While most people are familiar with standard dental cleanings — the kind that include a visual exam, plaque and tartar removal, and a polishing with gritty toothpaste — sometimes your dentist may find signs of a deeper issue during that routine visit. When that happens, they might recommend a more thorough, targeted cleaning to address what’s going on beneath the surface. There are three primary types of specialized cleanings, each designed to manage significant plaque and tartar buildup often associated with periodontal disease.
Scaling and Root Planing
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This type of cleaning is for dental patients who have gingivitis or periodontitis and provides an ultra-deep cleaning of the teeth and gum pockets. Scaling is the process used to remove excessive plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and in the gum pockets below the gum line that form as a result of gum disease. This process removes bacteria and helps to reduce gum inflammation. Planing is the process of smoothing the roots of the teeth, aiding in the reattachment of the gums to the teeth to eliminate gum pockets that have formed. If the patient has gingivitis, one appointment for scaling and root planing is usually all that is needed. However, a patient with periodontitis will typically require multiple visits and possibly anesthetics, depending on the severity and level of discomfort. Learn more about scaling and root planing from the American Dental Association.
Periodontal Maintenance
For those being treated for periodontitis, periodontal maintenance cleanings are frequent dental cleanings that treat the gum disease and prevent its progression. Much like scaling and root planing, these specialized cleanings remove excess plaque and tartar. However, the difference is that periodontal maintenance cleanings are performed more regularly, usually every three to four months. The consistency of these cleanings ensures that any bacteria is quickly removed, helping to treat the periodontitis more effectively. In addition, during these cleanings, the dental hygienist will examine the gum pockets and flush the area with antiseptic to help disinfect and control the infection.
Gross Debridement
Gross debridement cleanings — sometimes called a “gross scale” — are the most intensive type of dental cleaning and are reserved for patients with significant plaque and tartar accumulation. This approach is often needed when someone hasn’t had a routine cleaning in many years. Using specialized instruments, the provider works to break up and remove the heavy, hardened buildup. After this thick layer of plaque and tartar is cleared away, a standard cleaning can be completed to thoroughly polish and clean the now-accessible teeth and gum surfaces. Debridement is typically the first step in addressing advanced periodontal disease that has progressed due to prolonged lapses in oral care.
A dentist may recommend gross debridement cleaning if the patient has:
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Excessive plaque and tartar buildup
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Bleeding gums from simple brushing and flossing
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Chronic bad breath
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Swollen and tender gums
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Loose teeth
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Receding gums
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Signs of infection around the teeth and gums
If you would like to learn more about specialized dental cleanings, including when they might be recommended and what they entail, contact us.