Regular Deep cleaning teeth cleanings keep plaque and tartar at bay, preventing gingivitis from developing. If it goes untreated, however, this can lead to periodontitis, an infection that can eat away at the bone that supports teeth and cause tooth loss.

A deep cleaning can help stop the progression of gum disease by eliminating bacteria in the pockets between teeth and the gums. Read on to learn more about how this treatment works and what to expect.

Scaling and Root Planing

During regular cleanings, a dental hygienist uses manual or power scaling tools to remove plaque and tartar on the surfaces of teeth and below the gum line. This removes bacteria and their byproducts, which prevents gum inflammation (gingivitis) from progressing to periodontitis, a serious infection that damages the bone that supports teeth.

The second step in a deep cleaning, root planing, smoothes out rough areas on the tooth roots to make it harder for bacteria to attach and grow. Your hygienist may use a tool called a curette to scrape away any remaining debris, and then apply an antibacterial agent to the roots of your teeth and gum pockets.

To minimize discomfort, we typically use a local anesthetic to numb the area of your mouth that will be cleaned. Afterward, you may experience some soreness or sensitivity; a diet of soft foods and acetaminophen or non-aspirin analgesics can help. You should also avoid chewing on the treated area until it feels comfortable to do so.

Gum Inflammation

One of the primary benefits of dental deep cleaning is that it stops gum disease progression. It does this by removing tartar and plaque from areas that brushing and flossing can’t reach. It also helps gum tissue heal and reattach to teeth.

The first phase of gum disease is gingivitis, and it can be reversed with improved oral hygiene habits. However, if gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, it can damage the bones and tissues that hold your teeth in place. This is when you need a deep cleaning.

Your dentist uses a topical or local anesthetic to numb your gums during deep cleaning. This procedure is painful and can cause sensitivity afterward, but it should fade within a week with careful oral care at home and over-the-counter pain relievers. It’s important not to eat food until the anesthesia wears off, as this increases your risk of biting your tongue and gums, which can cause serious injury.

Antibiotics

When patients are experiencing a bacterial infection, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to reduce bacteria and promote healing. Antibiotics are substances that inhibit the growth of bacteria, and they come in different forms, including mouthwashes and tablets.

A common type of antibiotic that dental providers prescribe is penicillin, which kills a variety of bacteria. They often pair it with clavulanate, which is an inhibitor that helps the medication work faster. They also offer cephalosporins, macrolides and lincosamides to treat infections.

In severe periodontitis, antibiotic treatment may be recommended in addition to scaling and root planing. Locally applied antibiotics include PerioChip, which releases Chlorhexidine into the actual gum pocket, and Actisite, a thin strip that contains tetracycline hydrochloride to help reduce the depth of pockets. The dentist might also recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which involves breathing in pure oxygen to improve blood circulation and heal the mouth. This is particularly helpful for patients with advanced gum disease.

Recovery

The process is more invasive than a regular cleaning, but it’s necessary for anyone who wants to avoid gum disease. Regular cleanings keep plaque and tartar at bay, keeping gingivitis from developing into periodontitis. A deep cleaning gets to the bottom of pockets that develop between teeth and gums, removing bacteria, and encouraging healing and reattachment of the gum tissue.

After a deep cleaning, it’s normal for your teeth to be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, and for gums to be tender and sore. You may also experience some bleeding, though this is typically temporary. Use ice packs to help manage this, and contact your dentist if it persists for more than 48 hours.

To reduce the need for future deep cleanings, it’s essential to brush and floss regularly, and to attend routine dental appointments on a six-month basis. In addition, patients who are at risk for gum disease may need to visit more often, to ensure that any issues are addressed as they develop.