Regular dental cleanings are an important part of maintaining your oral health. You should have your teeth cleaned every 6 months to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
In some cases your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning to remove plaque that has settled below your gums. This may be done if there are signs of gum disease or recession.
Do you have concerns about getting a deep cleaning? Some patients even wonder if a deep cleaning can cause their teeth to become loose or fall out. The truth is that a deep cleaning of your teeth can prevent tooth loss. Here’s how.
What is a Deep Cleaning of Your Teeth?
A deep cleaning typically consists of two procedures:
- Scaling. The first step in the deep cleaning process is removal of plaque and calculus from the roots of the teeth under the gums. Special tools are used to reach below the gumline and remove any plaque and tartar present.
- Root Planing. The next step in the deep cleaning process is smoothing out the surface of the roots to create an even surface for the gum tissue to reattach more firmly to the teeth.
Scaling and root planing are typically performed one after the other in the same appointment.
The Purpose of a Deep Cleaning
The purpose of a deep cleaning of the teeth is to remove plaque and calculus, the source of the infection that causes gum disease. When gum disease is not treated in the early stages it progresses to the point where plaque works its way under the gums and hardens on the roots, forming calculus. Regular deep cleanings can keep gum disease under control and prevent it from causing further damage to the gum and jaw.
The Actual Cause of Loose Teeth
A deep cleaning does not cause your teeth to become loose or fall out, but gum disease can. At the advanced stage of gum disease, the gums begin to recede (pull away from the teeth), leaving them without adequate support. Gum disease also causes damage to the jaw bone, which allows the teeth to loosen from their sockets. You may experience tooth loss due to chronic, untreated gum disease.
Benefits of a Deep Cleaning
There are many benefits of having your teeth deep cleaned:
- Eliminate the source of gum disease. The best way to treat and manage gum disease is to eliminate the source of the infection, the plaque and calculus on the roots of the teeth, with a deep cleaning.
- Save your natural teeth. Deep cleanings can save your natural teeth and prevent them from falling out due to advanced stage gum disease.
- Freshen your breath. A deep cleaning can give you fresher breath by removing excess bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Cleaning
How often do I need a deep cleaning?
Your dentist will recommend a deep cleaning schedule based on the stage of gum disease you have and the rate at which plaque and calculus builds up on your teeth.
How long does a deep cleaning take?
Depending on the amount of plaque and calculus that has built up, a deep cleaning could take a few hours. Your dentist may recommend multiple appointments for the first deep cleaning so that you don’t have to spend too much time in the dental chair in one sitting.
Schedule a Cleaning Today
If you’re due for a dental cleaning of any kind, either a routine or deep cleaning, Dr. Jamrozek at Cosmetic Family Dentistry of West Milford is welcoming new patients. Call 973-728-3779 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.