Plaque is a prime suspect leading to dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Over time, it hardens to form a solid mass known as calculus that favors bacterial infiltration. When regular brushing and flossing may not be sufficient to eliminate plaque, calculus, and bacteria, deep cleaning is recommended. This includes professional scaling and root planning procedures.
Dental scaling and root planing offered by Kings Mountain general dentist and the team are thoroughly professional and aim to prevent dental problems or halt the disease progression.
What is meant by deep cleaning?
Deep cleaning or professional teeth cleaning is a routine dental procedure that helps remove plaque and bacteria. It involves ultrasonic scaling and root planing that can prevent dental problems or halt the already existing disease progression.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to increased bacterial colonization that releases harmful toxins and acids that damage the teeth and supporting tissues (gums and alveolar bone). This leads to an inflammatory response in your body, which impairs your ability to fight infections.
How is deep cleaning helpful?
Deep cleaning is an effective procedure to get rid of dental plaque and bacteria. It is performed for the following reasons:
- To eliminate calculus
- Calculus is the hardened form of plaque that gets deposited above and below the gum line. It is considered as the prime factor that leads to gum disease.
- Regular brushing and flossing cannot remove calculus and plaque from deeper layers due to inaccessibility.
- Deep cleaning uses special ultrasonic equipment that can effectively remove plaque and calculus subgingivally (below the gum line).
- Root planing can effectively remove calculus deposited on the root surfaces that are also not accessible through scaling.
- For cosmetic concerns
- Deep cleaning can help get rid of unsightly stains and teeth discoloration to restore your smile.
- To eliminate bad breath
- Periodontal diseases are most often accompanied by halitosis (bad breath) due to the rotting of the food particles subgingivally (below the gum line).
- Scaling helps to get rid of bad breath by eliminating plaque and bacteria.
Deep cleaning involves several steps
- Subgingival scaling
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- Involves plaque and calculus removal from the gum pockets and beneath the gum line.
- Recommended for moderate gum disease
- Root planing
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- Involves smoothening of the roots to eliminate residual plaque, calculus, and bacteria.
- This is often recommended for moderate gum disease with deep gingival pockets.
Good oral health is important for your well-being, and if it is not possible through regular dental home care practices, deep cleanings are recommended. These are professional procedures to rejuvenate your dental health and smile.