A dental deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing (SRP) is a type of cleaning reserved for patients with tartar buildup under the gum line that has caused large pockets in the gums. These pockets form when the gums become inflamed due to an overgrowth of bacteria. Typically, SRP is an important step in treating Periodontitis and getting your gums back to a healthy state.
These more extensive cleanings are slightly different from routine cleanings.
Deep Cleanings Target Tartar Build-Up at the Roots
While a routine dental cleaning focuses on plaque and tartar build-up at and slightly below the gum line, a deep cleaning uses stronger instruments, such as an ultrasonic scaler (a powerful stream of water), to target tartar all the way down to the roots. Evening out the tooth near the root is called scaling, and this helps the gums to reform to the tooth and eliminate pockets.
How Do These Cleanings Stop Gum Disease?
When your gums form pockets and pull away from your teeth, not only can food particles get lodged inside and speed up the process of tooth decay, but the overgrowth of bacteria can cause infection that makes your gums recede. As gum recession and bone loss are for the most part irreversible, a dental deep cleaning is vital to stop Periodontitis from further damaging your teeth and gums.
How Do I Know If I Need a Deep Cleaning at a Dentist Near Me?
The best way to assess whether you need a deep cleaning is to visit your periodontal dentist. They will measure the size of the pockets in your gums (where your gums have pulled away from your teeth) and if most or all of them exceed 4 or 5 millimeters, you may need a more heavy-duty cleaning.
Your dentist will also assess your bone loss with an X-ray. It’s possible your gums are inflamed and there’s significant tartar build-up, but your bones are too healthy to really merit a deep cleaning. In either case, let the person who is most familiar with your oral health decide how deep of a cleaning you need to get back to the maintenance stage of your dental routine.
Aftercare for a Deep Dental Cleaning
Scaling and root planing is a bit more invasive than a typical cleaning, so your dentist will use a local anesthetic or numbing cream to help you stay comfortable during the process. While this may result in some soreness, it shouldn’t cause lasting or severe discomfort. Your dentist may advise you to use over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.
They may also recommend rinsing your mouth with warm salt water between cleanings (as there will likely be multiple appointments) and give you a list of foods and drinks to avoid, such as spicy and acidic foods that can re-inflame the gums.
Choose Azalea Dental in Baton Rouge for a Dentist Near Me
A great way to stay on top of your dental cleanings and maintain healthy gums is to find a dentist near you. At Azalea Dental, we hope to make regaining and maintaining your oral health both easy and stress-free. We designed our office to be a place of relaxation and comfort, so patients feel emotionally supported while we care for their health.
To schedule an appointment at our office in Baton Rouge, call 225-217-2936 or fill out our contact form.
