Maintaining proper oral hygiene is crucial to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Regular brushing and flossing can help remove food particles and bacteria from your mouth, preventing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems. However, even with good dental care, some people may still develop gum disease or periodontitis due to factors such as genetics, smoking, hormonal changes, certain medications, or poor nutrition.
At Edge Dental Houston, we provide comprehensive periodontal treatments, including deep teeth cleaning, to help you maintain healthy gums and teeth. In this article, we will explain what deep teeth cleaning is, how it works, what to expect during the procedure, and how much it costs. We will also discuss the benefits of deep teeth cleaning, aftercare instructions, and how long it takes for gums to heal after the procedure.
What is Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Deep teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing or periodontal cleaning, is a non-surgical procedure that removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the teeth and gums. It is a more extensive cleaning than a regular cleaning and is usually recommended for people with gum disease or those at high risk of developing it.
The procedure involves two parts: scaling and root planing. Scaling is the removal of tartar and plaque from the surface of the teeth and below the gum line using specialized dental instruments. Root planing is the smoothing of the tooth roots to eliminate rough spots and bacteria that can cause gum disease.
At Edge Dental Houston, our experienced dental hygienists perform deep teeth cleaning procedures using state-of-the-art equipment to ensure the best results. We also offer local anesthesia or sedation options to help make the procedure more comfortable and pain-free.
How Does Deep Teeth Cleaning Work?
During a deep teeth cleaning procedure, your dental hygienist will start by examining your teeth and gums to determine the extent of the gum disease and how much plaque and tartar need to be removed. They will then use a combination of hand-held and ultrasonic scaling tools to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and below the gum line.
Next, your dental hygienist will smooth out the rough spots on the tooth roots to prevent bacteria from adhering to the surface, and to promote healing of the gums. The procedure may take up to two or more appointments, depending on the severity of the gum disease and how much work needs to be done.
What to Expect During Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Before the procedure, your dental hygienist will explain what to expect during the deep teeth cleaning and answer any questions you may have. They will also take X-rays of your teeth to evaluate the bone structure and to detect any hidden issues.
During the procedure, your dental hygienist will use special instruments to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and below the gum line. You may experience some discomfort or sensitivity during the procedure, but anesthesia or sedation options can help alleviate the pain.
After the procedure, your dental hygienist will provide instructions on how to care for your teeth and gums at home, including brushing and flossing techniques and the use of mouthwash. You may experience some tenderness or sensitivity in your gums for a few days after the procedure, but this is normal and should subside within a week.
How Much Does Deep Teeth Cleaning Cost?
The cost of deep teeth cleaning can vary depending on the severity of the gum disease, the number of appointments needed, and the location of the dental office. At Edge Dental Houston, we accept PPO insurance and offer an in-house dental savings plan to help make our services more affordable for our patients.
Benefits of Deep Teeth Cleaning
Deep teeth cleaning has several benefits, including:
- Preventing gum disease: Deep teeth cleaning helps remove bacteria and plaque buildup, preventing gum disease and other oral health problems.
- Improving overall oral health: By removing tartar and bacteria, deep teeth cleaning can improve overall oral health, reduce bad breath, and promote healthy teeth and gums.
- Reducing the risk of tooth loss: Gum disease can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Deep teeth cleaning can help reduce the risk of tooth loss and improve overall dental health.
- Saving money in the long run: Treating gum disease early can help avoid costly dental procedures in the future, such as tooth extractions, dental implants, or dentures.
Aftercare Instructions
After the deep teeth cleaning procedure, it is essential to follow proper aftercare instructions to promote healing and prevent further gum disease. Some of the aftercare instructions include:
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods: For the first few days after the procedure, avoid hard or crunchy foods that may irritate your gums.
- Brush and floss regularly: Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and floss daily to remove food particles and bacteria.
- Use a mouthwash: Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and promote healing.
- Attend regular dental checkups: Schedule regular dental checkups with your dentist or dental hygienist to monitor your oral health and prevent further gum disease.
How Long Does It Take Gums to Heal After Deep Cleaning?
The healing time after a deep teeth cleaning procedure can vary depending on the extent of the cleaning required and the severity of the gum disease. In general, it may take several days to a few weeks for your gums to heal completely after a deep teeth cleaning procedure.
During the healing process, you may experience some tenderness or sensitivity in your gums, but this should subside within a few days. It is important to follow proper aftercare instructions and attend regular dental checkups to monitor your oral health and prevent further gum disease.
Visit Edge Dental Houston for Deep Teeth Cleaning
Deep teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a non-surgical procedure that helps remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the teeth and gums, promoting healthy teeth and gums. At Edge Dental Houston, we provide comprehensive periodontal treatments, including deep teeth cleaning, to help you maintain healthy gums and teeth.
We offer local anesthesia or sedation options to help make the procedure more comfortable and pain-free, and we accept PPO insurance and offer an in-house dental savings plan to make our services more affordable for our patients. After the procedure, it is essential to follow proper aftercare instructions to promote healing and prevent further gum disease.
If you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, such as bleeding gums, bad breath, or tooth sensitivity, contact Edge Dental Houston to schedule a consultation with our dentists.
