Many patients asked about the difference between deep dental deep cleaning and regular dental cleaning. Also known as scaling and root planning. We will be discussing the differences in this article.
What is a regular cleaning?
Regular cleaning or prophylaxis is preventive dental procedure to maintain good oral health. Patients are usually scheduled twice a year with the dental hygienist to remove the bacterial on the tooth surface known as dental plaque. Regular cleaning also include removing stains and calculus from teeth surfaces.
The gum tissue usually healthy and has little or no inflammation. The periodontal pockets are less than 4mm in depth. This procedure is performed to maintain a relatively healthy gums. Regular cleaning is usually painless and requires shorter dental visits.
What is a deep dental cleaning?
Deep cleaning also known as deep gum cleaning or scaling and root planing. It is an extensive dental cleaning procedure. It is needed when a patient suffers from gum disease involving the jaw bone. The periodontal pockets usually measure 4mm or more in depth. This make it very hard for patients to achieve efficient brushing and flossing. The problem is caused by bacteria known as dental plaque and deep calculus deposits on the root surfaces of the teeth.
Patients with active gum disease need deep cleaning under the gum. This will help the gum tissue heal. Delaying the treatment of the inflamed gums might cause serious local and systemic complications. The interaction between the body immune system and the bacteria could destroy the gum and bone tissue. This will make the gums bleed during brushing. Also the teeth might shift, get loose or completely fall out.
How soon I should take care of my gum disease?
We recommend treating gum disease ASAP. Otherwise, the pockets between the gums and teeth become deeper. Deep pockets provide environment to attract more aggressive bacteria. Bacteria may travel via the bloodstream to other parts of the body. tis can cause systemic complications. Medical researchers found that untreated gum disease may cause serious systemic complications. Such complications include: stroke, heart attack, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and several forms of cancers.
Deep cleaning requires longer visits. Local anesthesia will be used with deep dental cleaning. Deep cleaning help prevent teeth loss and systemic complications. After completing the deep cleaning, most patients are placed on a 3 months maintenance visits. This to insure adequate gum health.
Why is a deep cleaning more expensive than a regular cleaning?
Deep cleaning is more extensive and time consuming. In most cases require dental anesthesia. Special tools are needed too. Deep cleaning will require 2-4 visits to complete. This depends on the severity of the gum disease and the patient’s sensitivity,
How much it cost to get deep dental cleaning?
Our prices are very reasonable. The mouth is divided to 4 quadrants. Each quadrant will cost $250 – $450. This depends on the severity of the gum disease and the number of teeth involved. The cost also varies by zip code
What to expect during deep dental cleaning appointment?
Patient should expect multiple visits. Local anesthesia will be used for most patients. The cost is higher than regular cleaning.
How do I know if I need deep dental cleaning?
If it has been a while since you have visited your dentist, there’s a good chance your teeth are going to need deep cleaning.
During your office visit, we do comprehensive oral exam and measure your periodontal pockets depth. We also take dental x-rays to find out if your teeth show deep calculus deposits and bone loss. Based on the exam findings, we decide if you need deep scaling and root planning (gum deep cleaning).
Does my dental insurance pay for deep cleaning?
Depends on your insurance policy, dental insurance do pay for deep cleaning unless your insurance policy has exclusions or restrictions.
In summery, regular cleaning is for healthy teeth and gums while deep cleaning is for teeth with active periodontal disease.
Written by Nancy Castaneda and Dr. Khalifeh.
Call our office at: (323) 933-3855. if you have any question.