3 Tips to Prepare for a Deep Teeth Cleaning

Deep teeth cleaning is a more thorough procedure than regular cleanings and involves removing plaque and tartar deposits from teeth roots and crowns. Also known as root scaling and planing, the procedure is often broken down into multiple sessions. It is an effective way to treat gum disease.

Deep teeth cleaning can help reverse the first stage of gum disease, known as gingivitis. It can be used to save a patient’s teeth and the structures that support them if they have the advanced stage of gum disease called periodontitis.

Preparing for your deep teeth cleaning appointment

Patients are typically not required to take any special steps before their root scaling and planing appointments, but there are little things that they can do to reduce the risk of any complications developing as a result of the treatment. 

Clean the mouth before the appointment: Brushing teeth and disinfecting the mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash helps reduce the risk of infection. Bacteria is transferred into the patient’s blood during the procedure, so keeping bacteria populations in the mouth to a minimum lowers the risk of infection.

Prepare the immune system: Simple things like eating well, getting rest, and maintaining good oral hygiene can help lower the inflammation caused by gum disease and strengthen a patient’s immune system. This increases the odds of their immune system being strong enough to withstand any bacteria attacks that occur as a result of the treatment.

Take over-the-counter painkillers: Patients who are worried about pain or sensitivity as a result of the treatment can take OTC painkillers before their appointment. This leads to lower inflammation after the treatment and less discomfort.

What to expect during deep teeth cleaning

Root scaling and planing can take up to four hours to complete. The treatment is typically broken up into multiple sessions to reduce pain and discomfort and to avoid having to numb the patient’s entire mouth.

The treatment starts with the patient being injected with a local anesthetic. Tools like ultrasonic devices and a scaler are used to remove tartar and plaque deposits from the patient’s teeth and their roots. The patient’s teeth roots are then polished to smooth out rough areas. This makes it more difficult for bacteria to attach themselves to the roots.

The local anesthetic prevents the patient from feeling pain as the dentist works, but they might feel discomfort once it wears off. This can last for a few days. The patient’s teeth might also experience increased sensitivity. This is due to their roots being cleaner than usual and their gum tissues being recently disturbed. The sensitivity should wear off in a few days and can be managed with OTC products.

Deep cleanings make your mouth healthy

A deep teeth cleaning gets rid of plaque and tartar that has built up on teeth roots and surfaces. Give us a call or visit our Chester clinic to learn more about the procedure and how it protects your mouth against gum disease.

Request an appointment here: https://thechesterfielddentist.com or call Chesterfield Dentist at (804) 412-0867 for an appointment in our Chester office.

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