Things To Know About Dental Cleaning: Benefits, Risks Types And Treatment

By Author: Dr. Gaurav Sharma
Total Articles: 36
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What is Dental Cleaning?

Routine dental cleaning is the key to a healthy smile. The main goal of Dental cleaning is to remove plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth and under the gum line to reduce the chances of cavities, gum disease and tooth loss.

A dentist also gets a chance to look for signs of tooth decay, oral cancer and other oral health issues, during the cleaning.

A non-surgical, routine procedure, dental cleaning can vary in duration, depending on the condition of the teeth and gums. Usually, a routine dental cleaning takes a little under an hour.

However, the duration can vary according to how much scaling is necessary.

Dental Cleaning Process and Types

Physical Examination

A physical examination of teeth and gums before the dental cleaning is significant for the dentist to check for any signs of gingivitis or other potential concerns.

In some cases, X-rays can be taken to help identify anything abnormal that requires treatment or a referral to a specialist.

Once all the assessment data is collected, and a diagnosis of current conditions ...
... is made, a treatment plan can be created to address the specific needs.

The frequency of X-rays or radiographs depends on a few key factors like a patient's age, existing oral health, risk for disease and any signs or symptoms of oral disease.

The cleaning begins once the assessments and recommendations are complete.

There are four different types of dental cleanings for various issues:

Prophylaxis Cleaning: A preventative cleaning, prophylaxis simply refers to an action to prevent disease. Commonly used for individuals with overall good dental health, plaque and tartar are removed from the front, back as well as in between the teeth during a prophylaxis cleaning. Usually recommended at least twice a year to keep teeth and gums healthy, they can sometimes be recommended every 3 to 4 months also in high-risk patients.

Scaling and Root Planing: Also known as deep cleaning, Scaling and root planing is performed on patients who are affected with gum diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis. There are two main steps which include:

Scaling: Removal of plaque and tartar from the visible surface of the teeth and the gum pocket below the gum line.

Planing: After clearing all the gum pockets of plaque and tartar, the root surface is smoothed. It makes reattaching of the gums to teeth easier. Local anesthetics and multiple dental appointments to complete scaling and root planing may be needed in some cases.

Periodontal Maintenance: Periodontal maintenance is important for those affected with gum disease. Unlike gingivitis, periodontitis is not reversible with treatment. However, both these gum diseases are progressive and continue to get worse if not treated, eventually leading to tooth loss. Performed more frequently than preventative cleanings, periodontal cleanings are usually continued until the proper management of the symptoms.

Gross Debridement: Performed when regular teeth cleaning is not enough, Gross Debridement is usually used for people who have delayed dental visits or teeth cleanings for quite some time and have a substantial buildup of plaque and tartar. Plaque is first removed with a scaler tool, and then a special electric tool is usually needed to loosen and remove tartar from the teeth as tartar is hardened as it has been in place for a while. A regular prophylaxis cleaning is performed afterward.

Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride treatment is the last step of the cleaning process and is used as a protection for the teeth to help fight against cavities for several months.

A foamy gel or a sticky paste is placed into a mouthpiece that fits over the teeth and is left on the teeth for one minute.

Sometimes fluoride varnish is painted onto the teeth with a small brush. The varnish hardens when in contact with saliva, one can eat and drink it immediately afterward.

Also Read: Difference Between Routine & Deep Dental Cleaning

How Often Should One Get Dental Cleaning?

The frequency of dental cleaning depends on what the dentist or dental hygienist observes in the mouth, during the examination and the patient's unique circumstances.

Dentists usually recommend twice-a-year cleanings for optimal oral health but a shorter interval of every three to four months may be essential if there are any signs of gum disease.

Molar sealants might be recommended in children to help prevent cavities in areas, which are difficult to brush.

It is vital to keep going back to the dentist for regular teeth cleanings to prevent problems altogether.

What Type of Cleaning Is Good for Me?

While prophylaxis cleaning is usually enough for most people, scaling and root planing, periodontal maintenance, or gross debridement may be advisable for a few.

The dentist or a dental hygienist can best suggest the type of cleaning you need after a physical examination.

It is important to mention here that each type of cleaning is bound to help your oral health and prevent painful dental problems.

What Are the Benefits of Deep Cleaning Teeth?

Deep cleaning is needed if gum disease causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, creating a space more than 5 mm deep.

The space between the gums and teeth can continue to widen with the worsening of the gum disease.

This can further lead to the weakening of the bones that support the teeth, causing loose teeth or tooth loss.

Deep Cleaning helps to:

Improve overall health
Stop the advancement of gum disease.
Treat an existing infection and promote healing
Clean the teeth above and below the gumline
Get rid of bad breath caused by gum disease
Protect the roots of the teeth

What Are the Risks of Deep Cleaning Teeth?

Although deep cleaning can effectively treat gum disease, it has its risks too, like any procedure. The disadvantages of deep cleaning are:

Can cause nerve damage
No guarantee of the reattachment of gums to the teeth
Can cause the gums to recede
Possibility of infection if one has a compromised immune system
Can cause pain and sensitivity
Antibiotics may be needed

Dr. Sheena Gaur at Kirkland Premier Dentistry says that Pain and sensitivity are the most common side effects of Deep Dental cleaning and any other risks from deep cleaning are usually minimal and last for only about 5 to 7 days.

However, for extensive cases, this may extend to a few more days. Those with a compromised immune system might have to take an antibiotic for a few days, to avoid the risk of infection after the procedure.

In some rare cases, deep dental cleanings can release bacteria into the bloodstream

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