It’s that time of year: your biannual dental cleaning. Not all dental cleanings are created equal, though. A deep cleaning procedure is a different kind of cleaning that your dentist may recommend in some cases. Whether your dentist recommends a standard cleaning or a deep cleaning teeth procedure, here’s everything you need to know.
What are the different types of dental cleanings?
There are two basic types of dental cleanings: standard cleaning and deep cleaning.
Standard dental cleaning
A standard cleaning is what you are probably most used to. A standard cleaning is the type of cleaning that helps you to maintain an already-healthy smile. Your dentist completes a thorough examination of your mouth for a picture of its overall health.
The dental hygienist then uses a variety of tools to get your teeth clean:
- Scaler: This metal tool is used to scrape any accumulated plaque around the gumline and between teeth.
- Floss: Your hygienist will floss between all teeth, noting any bleeding if it occurs.
- Toothbrush: An electric toothbrush with abrasive toothpaste cleans and polishes all sides of each tooth. While gritty toothpaste is not recommended for daily brushing, this is what makes your teeth feel so extra clean when you leave the dentist’s office.
Deep cleaning
The deep cleaning teeth procedure – also sometimes referred to as scaling and root planing – is recommended when the presence of inflammation indicates that gum disease is either present or on its way.
Gum disease occurs when the gum pulls away from teeth, allowing bacteria to get into what are called periodontal pockets. These pockets begin to collect bacteria and calculus (tartar) that causes redness and swelling. If left untreated, these bacteria can lead to more serious dental issues, including an abscessed tooth and even tooth loss.
As with a standard cleaning, deep cleaning starts with a scaler to scrape tartar that has built up below your gumline. Once this tarter is removed, your dentist will begin the process of root planing. Root planing smooths the tooth’s root to encourage the tooth to adhere itself back to the root. This also prevents any additional build-up of bacteria or tartar.
How long does a dental cleaning take normally?
A standard dental cleaning does not take that long – about 30 minutes from start to finish.
A dental hygienist will most likely do the cleaning itself, but your dentist will start (or end, depending on their set-up) the appointment with a full dental examination. This includes looking for signs of inflammation, plaque build-up, or any other issues.
Once the examination is complete, your dental hygienist will use the scaler to remove plaque, the sticky bacteria-laden film that clings to teeth in hard-to-reach places in your mouth. When the plaque is removed, an electric toothbrush and gritty toothpaste helps to polish and clean your teeth. A final flossing, and the toothpaste and any remaining plaque are removed.
Some dentists will recommend a fluoride treatment afterwards. This can add an additional five to ten minutes. Using a small brush or a metal plate filled with sticky fluoride, your dental hygienist will apply the gel and let it sit for one minute. You should avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after the treatment.
How long does a dental cleaning take with braces?
As with everything braces-related, even a standard cleaning takes longer.
The reason for this makes sense. With wires and brackets in the way, it’s not as easy to maneuver an electric toothbrush or a strand of floss. Getting your teeth spotless while you have braces is important and worth the extra time, however.
Does a dental cleaning hurt?
In general, a standard dental cleaning should not hurt.
Some patients don’t like the sound of the tools or the sensation of the metal scaler on their teeth, but this is not usually painful. If you do feel any pain during your dental cleaning, let your dental hygienist or dentist know. Pain during a standard cleaning can indicate another issue that needs to be addressed.
How long does a deep cleaning take?
A deep cleaning can take much longer than a standard one, depending on the extent of the cleaning. For cleaning purposes, your mouth is divided into quadrants. If only one quadrant needs extra attention, it may not take much longer. For a full-mouth deep cleaning, your dentist will likely set this up over at least two one-hour (or more) appointments. Each appointment will follow the same basic procedure.
In some cases, a topical anesthetic is all that is needed, but for others, your dentist may want to use Novocain to make sure you are comfortable during the procedure. Once the anesthetic has begun to work, the deep cleaning teeth procedure can begin. The time for this can vary, again depending on the extent of the work needed.
At the end of the deep cleaning procedure, your dentist may finish by injecting an antibiotic gel into the clean periodontal pocket to eliminate any remaining bacteria while the tooth seals itself again the root.
Does a deep cleaning hurt?
Many patients are concerned about pain they might experience during a deep cleaning tooth procedure. While there is the possibility of some discomfort, topical anesthetic or Novocain can help to eliminate any pain you might feel.
If you are concerned or nervous, you have many different options and should always talk to your dentist about them. Don’t let the fear of pain keep you from getting the care you need.
How long does the average dental appointment take?
The length of the average dental appointment can vary depending on the type of cleaning and any additional services you receive.
Fluoride treatments, X-rays, and other more involved treatments can extend your time at the dentist. The best way to keep your visits short and sweet is to take time at home to properly brush and floss every day.
Looking for a new dentist to help you keep your smile healthy and beautiful? Give us a call today to schedule your appointment for a new patient examination!
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