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Comprehensive Dentistry has been providing families with high-quality dental services and improved oral health since 2006.

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Deep Cleanings vs Regular Cleanings – What’s the Difference?

A female dental hygienist cleans a young man's teeth

Let’s talk about teeth cleaning – specifically, why a deep cleaning might be just what you need to keep your smile healthy. We all know that regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for maintaining good oral health. However, sometimes, standard cleaning is just not enough. If you’ve been diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend a deeper cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing.

What’s a Dental Cleaning Anyway?

First, let’s talk about regular dental cleaning. This is something that’s done every 6 months, and during the visit, your hygienist will:

  1. Examine your mouth: They will check your teeth and gums for any signs of decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues.
  2. Remove plaque and tartar: Using specialized tools, they will remove plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) and tartar (hardened plaque) from your teeth and gums.
  3. Polish your teeth: This helps remove surface stains and makes your teeth smoother, making it harder for plaque to stick.
  4. Floss your teeth: They will floss your teeth to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth.

For most people this is all that is necessary. But, if you have not been keeping up on your dental hygiene routine, then you may be showing signs of gingivitis or even periodontal disease. If that’s the case, then you will likely need a deep cleaning. A deep cleaning is not your average scrape and polish. Officially known as “scaling and root planing,” a deep cleaning goes beyond the gum line to tackle built-up plaque and tartar that your toothbrush and floss can’t reach.

Besides what we do for a regular cleaning a deep cleaning includes:

  1. Scaling – This step removes all the built-up plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line, even reaching those deeper pockets created by periodontal disease.

  2. Root Planing – Here, the roots of the teeth are smoothed out, making it harder for bacteria to re-attach to the roots. This step is essential because it helps gums reattach to the teeth, which is a huge part of keeping the disease from coming back.

Why Regular Dental Cleaning Isn’t Enough for Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease creates tiny pockets around the teeth, where bacteria hide and wreak havoc. Over time, this leads to bone loss, loose teeth, and – if untreated – even tooth loss. Deep cleaning can get down into those pockets and remove the bacteria and tartar below the gum line. It’s the heavy-duty clean you need when gum disease is in play.

Does Deep Dental Cleaning Hurt?

You might be thinking, “Is this going to hurt?” or “What can I expect?” Deep cleanings can be a little more intensive than regular cleanings, but they’re worth it. We’ll typically use a local anesthetic to make sure you’re comfortable throughout the process. Plus, our friendly team here in Ypsilanti will walk you through each step, so you know exactly what’s happening.

Afterward, you might feel a bit of sensitivity in your gums, but this usually fades quickly. We’ll give you tips for at-home care to help the healing process and keep you comfortable.

How Long Does A Dental Deep Cleaning Take?

A deep cleaning cam take up to 2 hours per session depending on the amount of cleaning needed and the condition of your teeth and gums. If you have a lot of buildup or gum disease we may break it up into 2 visits to make sure you get the best care and are as comfortable as possible.

We’ll clean underneath your gum line and around your teeth to remove plaque, tartar and bacteria that regular cleanings can’t reach. We may numb the area to make it as comfortable as possible.

It also depends on how many quadrants of your mouth we do per visit. Some patients like to do one half of their mouth at a time which takes about an hour per side. We’ll go over the best plan for you during your consultation so you’re comfortable with the process and time line.

Protect Your Smile with the Right Cleaning

In short, while regular cleanings are fantastic for maintenance, they’re not always enough for patients with gum disease. A deep cleaning can be a game-changer, tackling the root of the problem and setting you on the path to a healthier, happier smile.

Ready to take care of your gum health? Schedule a consultation with our team here in Ypsilanti – we’ll help you decide if a deep cleaning is the right step for you.