The Difference Between a Regular Dental Cleaning and a Periodontal Deep Clean

Getting your teeth cleaned regularly is not only essential to maintain teeth that are clean and white but also to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy. Cleanings will aid in the prevention of dental decay, cavities, and gingivitis. It is recommended that you visit your East Point, Georgia dentists, Drs. Kisha Carter and Jaime Kim at BLUSH Dental Studio for a professional cleaning treatment. There are situations where a deeper cleaning, called periodontal cleaning, may be necessary. Let us look into the difference between a regular dental cleaning and a deep cleaning.

Regular Dental Cleanings

When you visit your dentist for a regular dental cleaning, all plaque and tartar that is stuck to the surface of your teeth will be cleaned. If you are making it in for your regularly scheduled professional cleanings once every six months, there is a huge possibility that you will never require a deep periodontal cleaning.

Deep Cleanings

A regular dental cleaning focuses on cleaning the tooth surface at and above the gum line. When a patient has tartar buildup, which extends below the gum line down to the tooth’s root, a deep cleaning will be recommended. Signs that a deep cleaning may be needed include chronic bad breath and bleeding or swollen gums.

What’s The Difference?

1. Purpose: A regular dental cleaning is performed to maintain the health of your teeth and gums. It is generally considered a preventive dental measure to retain good oral health. A deep cleaning is reactive in nature, with the purpose of treating gum disease, and will only be done when gum disease is present
2. Procedure: A regular dental cleaning is a very basic and quick procedure. It should take less than an hour and require no anesthetics. A deep cleaning is a more extensive treatment, often requiring multiple appointments. A local anesthetic will be used to numb the areas of the mouth being worked on
3. Time: As mentioned previously, a regular dental cleaning will take 40 minutes to an hour on average. A deep cleaning will take from 40 minutes to an hour as well, but usually, you will need to schedule two sessions to complete the cleaning

More Frequent Visits to the Dentist

There is another big difference between needing a regular dental cleaning and a deep cleaning. This difference will affect you more long-term – required maintenance. When you visit for a regular cleaning treatment, you must schedule your next cleaning after six months. This will ensure you get your recommended two cleanings per year. However, when you receive a deep cleaning, you must visit your dentist every three months for periodontal maintenance. This will ensure that bacterial growth does not reoccur.

The first step to a cleaner, healthier mouth is to schedule an appointment at BLUSH Dental Studio. You can reach our East Point, GA office by calling (404) 595-5104.

We look forward to being your partner in superior oral health.