A Deep teeth cleaning or gum scaling and root planing procedure is typically recommended by a dentist when patients exhibit signs of periodontal disease. This infection, starting with gingivitis, can eventually destroy the bone that supports your teeth if left untreated.

A deep teeth cleaning addresses the gum pockets where tartar collects. It’s an effective way to treat gum disease before it progresses to periodontitis.

How Does It Work?

A deep cleaning, also known as gum scaling or perio scaling is a two-plus-part procedure that banishes plaque and tartar from your teeth and roots. Unlike regular cleanings, this type of clean removes harmful bacteria that can cause gum disease.

First, your dental provider numbs your mouth with a topical or local anesthetic so you don’t feel pain during the treatment. They’ll then use a special tool called a scaler to remove tartar from your teeth and gum pockets. A vibrating metal tip on the scaler chips away the build-up while water flushes it from your teeth and gums.

The second part of the process is root planing, which involves smoothing out and cleaning your tooth roots. This helps your gums reattach to your teeth and reduces the size of the pockets where bacteria hides. This prevents bacteria from spreading to other parts of your body and can help treat gum disease. If you have a severe case of gum disease, your dentist might prescribe antibiotics or a mouthwash to reduce infection and swelling after the deep cleaning.

How Long Does It Take?

Regular cleanings typically take between 30-60 minutes to complete. A deep cleaning is usually a longer process and is split into two separate appointments because it involves numbing the mouth.

A dental hygienist will apply a numbing gel or an injection to make the procedure less painful. Then they will use a dental scaler to remove the hardened plaque, which is known as tartar. After that, they will rinse the mouth with an antibacterial solution to kill bacteria.

A deep cleaning will also include root planing, which involves a different tool to smooth the tooth surface below the gum line. This makes it harder for bacteria to thrive in these areas and can prevent gum disease. Your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor the progress of your oral health and ensure that your gums are healing properly. In the meantime, eating soft foods and rinsing with salt water can reduce inflammation. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication to manage discomfort.

What Are the Possible Side Effects?

It is unlikely for teeth to fall out after a deep cleaning. However, some people may find that their teeth feel looser after this treatment. This is because removing the tartar from the pockets between the gums and the teeth can make the teeth feel looser than usual. This should resolve over time as the gums reattach to the teeth.

Teeth scaling and root planing are highly effective at treating early stage gum disease. The process removes bacteria that cause gum inflammation, including gingivitis. It also reduces the size of the pockets between the gums and teeth, making it more difficult for bacteria to grow.

It is normal for the gums to bleed and feel sore after a deep cleaning. You can reduce the discomfort by eating soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes. You can also take over-the-counter pain medications and rinse with salt water. It is important to schedule a follow-up appointment so that your dentist can check the healing process and ensure the gums are healing properly.

Will My Teeth Fall Out?

A deep teeth cleaning is a treatment for gum disease and it helps prevent or reverse periodontitis. It involves a procedure called gum scaling and root planing, which is more extensive than standard cleanings. It consists of scraping the plaque and calculus off the surface of the teeth, including the roots and hard-to-reach areas under the gums. It also includes polishing the tooth roots so they are less prone to accumulating plaque. It is usually performed over two or three visits and requires local anesthetics.

A dental hygienist may recommend deep teeth cleaning for anyone who shows signs of gum disease, which includes bleeding or receding gums, loose teeth, and bad breath. The most common signs of periodontal disease are pockets that measure 4 mm or deeper and they can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. A deep teeth cleaning can stop gum disease in its tracks and prevent it from getting worse. This can also help the patient maintain a healthy mouth for the rest of their life and reduce the risk of other serious health issues.