Professional dental cleanings are an important part of protecting your smile, but it can be confusing to find out that there are several different types of dental cleanings. Many people wonder what the difference is between a deep cleaning and a regular cleaning and whether a dental deep cleaning is really necessary. Our team at Imagine Dental is here to help you understand your oral health condition, all appropriate treatment options, and how you can enjoy a smile that looks and feels its best. Whether you need a routine cleaning or deep cleaning in Phoenix or Ahwatukee, we can help!
This post explains the differences between a deep cleaning vs. regular teeth cleaning and why your dentist may recommend each.
Why Get Dental Cleanings?
A dental cleaning is a procedure to remove plaque, stains, and hard deposits called tartar from the teeth. While great home care can help to keep these issues under control, even the best brushing and flossing habits leaves some buildup behind. Professional cleanings are the best way to prevent plaque and tartar from increasing your risks for problems like cavities and gum disease.
About Plaque
Plaque is a sticky substance that’s made of multiple species of bacteria living in a gel-like material called matrix, which protects the colonies of bacteria and delivers nutrients to them. The longer plaque sits on the teeth, the more damaging it becomes.
The good news is that careful brushing and thorough flossing can go a long way to keep plaque under control at home. However, even the best brushing and flossing habits can’t remove plaque in deeper gum pockets.
About Tartar
Tartar (called calculus by dentists) is a hard, barnacle-like deposit that builds up when plaque absorbs minerals like calcium and phosphorus and hardens. Tartar has a rough surface that allows more bacteria to cling to the surface, creating a cycle of buildup.
Tartar frequently builds up at or below the gum line, where plaque is harder to remove. As these deposits get larger, they put pressure on the gums and create tiny wounds, speeding up the inflammatory cycle that leads to progressive gum disease.
Removing tartar properly takes specialized instruments and needs to be done by a professional.
Regular Teeth Cleanings vs. Dental Deep Cleaning
There are several different types of dental cleanings. The right approach for your specific needs depends on your oral health status, dental and medical history, the amount of buildup on your teeth, and how deep those deposits are below the gums.
About Regular Dental Cleanings
Regular dental cleanings, also called prophylaxis, are intended to keep your smile in good shape when your gums are already healthy. These are maintenance cleanings that should generally be done every six months or so.
A routine dental cleaning may include:
- Removing light to moderate plaque and tartar buildup
- Polishing away surface stains
- Routine X-rays (when needed)
- Preventive tests like gum measurements and oral cancer screenings
- Additional services like fluoride treatments to prevent cavities
- A check-up with your dentist
- Home care education, such as reviewing flossing technique or making product recommendations to address specific concerns
About Dental Deep Cleanings
Deep cleaning refers to a procedure called scaling and root planing. This is a specialized treatment for people with moderate to severe gum disease and pockets measuring 5mm or greater. Scaling and root planing is frequently the first step in a more complex periodontal disease treatment plan.
A dental deep cleaning may include:
- Measuring where the gums attach to the root of each tooth
- Numbing the area to ensure a comfortable process
- Splitting up your cleaning into multiple stages
- X-rays before and after the cleaning to confirm that deposits below the gums have been completely removed
- More frequent follow-up cleanings until your gums are healthy again
Depending on your specific situation, we may recommend scaling and root planing for specific teeth with deep pockets or subgingival (below-the-gums) deposits. If you need a dental deep cleaning for your full mouth, we’ll probably clean half of your mouth at a time, then perform a third cleaning to get all the fine details and polish your teeth to brighten your smile.
Other Types of Dental Cleanings
There are several other types of dental cleanings in addition to prophylaxis and scaling and root planing. If you need another approach, our team will explain everything in detail. Other types of dental cleanings include:
- Gross debridement to remove large tartar deposits that interfere with fully evaluating your oral health
- Gingivitis treatment, also known as scaling in the presence of moderate inflammation
- Periodontal maintenance to keep your gum health stable after being treated for periodontitis
How We Decide If You Need a Regular Cleaning vs. Dental Deep Cleaning
While all dental cleanings are intended to decrease your oral health risks, the specific approach depends on factors like:
- How long it’s been since you last had a cleaning
- How inflamed your gums are
- Whether there are signs of bone loss in the sockets that hold the teeth in place
- How much plaque or tartar you have on your teeth
- Whether you have medical issues that increase your oral health risks
- Your dental health history
At your first visit to Imagine Dental, we’ll use detailed digital diagnostics to evaluate your bone levels and look for signs of tartar buildup below the gums. Then, we’ll create a custom hygiene plan tailored to your needs.
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier Smile!
Whether it’s been a long time since you had a dental cleaning or you’re looking for a new dental home, our team at Imagine Dental is here to help. We provide comfortable, judgement-free care in a welcoming dental office with locations in Phoenix and Ahwatukee. Get in touch to schedule your first visit or next cleaning today!
