What Is The Difference Between Ordinary Dental Cleaning And Deep Dental Cleaning?
Many patients are wondering whether to have an ordinary dental cleaning, or deep dental cleaning. The latter seems to be a more thorough procedure, making it the obvious choice. However, dental procedures are also a matter of necessity, sometimes of practicality.
Learn their differences so that you can pick the right one.
Ordinary cleaning, also known as routine teeth cleaning, is only meant as a preventive procedure done every six months. This is not meant to treat any existing tooth or periodontal disease, with the exception of minor oral problems to slow down the progression.
On the other hand, deep cleaning is considered a treatment given to patients with chronic cases of periodontal disease, gingivitis, and bone loss. These conditions can lead to more serious health issues, such as heart disease and diabetes. Bone loss, in particular, can lead to tooth loss as it loosens the grip of the teeth from the jaw.
Procedure
Ordinary cleaning involves brushing, flossing, and scaling of teeth surfaces. Normally, all teeth are cleaned by removing the tartar, plaque, stains, and calculus from the surface. Only the area above the gum line is covered by the procedure.
No special medicine is given for ordinary cleaning. Only the usual dental tools, pressure sprays, brushes, and flosses are needed for it. However, any dentist in Annapolis, Maryland may require additional diagnostic tests if chronic periodontal disease, and bone loss are suspected.
On the other hand, deep cleaning is a more thorough procedure of scaling and root planing. Deep cleaning cleans the areas above and below the gum line, with the intention of removing all bacteria, hiding in the deep pockets of gum tissue. Root planing polishes the roots but only of the affected teeth.
The American Academy of Periodontology only recommends deep cleaning when the suspected problem is clearly supported by diagnostic procedures, such as periodontal probe and full-mouth X-rays.
Periodontal probe aims to measure the gum disease, and its present condition. Deep cleaning is normally not recommended when it only measures less than three millimeters, and no active bleeding is evident. However, it is usually recommended when the disease measures more than four millimeters, even without active bleeding.
A full-mouth X-ray is used to confirm the extent of bone loss in the jaw. It also pinpoints the teeth that need to be done.
Deep cleaning that involves the deepest gum pockets usually requires the use of injectable anesthesia. Antibiotic gel may be used in lieu of manual cleaning of the roots. Chlorhexidine may also be used to wash out the remaining bacteria between the gums.
Duration
Ordinary cleaning only takes 30 to 60 minutes. Deep cleaning, on the other hand, may require two to four sessions per quadrant. If the majority of the teeth are affected, it may take months before the procedure is finished.