Regular Cleanings and Deep Cleanings: What’s the Difference?

When’s the last time you saw your dentist? Did you receive a routine checkup and dental cleaning? Have you ever been told that you need a “deep” cleaning? Regular visits are great for removing hard to reach plaque and bacteria, but sometimes, patients need a deep periodontal cleaning, which removes all the nasty stuff that can get in your gums to prevent serious effects of gum disease. Both routine and deep cleanings are important, but which one do you need and how are they different? Keep reading to learn the answers.

What is a Deep Cleaning?

A deep periodontal cleaning typically involves a procedure called scaling and root planing. This treatment is designed to remove plaque and bacteria that are hiding under your gumline. Gum disease, a problem that currently affects about half of the U.S., is an incredibly common problem. This infection and inflammation of the gums is typically caused by poor oral hygiene that leads to plaque and bacteria buildup. When this buildup occurs, a deep cleaning is necessary in order to remove gum disease causing material and get your smile healthy once more.

This procedure involves two key steps. The first is called scaling, where your dentist will carefully remove plaque and bacteria from above and beneath your gumline. Once complete, your dentist will perform the second stage, root planing. With this simple yet effective treatment, they will reach under your gumline to smooth out the grooves on your tooth roots, making it much harder for plaque to collect in the future.

Who Knew Regular Dental Appointments Were So Important?

Thankfully, gum disease and deep cleanings can be avoided as long as you practice a good oral healthcare routine. Part of this important regimen is seeing your dentist at least twice a year. During these visits, you’ll receive a regular cleaning to keep your teeth and gums healthy. By giving your smile routine maintenance, you can avoid gum disease and the problems that come with it like tissue damage, bone loss, and even tooth loss.

Additionally, these appointments give your dentist an opportunity to ensure that your mouth looks healthy. Gum disease has now been linked to numerous overall health issues like heart attacks, strokes, certain cancers, diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s. By attending routine checkups and cleanings, your dentist can prevent and detect any early signs of gum disease before your symptoms require a deep cleaning.

While you may never want to receive a deep periodontal cleaning, this important treatment can save your smile and overall health. However, you can attend regular cleanings year-round to ensure that your gums and teeth are happy and healthy.

About the Practice

At Creative Dental Concepts of CNY, we believe in preventive dentistry, which is why we provide in-depth checkups and cleanings to all of our patients. However, when gum disease is detected, we are ready and able to provide quality and comfortable deep periodontal cleanings. For any questions, we can be reached through our website or by phone at (315) 475-6641.