Deep Cleaning

Healthy dental habits are paramount to preventing cavities, gingivitis and other oral health problems. However, when bacteria have already reached deep into your gums, a regular cleaning may not be sufficient. Removing the bacteria may require a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. Distinctive Dental Solutions is committed to furthering your oral health by providing comprehensive deep cleaning services. Let us help you obtain a healthy, beautiful smile.

What Is a Deep Dental Cleaning, and Who Needs It?

As its name suggests, a deep dental cleaning is more extensive than your typical dental cleaning. The deep cleaning process involves scaling and planing, a non-surgical procedure that removes layers of tartar from your teeth and gums. The goal is to eliminate harmful bacteria to reduce inflammation. If you think you may need a deep cleaning, speak with our dentist, Dr. Bologna. He will inspect your mouth for the following symptoms:

• Swollen Gums
• Redness
• Tenderness
• Bleeding after flossing
• Bone loss (determined by x rays)

Years of dental neglect, smoking or a poor diet can lead to a buildup of tartar. Gum disease happens when plaque isn’t adequately removed. Over time, plaque causes the gums to recede from the tooth. As cavities form, the gums separate further, leading to deep crevices that build up with bacteria. If the problem persists, you may have severe pain and tenderness along your gums. A deep dental cleaning can resolve these symptoms by removing the plaque that’s causing pain and inflammation. By removing the bacteria embedded in your gums, you’ll have a lower risk of developing gum disease. 

The benefits of deep dental cleaning include:

• Prevent diseases caused by tartar buildup, including gum disease, infections and tooth decay
• Lower inflammation in the gums
• Improved oral health when used alongside other healthy dental habits 

The Deep Cleaning Process

After an initial consultation with Dr. Bologna, we will schedule your deep cleaning appointment. There isn’t much you need to do to prepare, aside from informing us of relevant medications and medical problems. While the procedure is non-surgical, scaling and planing can cause some discomfort. We will apply a local anesthetic to mitigate the pain. We use a dental scaler to carefully scrape away plaque and tartar above and below the gum line. Next, we smooth out the nerves inside your teeth, which helps the gums to reattach. 

The entire process can be completed in a single appointment lasting about one or two hours. After your deep cleaning is completed, you may notice slight tenderness and sensitivity for several days. However, many patients achieve excellent results with minimal side effects.