Deep Cleaning Versus Routine Cleaning: What’s The Difference?

If you have been avoiding the dentist for quite some time, it is likely that you will be in need of deep cleaning. The American Academy of Periodontology actually recommends that every adult visit the dentist a minimum of once per year for a comprehensive evaluation. Unfortunately, not everyone adheres to these guidelines. It doesn’t matter if you visit the dentist on a regular basis or if you have avoided the dentist for a few years, a comprehensive evaluation will help your dentist figure out whether or not you require a deep cleaning or if you can opt for regular cleaning. Many people believe the two are the same. The truth is, there are significant differences between the two.

Regular 6-Month Cleaning

If you are going to regular 6-month checkups, you will get a regular cleaning in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums. During this cleaning, the hygienist will remove any buildup of bacteria and tartar formation along your gum-line and between your teeth. With these regular cleanings along with a proper oral care routine, you should be able to keep your gums and teeth healthy.

Deep Cleaning

This is a much more comprehensive cleaning that is required when there is a lot of tartar formation and bacteria trapped between the teeth and even in the gums. When you have “pockets” of bacteria developing because of the early stages of gum disease, both the tartar and the bacteria can end up getting trapped in them. When these pockets aren’t dealt with, it can end up leading to advanced stages of periodontal disease and it can eventually lead to tooth loss. This type of cleaning is also referred to as scaling and root planing. The entire process of removing both hardened plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and the pockets is known as scaling. Whereas, root planning is the process of removing the plaque and tartar from the surface of the roots. Thus, unlike regular cleanings, these cleanings typically require more than a single cleaning appointment because of the extent at which the teeth and gums need to be cleaned. Therefore, in some cases, even after the cleaning, a follow-up evaluation will be needed in order to guarantee that the teeth and the gums are healthy and that the pockets are being dealt with. For those that suffer from early stages of periodontal disease, getting a deep cleaning can help to minimize the advancement of the disease and even reverse some of it. Many are able to experience results from a deep cleaning in as little as 3 months after having their teeth cleaned.

What Type Do I Need?

Your dentist will be able to offer you a comprehensive evaluation in which they will be able to see exactly what you require. Throughout your exam, your Buffalo dentist will be checking everything from the depth of spaces between your teeth and gums to the health of your teeth. Ideally, you want the depth measurement to be under 4. If the number is above 4, you will need to get a deep cleaning.

Teeth Cleaning Services In Buffalo

As a professional dentist in the Buffalo area, we strive to provide the highest quality dental services in order to keep your smile as healthy and as beautiful as possible. We offer innovative equipment to ensure that we are able to offer you the best dental services in the most comfortable environment. Unlike a lot of the other dentists, you will find in the area, we will offer you superior treatment with exemplary service.

No matter if you are in need of a regular 6-month cleaning or a full deep cleaning, we can properly evaluate your oral health to ensure you get the right one. Contact Buffalo Dental Care Associates right now and start getting superior dental care right now.