This procedure is recommended for people with advanced/severe gingivitis, that do not yet require the scaling and root planing procedure. It is more involved than a prophylaxis cleaning because there is considerably more plaque and tartar to be removed. Often, patients that have not been to a dentist in several years may require this procedure. Your hygienist will use the same special dental tools that is used in a regular cleaning, but it will likely dedicate more time for this procedure.

Periodontal cleaning is recommended to maintain patients that have had scaling and root planing. Deep cleaning removes tartar and plaque build-up from the teeth's surface and below the gum line. However, unlike scaling and root planing, periodontal cleaning is completed in one session. Your dentist/hygienist may recommend coming in for this procedure every 3 to 4 months.

Periodontal cleaning is reserved for patients with gum disease, known as periodontitis that have undergone the scaling and root planing procedure.

Gross debridement cleaning is reserved for teeth with high plaque levels and tartar build-up. Excessive plaque buildup can interfere with our ability to do a proper examination or prophylaxis cleaning and must be removed before an examination or cleaning can be done.

Since tartar hardens over time, removing it might be challenging, especially if the patient has difficulties maintaining good oral hygiene. To remove it, the hygienist will use an electric scaler which uses ultrasonic technology to loosen the tartar before removing it by prophylaxis. Although not common, our dentist might administer local anesthesia to reduce discomfort if you have sensitive gums and teeth.

Teeth cleaning might sound imposing, especially if you haven't made an appointment with your dentist for a long time. However, there's nothing to fear. The teeth cleaning process is non-invasive and relatively painless. Here's what you can expect during a cleaning:

Using a scaler and a small mirror to observe hard-to-reach areas, your hygienist will perform teeth scaling to remove plaque and tartar build-up from your teeth. They might use an electric brush or an ultrasound tool to loosen the tartar before scraping it off.

Anesthesia might be administered if the hygienist needs to scale your teeth beneath your gum line.

High-powered brushing is the next stage of the teeth-cleaning process. Your hygienist will use an electric brush and a gritty toothpaste known as prophylaxis paste to scrub your teeth. Brushing removes any remaining tartar and polishes the enamel.

While the procedure is straightforward, it's time-consuming because the hygienist has to ensure that your teeth are free of tartar and plaque in hard-to-clean areas of your teeth.

Your hygienist will wrap up the cleaning with a deep flossing session. Flossing will remove any residual plaque and cleaning paste between your teeth. Moreover, your dental hygienist will give you dental hygiene tips on proper cleaning and pinpoint potential trouble areas to focus on.

Once your hygienist confirms that your teeth are clean, they will clean your mouth using a water spray and remove the water with a dental suction tube.

Avoiding sugary foods, brushing, and flossing are essential to maintaining good oral hygiene. However, dental cleaning is equally as important. Here's why:

Gingivitis prevention is a major benefit of a routine cleaning visit. Regular teeth cleaning can prevent gum afflictions such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. On the other hand, deep cleaning can halt the spread of gum disease if the disease has already taken root. Moreover, periodontal maintenance can restore your teeth to a healthy state and prevent tooth loss which is common with periodontal disease.

If left unchecked, oral bacteria can compromise other body parts and increase the risk of serious chronic conditions such as oral cancer, respiratory complications, and cardiovascular diseases. Regular cleaning reduces your risk of developing chronic illnesses by preventing oral bacteria from bypassing the gums, infiltrating your bloodstream, and causing systemic infection in your body.

While regular brushing and flossing are effective against plaque, you need regular dental appointments to prevent and eliminate tartar build-up. Tartar deposits provide an ideal environment for oral bacteria. Over time, the bacteria produce acids that erode the enamel and cause progressive tooth decay.

Your dentist can prevent tooth decay by removing tartar deposits and polishing your teeth to reduce tartar build-up in the future.

The routine oral exam before teeth cleaning can be a lifesaver. Remember, oral cancer, gingivitis, and periodontal disease don't form overnight. Regular oral exams allow your dentist to detect potential problems and act before they can spiral out of control.

Few things can deplete your confidence more than bad breath, yellow or missing teeth. While regular dental cleaning can prevent tooth decay and halitosis, it also has the potential to restore oral health. An experienced dentist can use specific teeth cleaning procedures to eliminate bad breath and restore decaying teeth.

While a cleaning is beneficial, your teeth might be vulnerable and sensitive after the rigorous cleaning session. The dental aftercare tips below will help you manage sensitivity and increase your teeth's recovery rate.

Watching your diet for at least 6 hours after the dental cleaning would be best. For instance, coffee, tea, and red wine can stain your teeth if you consume them soon after cleaning. Moreover, hot/cold foods and drinks might increase tooth sensitivity and cause discomfort.

Remember, your teeth undergo high-powered brushing during a cleaning. To avoid tooth sensitivity and gum injuries, use a brush with smooth bristles to gently clean your teeth.

Keeping your mouth clean is crucial to a quick recovery. Rinsing your mouth with salt water regularly after the cleaning will soothe your gums and prevent possible infections.

You should observe your teeth regularly after a dental cleaning. Look for warning signs such as discolored gums and extreme tooth sensitivity. While a little bleeding and tooth sensitivity is normal after a cleaning session, you should visit your dentist if these issues last more than two days.

Regular dental cleanings are essential to maintaining good oral hygiene, preventing chronic illnesses, and boosting confidence. Making regular dental cleaning appointments will improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of developing tooth decay, gingivitis, and periodontal disease. Prevention is better than cure: schedule an appointment with your dentist today.