How Teeth Deep Cleaning Works
A teeth deep cleaning helps clear the plaque, tartar and bacteria out of these pockets so your gums can heal. Another name for this type of procedure is scaling and root planing, according to the AAP. Using special tools, your dental hygienist cleans tartar that has collected along and below the gum line. He can also remove rough areas on the roots that are exposed due to gum recession. Removing these rough surfaces reduces the space where bacteria can gather.. As you can imagine, this is a more thorough cleaning than is usually administered during your average checkup. You might require a local anesthetic during the procedure.
Throughout the process, your dentist or dental hygienist might clean all your teeth at once, or perform the cleaning procedure over the course of several appointments, usually working on one or two quadrants of the mouth at each visit. This allows the treated portions of the mouth to heal before the next section is addressed. You may even be asked to return for additional cleaning after three months, rather than waiting six months for your next regular visit.
Your dentist will supply you with instructions on how to care for your teeth after your procedure. Generally speaking, you'll need to be careful about what you eat and how you brush, as the gum tissue may be sensitive. Expect to avoid smoking and alcohol, as well as foods that are spicy or difficult to chew. Brushing should be done very carefully, and you should wait at least a day before flossing. Depending on how extensive your treatment was, your dentist might prescribe antibiotics and pain medication, which you can take per your dentist's instructions.