Undergoing a deep dental cleaning procedure removes bacteria present below the gum line and around the roots, thus preventing gum disease from advancing and leading to tooth loss. Your dentist in San Jose will also smooth your tooth roots' surfaces to make it harder for bacteria to stick to them. Sometimes, the hard-to-reach germs are destroyed using an antibiotic gel applied to the teeth during the cleaning. Before the procedure, you will be administered local anesthesia to numb the area, as the treatment involves going below the gum line.

A deep cleaning procedure is needed when too much bacteria and tartar buildup are present in the mouth. The deep cleaning process is also called scaling and root planing. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from the teeth's surface and gum pockets, while root planning involves removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the roots.

Root Planing and Scaling

When bacteria accumulates in your teeth, it can cause inflammation and soreness and lead to a number of oral health issues, including tooth decay and gum disease. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing is a procedure that removes buildup from the roots of your teeth where the gum meets the tooth. Even if your teeth and gums feel fine, you should still visit your dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning twice a year. The goal of dental cleaning is to remove plaque and tartar from the areas that are hard to reach with a toothbrush or floss at home. This can help to prevent cavities and other dental issues.

During a cleaning, the dentist will remove any debris on and around your teeth. Then, they will scrape the surface of each tooth using a small metal tool called an ultrasonic scaler. This tool vibrates, and sound waves help to loosen any buildup from the teeth and along the gum line. The dentist will then smooth the surface of the teeth with a hand-held instrument that scrapes the surface. Finally, your gums will be probed by the dentist to check for pockets that form between the gums and the teeth and to ensure they are healthy and not inflamed. Scaling and root planing are the only ways to treat periodontal (gum) disease before it develops into a larger problem. If you are concerned about the state of your oral health or need to schedule your next cleaning, contact a dentist today.

Why Are Deep Dental Cleanings Recommended?

Plaque, a sticky biofilm comprised of saliva and bacteria, accumulates around and below the gum line. It's normal for plaque to build up along the gums, but if it builds up too much, it can lead to gum disease issues. Gum disease is a progressive condition that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Luckily, a professional dental cleaning by the San Jose Dentists reduces the amount of plaque present on teeth, which allows patients to avoid these issues.

During a deep cleaning, a dentist or hygienist will remove the plaque from above and below the gum line. The dentist may also smooth the tooth surface and polish the teeth after the cleaning is complete. This helps prevent cavities from forming and helps remove stains from the teeth. Patients who are struggling with periodontal disease may require several professional dental cleanings in order to restore their oral health. Patients who have poor oral hygiene habits and suffer from gingivitis may benefit from more frequent cleanings.

What Makes a Deep Cleaning Different From Routine Dental Cleaning?

Regular dental cleanings are typically done by a professional dental hygienist, and they should be part of your regular oral health care and dental care routine in San Jose. However, if your dentist or hygienist notices that your gums are red or swollen, they may recommend a more in-depth dental cleaning known as a scaling and root planing treatment. This dental treatment is necessary if your teeth and gums are prone to infections or if your gums bleed when you floss. Swollen gums can indicate that you might have periodontal disease. This is a common problem among adults but can lead to tooth loss and even more serious health problems such as heart disease and diabetes. Scaling and root planing clean between the gum line and the teeth down to the root of the tooth. In some cases, the pockets may be so deep that even regular cleaning cannot reach them. A local anesthetic may be given before the treatment to numb the area. After the procedure, patients should expect some soreness or sensitivity for a few days. These symptoms can be relieved with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen.

Schedule an online appointment or call our dental practice to have a consultation with our Dentist in San Jose CA at Varni Dental, and we'll guide you further.