Maintaining oral health is crucial to achieving a healthy, long-lasting smile, and regular dental cleanings play a significant role. But what happens when a standard cleaning isn’t enough? Deep cleanings are essential for patients with more advanced oral health needs. Understanding the difference between these two types of cleanings can help determine which is right for you.
At Boca Dental and Braces, we offer dental and deep cleanings to ensure our patients receive the care their unique situation requires. Here’s a closer look at each option and how to decide what’s best for your oral health.
What Is a Routine Dental Cleaning?
Routine dental cleaning, or prophylaxis, is a preventive procedure to maintain oral health. For most patients, this type of cleaning is recommended every six months to keep plaque and tartar at bay.
During a standard cleaning, our dental hygienist will remove surface-level plaque and tartar, polish your teeth, and provide fluoride treatment if necessary. This type of cleaning is ideal for patients with healthy gums and no significant signs of gum disease.
Steps of a Routine Dental Cleaning:
- Initial Examination: The hygienist will examine your teeth and gums for signs of decay or inflammation.
- Plaque and Tartar Removal: Plaque and tartar are carefully removed from the tooth surface and along the gumline using special tools.
- Polishing: After cleaning, your teeth are polished to remove surface stains, giving you a bright and smooth finish.
- Flossing and Fluoride: Your hygienist will floss between your teeth and may apply fluoride for added protection.
Routine cleanings are an excellent way to maintain oral hygiene and prevent potential issues like cavities or gum disease.
What Is a Deep Dental Cleaning?
Deep dental cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a more intensive procedure designed to treat gum disease (periodontitis) patients. It focuses on cleaning below the gumline to remove bacteria that regular cleanings can’t reach. Deep cleanings are typically recommended when gums show signs of infection or significant tartar buildup.
Steps of a Deep Cleaning:
- Scaling: Your dentist or hygienist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from beneath the gumline.
- Root planning smooths out the root surfaces of teeth to prevent further buildup and helps the gums reattach to the teeth.
- Multiple Visits: Depending on the severity of gum disease, you may need more than one visit to complete the deep cleaning process.
This procedure can help reverse the effects of gum disease and prevent further complications, such as tooth loss.
How to Know Which Cleaning Is Right for You
Choosing between a routine dental cleaning and a deep cleaning depends on the health of your gums and teeth. Here are some indicators to help you decide:
You May Only Need a Routine Cleaning If:
- You have healthy gums without any signs of inflammation.
- You visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and exams.
- There is minimal to no tartar buildup on your teeth.
Routine cleanings are great for maintaining oral health when no significant issues exist.
You May Need a Deep Cleaning If:
- Your gums are swollen, red, or bleed when brushing or flossing.
- You’ve been diagnosed with gum disease or have pockets between teeth and gums.
- You have not had regular cleanings, leading to tartar buildup and gum recession.
If you notice any of these symptoms, a deep cleaning might be necessary to restore the health of your gums.
The Importance of Regular Professional Cleanings
Whether you need a routine or deep cleaning, regular visits to the dentist are vital to keeping your teeth and gums in excellent condition. Routine cleanings help prevent cavities and gum disease, while deep cleanings can stop more serious oral health issues from progressing.
At Boca Dental and Braces, we prioritize your oral health with comprehensive dental cleaning services, including both cleanings. Our team will work with you to assess your needs and recommend the best treatment plan to keep your smile healthy.
Take Charge of Your Oral Health with Boca Dental and Braces
Regular care and timely intervention are critical to a beautiful, healthy smile. Whether you need routine cleaning to maintain your oral hygiene or a deep cleaning to address more severe concerns, Boca Dental and Braces has the expertise to guide you.
Schedule your dental cleaning today, and let us help you choose the best option for your oral health needs.
