Regular Cleanings vs. Deep Cleanings – What's the Difference?

A “deep cleaning” may just sound like a more comprehensive teeth cleaning, but routine preventive teeth cleanings and deep cleanings are actually very different dental treatments, and are required for different reasons. What’s the difference? Read on, and get all the details you need from Clermont Family Dentistry. 

Regular Teeth Cleanings Are Recommended as Part of Your Six-Month Checkup

If you’ve ever seen a dentist, you already know what to expect from a routine teeth cleaning. Your dental hygienist will take x-rays if needed, then they will scrape your teeth to remove bacteria, polish your teeth with a powerful brush, and floss to make sure your smile is totally clean.

These routine teeth cleanings help your hygienist get a quick look at your overall oral health. They also are used to clean away bacteria to keep your smile healthy, and to keep your smile bright and shiny.

In addition, a clean smile is easier for a dentist to examine. Your doctor will come and examine your teeth after your cleaning to check for tooth decay, gum disease, and other common dental health problems.

For all of these reasons, routine teeth cleanings are an important part of every six-month checkup at Clermont Family Dentistry, and are recommended for every patient at our office.

Deep Cleanings Are Only Recommended for Patients With Gum Disease 

Deep cleanings are very different from routine teeth cleanings. This procedure is also sometimes called “scaling and root planing.” Unlike routine cleanings, a deep cleaning is only required for people who have gum disease.

Gum disease is a serious infection of the gums that’s caused by poor oral hygiene along with a variety of other lifestyle factors. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease, and usually causes symptoms like swollen gums, bleeding when brushing, and bad breath (halitosis).

If Dr. Buechele, Dr. Ortiz, or Dr. Orlando diagnoses you with gum disease during your appointment at Clermont Family Dentistry, he will usually recommend deep cleanings as the first step for restoring your oral health.

This procedure takes two appointments, and half of your mouth will be cleaned in each appointment. Your mouth will be numbed, then your doctor will use specialized dental instruments to clean bacteria-filled plaque and tartar away from your teeth and gums. 

Once that’s done, he will use a different tool to smooth out the roots of your teeth. This helps eliminate “pockets” that form below the tooth and often contain a lot of bacteria. After your appointment, you’ll usually get antibiotics and an antiseptic mouthwash to help eliminate any remaining bacteria.

Deep cleanings can reverse gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, and help control and halt the progression of later stages of gum disease, making them a very important periodontal treatment for patients who have gum disease.

Overdue For a Dental Appointment In Clermont? Schedule Today! 

‍Need a checkup in Clermont? Our team of doctors is here for you. We specialize in both preventive dental care and periodontal care. Whether you think your mouth is healthy or suspect you may have gum disease, we’re standing by to provide you with excellent dental care in Clermont. Contact us online or give us a call at (352) 242-1763 to schedule your appointment today.