an appointment online. We’re available to talk to you about your concerns and help you wherever and however we can!