Blog Post

Do I Really Need a Dental Deep Cleaning?

Dr. Garland K. Davis • Feb 25, 2021

We all brush our teeth twice a day, but is this enough to make sure we are really looking after our pearly whites? Or is a dental deep cleaning necessary?

Are you worried that you have dental issues that a general dental cleaning won't be able to fix? Do you fear that you need something a bit stronger than a routine dental cleaning? If so, then you need to learn all that you can about dental deep cleaning.

Doing so can ensure that you find the right dental treatment for your needs. It can help solve periodontal issues, with a major focus on the roots of your teeth and near the gum line as well.

See below for an in-depth guide that uses the most common questions to educate you on dental deep cleaning.

What Is Dental Deep Cleaning?

We all know what a basic dental cleaning entails: your dentist will inspect your teeth and gums, remove the tartar from your teeth, polish your enamel and then give it all a good rinsing.

Sounds pretty elaborate, right? So if that's what a basic dental cleaning includes, then what does a deep dental cleaning include?

Deep cleanings are more focused on the roots of your teeth, as well as below your gum line. It's used to prevent or cure infected gums or when the gum line is starting to veer away from the tooth. It's also not uncommon for pockets to form.

As many of you know, your gums are used to keep your teeth in place. The more that your gum line recedes, the less it can hold the tooth. In time, this will lead to your teeth falling out.

The primary difference between a deep cleaning and a basic cleaning is that the deep cleaning will go below the gum line to scrape off the tartar and plaque. This can prevent further infections.

This will also help identify any areas where the roots of your teeth have collected germs and bacteria, which will ultimately lead to infections such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and so forth.

What Are the Benefits of a Dental Deep Cleaning?

Not enough people visit the dentist frequently enough. Being the exception to that trend can help you in a variety of ways, see below for several benefits of a dental deep cleaning, specifically.

1. Prevents Gum Disease

Perhaps you've been wondering if you are already dealing with gum disease. One of the most common forms of gum disease is gingivitis, which is when the gums around your teeth are red, swollen, or irritated.

Once it starts, it can be incredibly annoying and painful. Luckily, there are several signs that you can catch early on, then schedule a deep dental cleaning. Such signs include:

Receding gum line.
Swollen gums in or around the base of your teeth.
Your gums start to bleed whenever you brush them (or floss).
You've noticed that you have bad breath.
You feel a throbbing pain from time to time at the base of your teeth.

If you notice any of these symptoms, reach out to a general dentist to schedule an appointment right away. Deep cleaning can help prevent it from worsening.

2. Removes Tartar and Plaque

Without routine dental cleaning, the plaque on your teeth will have a field day. If left unchecked, that plaque will quickly turn into tartar, which can only be removed from a dental cleaning.

Deep dental cleaning can specifically target the tartar in or around your gum line. This will prevent gum diseases from starting in the first place.

While they're at it, your dentist will also focus on cleaning the built-up germs and bacteria that have been trapped below the roots of your teeth. They can either use root planing to rub the tartar away or wash it away with an ultrasonic tool.

3. Improve Your Eating Experience

Have you noticed that your teeth are becoming increasingly sensitive to really cold or really hot foods? This is a common sign that your gum line is receding.

Truth be told, there are several reasons that your gum lines recede. It could be a sign of periodontal disease, or a result of aggressive tooth brushing, your genetics, or just a byproduct of your age.

If it's a sign of periodontal disease, then a deep teeth cleaning can help prevent the gum lines from receding further. That way, you will enjoy eating once more!

Do I Really Need a Dental Deep Cleaning?

So is a dental deep cleaning really necessary? The answer depends on your situation. If you're battling symptoms of periodontal disease, then the answer is undoubtedly "yes."

Even if not, then a deep dental cleaning can still be of tremendous value to you. It can help prevent you from experiencing any periodontal infections in the future.

If you feel like your gum line or the root of your teeth has been compromised, it's better to be safe than sorry. Schedule a checkup to see if your dentist recommends a dental deep cleaning, or if a routine cleaning will do the trick.

As you've seen in this article, a deep cleaning is meant to protect the future wellness of your teeth. Gum diseases are a tough battle to fight on your own. Get the dental deep cleaning you need to ward it off now and in the future.