Why is a Dental Deep Cleaning Needed?

When dentists notice gingivitis, or early gum disease, developing on a patient’s teeth, they recommend periodontal therapy or a dental deep cleaning to deal with the problem. Gingivitis develops when plaque and tartar build up on the gums and bones, creating an atmosphere where bacteria thrive and irritate the gums. If left untreated, gingivitis can become advanced gum disease that can cause a patient to lose all her teeth. One of the warning signs that gum disease is developing is light bleeding around the gums when brushing or eating. Deep cleaning battles gingivitis to eliminate the bacteria in the pockets around the gum and to prevent further deterioration and irritation.

Dental deep cleaning is composed of scaling and root planing. These two parts perform different functions but work together, usually simultaneously, to begin restoring the teeth’s good health. Scaling basically scrapes away the plaque and tartar that has accumulated above and below the gum line and on the surfaces of the teeth. Root planing smoothes away the rough patches on the root surfaces and cleans any surface of the tooth that has become infected. The clean, healthy roots are then smooth enough for the gum to reattach. Though the damage made by gum disease cannot be reversed, it can be stopped and prevention can be practiced.

A deep cleaning is performed under local anesthesia. The procedure is divided into quadrants. The patient might need the top left and right quadrants cleaned or the lower left and right, or all four. Since the procedure is divided into quadrants, completion can take between two and four visits to the dentist.

Pain and discomfort during the procedure depends on the complexity of the case. If the gum pockets are not too deep, the pain and discomfort might be insignificant enough that the patient does not need anesthesia. However, treatment in deeper pockets will elicit worse pain and discomfort. What the patient will definitely feel is the scraping sensation during the planing phase. As part of the procedure, the dentist might use antibiotic gels on the pockets or other medications.

After a deep cleaning procedure, patients can feel greater discomfort around the pockets. Teeth can also become more sensitive to temperature for a few days. Light bleeding around the teeth might also occur. The pain and discomfort can be usually be treated by over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen. However, a dentist can indicate stronger pain medication if needed. Dentists sometimes indicate salt water or chlorhexidine rinses during the recovery period. Flossing and brushing can further irritate the gum area right after a deep cleaning, so patients should brush softly and avoid flossing for a few days.

The cost of a deep dental cleaning depends on the work that is needed. The cleaning of each quadrant costs between $100 and $400, so the total procedure can run between $400 and $1600. The location of the clinic and the complexity of each patient’s case influence the total cost. Additionally, there might be fees for X-rays if they are needed.