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Americans are all known for their gorgeous smiles and shiny teeth. But behind those confident grins lies a disturbing fact. 26% of adults in the US are suffering from untreated dental decay.
Most Americans are conscientious with standard cleaning. It’s not enough though. An annual deep cleaning is what’s needed to prevent gum disease and tooth decay. The problem is millions of people have a deep and abiding fear of dentists. Add the phrase “deep cleaning” and people will opt to hold out as long as they can.
Dental deep cleaning isn’t as ominous as it sounds though. Your fear might be due to misconceptions about the procedure. This article will walk you through it and help you understand the process.
What is Dental Deep Cleaning?
The process of dental deep cleaning is quite different from regular cleaning. As the name implies, it goes deeper than the surface of your tooth. It reaches past the gum line and to the hard-to-reach spots. For example, the best cosmetic dentist will check the base of the tooth and the roots.
Deep cleaning is necessary because sometimes a substance builds around the teeth. This is what’s called tartar. It can even reach a tooth’s roots. Tartar can result in severe bacterial infection if left unchecked. But before this happens, your dentist will recommend a deep cleaning.
How Does Dental Deep Cleaning Work?
Your dentist won’t dive into the procedure immediately. They will first check your medical history. An x-ray is next on the agenda. The former gives your dentist an idea of what they’re facing. The latter shows them specific areas they need to focus on.
Your family dentist will then measure the depths of the gum sockets. They will use a special tool for this. They will then start the scaling process. This is the first step of the deep cleaning process.
Scaling is also called perio scaling. Your dentist will start removing the tartar in your gum line. They will use an ultrasonic scaler for this. It’s a tool with a metal tip. It vibrates, and the action chips off small pieces of tartar. These pieces are then flushed out of your mouth with a water spray. Sometimes the dentist will also use a manual scaler to deal with any remaining tartar.
Once the scaling is done, your dentist will start polishing your teeth. The most common polisher used is the prophy angles. These are tiny rubber cups that are then fitted over an electric polishing tool. The tool rotates at a low speed.
Your dentist will apply abrasive toothpaste on the prophy angle. The paste can be mild to moderate. They will then buff away the uneven areas on your teeth and leave the surface feeling smooth. It also allows healthy gum tissue to attach itself to the tooth’s surface.
You should expect your dentist to also inject antibiotics into your gum pockets. This will ensure you don’t develop an infection.
How Long Will the Process Take?
Dental deep cleaning isn’t a one-time deal though. It can last for a few hours. The procedure might also need several sessions. This will depend on your teeth’s sensitivity. The best dentist in Orlando Florida will also consider how bad your case is.
The deep cleaning process does sound tedious. But it’s an important aspect of the fight against deadly infections. Gum disease or dental decay will worsen if left untreated. It could even lead to a root canal, which is a more serious condition.
Does It Hurt?
Patients undergoing dental deep cleaning will experience some discomfort. The good news is this is often bearable. But patients with deep gum pockets might experience more pain. It could also be painful for people with sensitive teeth.
The dentist will administer a local anesthetic if necessary. This will numb the area around the gum. It will help make the process less painful.
Get Ready to Smile
Dentistry of Orlando will give you a breathtaking smile. It’s what we do as the premier dental clinic in Orlando, Florida. We have a great dental team that’s always ready to help. We understand the importance of having healthy teeth. That’s why we invest in the latest technology. We’re also up to date on the best dental procedures. We do general dental procedures and cosmetic procedures. We also do dental cleanings and fillings. Call us at (407) 249-9292. You can also email us at avalon@dentistryoforlando.com. Our Hansel clinic’s number is (407) 851-5555. You can also send us a message at hansel@dentistryoforlando.com to set an appointment
