Regular Teeth Cleaning Vs. Deep Cleaning

When you visit a dentist for a checkup, they will check for possible signs of cavities, oral infections, and diseases. Gum disease, for instance, poses a significant threat to many Americans’ oral health. It is caused by bacterial buildup under the gum line, resulting in tooth loss and other severe oral problems if not well attended to.

After the examination, the dentist recommends various treatment options depending on the condition of your teeth. These may include regular teeth cleaning or deep cleaning. Dental experts from Ironwood Dental have prepared a comprehensive guide detailing the difference between deep and regular teeth cleaning and their significance in maintaining proper oral hygiene.

Regular Dental Cleaning

When your dentist prescribes regular dental cleaning, they will clean your teeth (inner and outer surfaces) and gum line. For a more effective treatment, they will use a specialized scrubbing tool to remove plaque and tartar from your gum line and between the teeth. Once they are done, they will clean your mouth with a high-powered electric brush and dental floss. Your dentist will then apply some fluoride treatment to prevent cavities.

Deep Cleaning

Deep dental cleaning is a process whereby your dentist removes tartar accumulated from below the gum line to the tooth's root. Deep cleaning is vital if the gum is infected due to tartar to help control the infections and prevent later teeth loss.

Conducting a deep dental cleaning requires time, depending on the extent of your tooth damage. Ideally, this process will take an hour or two. In case of major infections, however, your dentist may recommend multiple clinical visits. Deep cleaning is more extensive than a regular dental cleaning and is designed to treat gum disease and prevent the condition from worsening.

Which is Better Between Regular and Deep Dental Cleaning?

Comparing the two processes is similar to comparing apples and oranges because each treatment method is designed to cater to different oral needs. The aim of regular cleaning is preventative oral health maintenance, while deep cleaning is conducted to halt the progression of periodontal disease. Therefore, the method your dentist recommends to you depends on your unique situation.

When Do I Need a Deep Teeth Cleaning?

One crucial thing to understand is that only a dentist can prescribe this process. If your dentist identifies significant pockets in your teeth or gum, that indicates you are at risk of periodontal infection, and you become a candidate for deep cleaning. If you don't get prompt dental attention, the disease-causing bacteria create plaque and tartar on your teeth surface, which results in tooth loss.

Get Professional Deep Teeth Cleaning Today from a Reputable Dentist

If you have teeth or gum problems that threaten your oral health, we at Ironwood Dental are ready to help. Our experienced dentists will examine your situation and prescribe the most suitable treatment to restore your oral health. Please contact us online or give us a call at (615) 270-3907 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jonathan Spurgeon.