Have you always wondered the difference between a deep dental cleaning and a regular dental cleaning? These terms have been used interchangeably across many different articles but understanding what they both mean is important. When you visit the dentist, you know the difference between the two.

It is important to note that regularly visiting the dentist for a professional cleaning is essential for oral hygiene and overall dental health. Not only do you reap the benefits of an attractive and aesthetically pleasing smile, but your teeth are protected from infection, disease and bacteria.

Now, which treatments can help achieve this? Let’s review both deep dental cleaning and regular cleaning to give you an idea.

What Is Deep Dental Cleaning?

Deep dental cleaning is a recommended treatment choice for those who’ve built up plaque tartar on their teeth and their roots, as this can lead to irritation of your gums. The treatment is formally known as scaling and root planning, which involves first manually scraping tartar off of your teeth with a scaler, a device designed to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth.

The final step of treatment is to smooth out the rough roots to trap bacteria. This is important to keep your teeth and gums attached whilst keeping them healthy.

What is Regular Cleaning?

Regular cleaning is considered a check-up and clean, where the dentist maintains your teeth and gum health by removing any food deposits and plaque to stave off gum disease. The steps are similar to a deep dental clean, but there is one difference.

What’s The Difference Between Deep Dental Cleaning and Regular Cleaning?

Deep dental cleaning is necessary when the tartar has gone beyond the teeth and is now invading the gums and the tooth roots. The dentist would consider this a deep dental cleaning to extensively clean the tartar. As soon as it starts to penetrate the gums, there is a greater chance of gum disease. 

The process of cleaning and reattaching the roots is called root planing. This treatment is only administered when there is too much tartar build-up.

Is Deep Dental Cleaning Treatment Painful?

There may be a degree of sensitivity from time to time during treatment because the dentist is going deep into the gums to clear out the tartar buildup. However, a local anaesthetic can be administered to numb the gum area if required. 

How Do I Know That I Need Deep Dental Cleaning?

Deep teeth cleaning is required to prevent penetration of tartar (which is full of bacteria) through the gums and tooth roots. Besides this, be a way of the following signs which indicate that deep dental cleaning is necessary:

  • Experience symptoms such as gum disease (including redness and swelling)
  • When tartar becomes too hard and requires professional treatment
  • If you’re already experiencing gum disease
  • If the dentist determines that you need it
  • If the gum pockets have retracted from your teeth leading to periodontal disease

What Happens After Deep Dental Cleaning Treatment?

Once the treatment is complete, expect some sensitivity in and around the gums. This is particularly noticeable if you are to eat hot and cold food and drink. The dentist would likely recommend that you choose softer food choices whilst the gums heal. This is because you may irritate the gums if you eat sticky and chewy foods. 

If the pain is severe, take over-the-counter pain medication to reduce the pain and speed up the healing process. You may also consider a saltwater rinse to keep the area clean. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our expert dentists in Hornsby.