A dental cleaning, also known as a prophylaxis, is a regular cleaning performed to help remove plaque, tartar, and debris from the surfaces of the teeth. It is most commonly performed by a hygienist and involves scraping the surfaces of the teeth with specially designed instruments.
It may also include flossing and polishing the teeth to help remove surface stains. This type of cleaning is recommended for most people on a regular basis in order to maintain good oral hygiene.
A periodontal cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a more intensive cleaning usually recommended for those with gum disease or periodontitis. This type of cleaning is more in-depth than a standard dental cleaning and is performed by a dentist or hygienist.
It involves using small instruments to remove plaque, tartar, and debris from below the gum line and deep into the pockets around the teeth. This cleaning then helps to reduce the inflammation of the gums and eliminate bacteria to help prevent further progression of the disease.
Can a periodontist do a regular cleaning?
Yes, a periodontist is a specialized dentist that can perform a regular cleaning, also known as a dental prophylaxis. During a regular cleaning, the periodontist will remove plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth, as well as from just below the gum line.
To ensure a thorough cleaning, the periodontist may use specialized tools and techniques, such as scaling and polishing. Additionally, the periodontist can check for any signs of gum or periodontal disease.
If any irregularities are found, they can then provide treatment accordingly. In summary, a periodontist has the qualifications to offer a regular dental cleaning and can also provide additional periodontal services if needed.
Is periodontal cleaning the same as a regular cleaning?
No, periodontal cleaning is not the same as a regular cleaning. A regular cleaning, also known as a prophylactic cleaning, is typically done in a dental office and aims to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains above and below the gum line for general dental health.
A periodontal cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a deep cleaning to get rid of tartar and bacteria down below the gum line for those with gum disease. It requires a more extensive visit and usually requires local anesthetic.
In addition, periodontal maintenance is usually recommended every 3-4 months to help keep the gums and teeth healthy, while regular cleanings may only need to be done once or twice per year. While both cleanings are important for dental health, periodontal cleaning is more tailored to those with gum disease.
What procedures can a periodontist do?
A periodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontists also specialize in placing dental implants.
The most common procedures a periodontist can perform include:
Deep Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing): This is a deep cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and tartar buildup below the gum line. The tartar is scraped away and the root surfaces are then smoothed (planed).
This helps remove bacteria and toxins and helps the gums reattach to the teeth.
Gum Grafts: If your gums have receded, a gum graft may be recommended to restore the gum tissue and protect the exposed root surfaces. The gum graft can be used to cover exposed roots or to build up the gum line.
Pocket Reduction: Periodontal “pockets” are spaces between the teeth and gums that can fill with bacteria. If pockets are too deep, they can no longer be cleaned by brushing and flossing and will need to be treated by a periodontist to avoid further damage.
Pocket reduction procedures involve folding back the gum tissue and removing the bacteria and the plaque and tartar, and then sewing the tissue back into place.
Crown Lengthening: This procedure is used in cosmetic dentistry to reshape the gum line and bone and expose more of the tooth’s surface for a better aesthetic result.
Soft Tissue Grafts: Soft tissue grafts are used to replace lost gum tissue that may have receded from the teeth due to periodontal disease, or to cover exposed roots that may be due to gum recession or genetics.
Implants: A periodontist is typically the best trained and most qualified professional to diagnose, place, and restore dental implants.
All of these procedures help restore the health and function of your mouth, and can improve the aesthetics of your smile. Before any treatment begins, a comprehensive examination and evaluation will be completed to determine the best treatment plan.
Can I do regular cleaning instead of deep cleaning?
Yes, you can do regular cleaning instead of deep cleaning. Regular cleaning typically involves wiping down surfaces, vacuuming and mopping floors, and dusting surfaces. It’s important to do regular cleaning because it helps to maintain the cleanliness of your home.
Regular cleaning is typically done much more frequently than deep cleaning and can be done quickly and easily. On the other hand, deep cleaning is much more intensive and is done to clean areas that regular cleaning does not typically reach.
Deep cleaning includes cleaning behind and under large objects, washing windows and ceilings, and more. This kind of cleaning is typically done every so often to really make sure your home is deeply clean.
Ultimately, it comes down to your preference on whether you want to do regular cleaning or deep cleaning.
Can you see a periodontist instead of a dentist?
Yes, you can see a periodontist instead of a dentist. A periodontist is a dental professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. They focus on treating diseases that affect the gums, teeth, and supporting structures of the mouth.
They also specialize in dental implants and cosmetic procedures that can improve the health of your mouth and appearance. A periodontist can perform many of the same procedures as a regular dentist, such as fillings, crowns, and root canals.
They also perform more specialized procedures, such as laser treatments, scaling and root planing, and gum grafts. Therefore, if you are having a problem with your gums, a periodontist may be a better option for you than your regular dentist.
Why are dentists pushing deep cleaning?
Dentists are pushing deep cleaning to help prevent gum disease, which is an infection in the gums that can lead to tooth loss and other health problems if not properly treated. Deep cleanings are intensive cleanings that involve scaling and root planing, two techniques that help remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and gums.
Plaque is a sticky film that can contain bacteria, and tartar is a hard calcified deposit that collects above and below the gum line. If not properly removed, these deposits can cause inflammation and infection of the gums.
Deep cleanings remove the plaque and tartar buildup, helping to reduce inflammation and reverse the disease. Additionally, they can prevent further plaque buildup and help keep the teeth and gums in good health.
How can I avoid deep cleaning?
Avoiding deep cleaning is possible by taking preventive measures to maintain a clean and organized environment. Start by decluttering and organizing your home to create a system for easily returning items to their original location.
Use baskets, bins, and boxes to store loose items and designate a specific place for your belongings. Clean as you go by tidying up after yourself and doing a quick clean each day. Have everyone in the house do their chores or assign regular cleaning duties to help maintain a neat space.
Utilize disinfectants and all-purpose cleaners to wipe down surfaces weekly and perform a thorough cleaning every month. Regular vacuuming, dusting, and scrubbing of bathroom and kitchen areas will also help prevent deep cleaning sessions.
Is deep cleaning really necessary?
Yes, deep cleaning is absolutely necessary. It is important to periodically clean certain parts of the home and workplace to keep them safe and sanitized. Deep cleaning involves cleaning parts of a space that might not normally get as much attention during a regular cleaning routine.
This includes hard-to-reach areas, such as behind and underneath furniture, and nooks and crannies that don’t get enough attention. Deep cleaning can get rid of dirt and grime, as well as dust mites, mold, and other allergens that can be hazardous to your health.
It is also essential to deep clean areas such as carpets, drapes, and upholstery, as not only do they tend to hold onto dirt and bacteria, but they are also breeding grounds for dust mites. By deep cleaning these areas, you are able to help reduce the possibility of spreading germs and bacteria, as well as decrease the chances of breathing in unhealthy substances.
Do I really need a periodontal cleaning?
Yes, you do need to have a periodontal cleaning, also known as a “deep cleaning.” The reason for this is because when you have plaque and bacteria build up around and below the gum line, you may be at risk for gum disease.
This is a serious condition and can result in mass destruction of your gum tissue and even jawbone in more severe cases. If you’re at risk, or if a dental exam determines that you need a deep cleaning, then it is best to have the procedure done sooner rather than later.
During the procedure, your hygienist will use special tools to remove plaque and bacteria from below the gum line. Additionally, they may use an antiseptic to help kill bacteria and help reduce the chance of gum disease.
As a preventive measure, it’s recommended that you go in for a periodontal cleaning at least once a year.
Is periodontal treatment worth it?
Yes, periodontal treatment is worth it. Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection caused by bacteria that can damage the supporting structures of your teeth. Treatment is necessary to prevent further damage and restore your teeth and gums to a healthier state.
It can help to reduce pain and discomfort, improve your appearance, and help you to maintain a healthy mouth. Good oral hygiene, regular brushing and flossing, and receiving routine dental care can help you keep gum disease from progressing.
However, if your symptoms are severe or are not adequately under control with your regular oral hygiene, then periodontal treatment may be necessary. The treatment may involve non-surgical therapies such as deep cleaning, scaling and polishing, antibiotics, and other periodontal procedures.
Long-term benefits include reduced gum inflammation, improved periodontal health, improved appearance, improved function of your teeth, improved sense of taste, and reduced bad breath. Treatment costs vary depending on your individual situation and the severity of your condition, but in the long run could be well worth it.
Is there an alternative to deep cleaning teeth?
Yes, there is an alternative to deep cleaning teeth: a non-surgical scaling and root planing (SRP) procedure. This procedure is a gentler alternative to traditional deep cleaning, and is often used to treat periodontal disease.
During the SRP procedure, a professional hygienist will use ultrasonic tools to clean plaque, tartar and bacteria from between the teeth and gums. This procedure also involves smoothing the roots of the teeth to remove any rough surfaces where bacteria can accumulate.
SRP can reduce pain and inflammation in the gums, and can help prevent further gum disease. Additionally, SRP is less invasive and more comfortable than a deep cleaning, and often requires fewer visits to the dentist.
Will my gums go back to normal after deep cleaning?
The answer to your question is, yes, your gums will go back to normal after deep cleaning. This is because deep cleaning or scaling and root planing is a non-surgical procedure that removes plaque, tartar build-up, and bacteria from your gums and teeth.
This helps to improve gum health and reduce inflammation. The removal of these damaging substances allows the gums to heal and return to a healthy state. As a result, your gums should return to normal after the deep cleaning process is complete.
Additionally, it is important to maintain your oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing twice a day, and visiting the dentist every 6 months so that your gums can remain in a healthy state.
Does periodontitis go away after deep cleaning?
No, periodontitis does not go away after deep cleaning. While deep cleaning, also known as a scaling and root planing procedure, helps to reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth and removes plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gumline, it does not cure periodontitis.
Periodontitis is an infection of the gums, which is caused by poor oral hygiene and can only be treated by ongoing professional care; deep cleaning is a form of treatment. For most patients, regular visits for cleaning and especially for maintaining good oral health are necessary to prevent and manage the disease.
Additionally, medications may be necessary to control the disease and keep further destruction of tissues to a minimum. Therefore, although deep cleaning can help to reduce the symptoms associated with periodontitis, it is not a cure, and a comprehensive periodontal program must be maintained in order to keep the disease in check.
How does a dentist know if you have periodontitis?
A dentist may diagnose you with periodontitis if they find signs of inflammation in your mouth including swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath, or loose teeth. They may also use other examination techniques such as measuring your pocket depths, which are spaces between the gum and your teeth that become deeper when the gums and the bone around your teeth are not healthy.
Other tests, such as X-rays and bacterial culture tests, may also be used to help diagnose the condition. Your dentist may also refer you to a periodontist for further testing and treatment if necessary.