Dental cleanings are important for your regular, routine dental care. However, sometimes you need something more. If you are showing signs that your gums may be in trouble - and the early stages of gum disease are appearing - then your dentist and dental hygienist may recommend a “deep cleaning”, also referred to as scaling and root planing.
Because they are meant to get deep between the teeth and below the gums, rather than just focusing on the surface, you can expect that it may take a bit longer. But, just how long does a deep teeth cleaning take?
Dangers of Gum Disease
Gum disease - more formally known as gingivitis in its early stages - is a condition in which bacteria digs its way deeper and deeper into the gums, threatening the support system for your teeth. This is all because plaque was left to buildup within pockets of your gums.
With a deep teeth cleaning, the plaque and tartar that has accumulated below the gumline will be removed, giving you a fresh start. Then, the roots of the teeth will be smoothed to encourage the gums to reattach - while also eliminating any pockets.
If left untreated, early gum disease progresses into periodontal disease. Once it reaches that stage, its damage can only be managed - not reversed. Periodontal disease is one of the major causes of tooth loss in adults.
Below you will find a list of the common signs of gum disease:
- Sensitive/tender gums that bleed easily
- Swollen gums
- Receding gums
- Red or dark-colored gums
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Persistent bad breath
Benefits of a Deep Teeth Cleaning
The deep cleaning effects of scaling and planing can be very beneficial to someone with signs of gum disease. Stopping the progression of gum disease is, perhaps, the biggest benefit of this treatment, but it isn’t the only one.
- It is a non-surgical treatment that can immensely help your gums.
- It may be the only treatment you need!
- By removing the infection, your bad breath will become fresher.
- Gums will look and feel healthy.
- The pockets that collected the bacteria in the first place will be gone, leaving you with snugly-fitted gums.
So, How Long Does a Deep Cleaning Take?
The process for a deep teeth cleaning usually requires more than one visit.
On average, you can assume that your dentist or highly skilled hygienist will be able to clean ¼ of your mouth in about 45-60 minutes or so, depending on the level of plaque and hardened calculus buildup. Most providers will split this up over two appointments. You can receive a variety of local anesthetics or numbing agents where the cleaning will commence to make you more comfortable throughout the process.
Remember, these cleanings are much more in-depth than regular routine cleanings. Follow-up appointments will ensure that plaque is removed to prevent the disease from returning and wreaking havoc on your teeth and gums.
Is it Time for Your Deep Teeth Cleaning?
If you are ready to see what it feels like to experience scaling and planing, the dental team at Nowak Family Dental is here to help. We offer deep cleanings to remove plaque and tartar and rid the mouth of bacteria and help reduce the progression of gum disease.
Contact our office today to learn whether a deep teeth cleaning would be beneficial for your oral health. You can reach us at 781-662-9119 - or request an appointment online.