Do you suffer from plaque in your mouth that is starting to cause issues with your teeth and gums? If so, you may need a dental deep cleaning appointment to address the issue.
This is something that dentists do when a patient’s teeth have become significantly impacted by plaque and tartar. It is a deeper kind of cleaning than your ordinary teeth cleaning appointment.
But who needs a deep cleaning, and what does it really do for your teeth? Keep reading to find out whether or not you could benefit from a dental deep cleaning.
Who Needs Dental Deep Cleaning?
Dental deep cleaning treatments are used to help people who are specifically suffering from tartar and plaque. Deep cleaning is recommended when tartar has built up in the pockets between a patient’s teeth.
This creates a huge risk for gum disease and should be quickly addressed before it gets worse. If left untreated, this could cause tooth loss, obsesses, and infections.
This method of deep cleaning teeth is much more in-depth than the normal teeth cleaning appointment. It involves removing plaque from areas under the gums instead of around the teeth.
This process is not used to make your teeth look better, it is done to protect your teeth from the harmful plaque and tartar. If left untreated, it would simply build up even more.
This is a treatment that anyone with severe plaque should consider getting. Though your dentist will be able to quickly identify if this is something that you could benefit from.
If you think that you need a dental deep cleaning, you should schedule a dentist appointment. A simple exam should show your dentist if this is something that is necessary for your oral health.
What to Expect at a Dental Deep Cleaning Appointment
If you are going to have a dental deep cleaning, there are a few things that you should expect to happen.
These are the steps that you can expect to follow when having a deep cleaning done. You can also ask your dentist for more information on what you should expect.
It Will be Two Steps
One thing that patients may not realize is that a dental deep cleaning treatment is done in two steps. This involves two separate appointments in order to get the job done.
This is necessary because the dentist is only going to work on one side of your mouth at a time. So one appointment will be enough to accomplish cleaning only one side of your mouth.
The second appointment is necessary to finish the second side of your mouth to complete the cleaning.
This is important as it gives the dentist ample time to clean your teeth. A dental deep cleaning appointment is generally one hour long, but it can be as long as four hours.
You Will be Numbed
When you go to have your deep cleaning process started, you should expect to be numbed. Dentists will either use a numbing cream or an injectable anesthetic to numb your mouth.
This is important for your comfort as the deep cleaning process can be painful. It is uncomfortable, and your dentist will want to make sure that you aren’t in any pain.
Because the cleaning involves removing plaque under the gums, this could be very uncomfortable for the patient. The dentist may also need to use a variety of tools that can be uncomfortable.
If your plaque build-up is significant, you may also be given an antibiotic gel that is placed between your teeth and gums. This will help to encourage the healing process and discourage infections.
You may also be given a strong mouthwash or oral antibiotics to take to further discourage any infections.
You Will Have a Follow Up
Once you have finished your two dental cleaning appointments, a follow-up will be scheduled for two weeks later. Your dentist will use this appointment to examine any improvements in your mouth.
They will check to see if the pockets between your gums and teeth have reduced in size. At this point, they should be noticeably better, and there should be no sign of infection.
If your dentist still thinks that there is an issue, they may recommend you to a specialist for further treatment options. This is not common, but it can happen in severe cases.
If this does happen, you will have an appointment scheduled with a specialist. From there, they will help you to find another treatment plan.
If your dentist notices any signs of infection during your follow up appointment, they may give you more antibiotics.
You May be Sore
Patients should be prepared for any soreness after their deep cleaning dental services. This is very common, and many patients all experience some kind of discomfort.
Once the numbing wears off, you will most likely feel soreness around your gums and between your teeth. Your teeth and gums will be sensitive, and you should avoid very hot or cold food and drinks.
Some patients also experience some bleeding from their gums after this procedure. This is likely to happen when you are flossing or brushing your teeth.
You should avoid eating rough foods or drinking very hot or cold beverages after your appointments. Stick to soft foods and room temperature drinks to avoid causing irritation.
It is also a good idea to be more careful when you go to floss or brush your teeth. Be gentle and try to not brush over your gums too aggressively.
What Patients Should Expect at a Dental Deep Cleaning Appointment
If your dentist recommends that you get a dental deep cleaning appointment, these are some of the things to expect.
A deep dental cleaning is not like your normal teeth cleaning appointment, but it is still a relatively simple procedure. All you need to do is show up and let your dentist do the hard work.
This procedure can make a huge difference and lower your risk of gum disease. It is a preventative measure that ensures the health of your teeth and gums.
Visit Sarasota Periodontal and get your dental deep cleaning appointment scheduled today.
