Dental deep cleanings, or scaling and root planing, are most commonly used when a patient suffers from some form of gum disease. Gum disease is a serious problem for many Americans and can only be reversed by dental intervention. Several obvious signs can indicate that a person has gum disease, and a deep cleaning can stop the infection before it spreads deeper into the jaw.
Plaque is a sticky substance created from starches and sugars that are consumed by a patient and remain on the teeth afterward. It is not the plaque itself that causes tooth decay, but the bacteria living within it. The plaque creates a protective coating around the bacteria and allows it to release toxins into the teeth and gums. Those toxins destroy the hard shell of teeth and deteriorate gums so that they no longer function as a proper support for teeth.
Scaling and root planing are not necessary for those with healthy gums. A dentist will only recommend the deep cleaning procedure if a patient has gum disease. A cleaning at a regular checkup is not designed to be as thorough as a deep cleaning, and it does not target plaque, which is essential in terminating the disease for the time being.
There are natural spaces, or pockets, between the teeth and gums that are out of the reach of a toothbrush. Plaque initially forms on the tooth’s surface but may gradually work down into those pockets. As toxins start to destroy the surrounding gums, those pockets grow larger. A dentist must use certain tools to access the pockets and remove the plaque. No other form of cleaning can do so.
Tartar forms when plaque remains on teeth for too long. It is a harder substance that is much more difficult to remove than plaque and requires specialized cleaning techniques to remove. Tartar makes it challenging to remove plaque and cannot be eradicated by home care (like brushing).
Gingivitis is the beginning of gum disease where gums are sore, swollen and red, and they may bleed during brushing or flossing. These symptoms indicate that the gums have become infected, and the usual culprit is bacteria in plaque. The only way to return gums to a healthy state is by getting a deep cleaning that rids the mouth of bacteria. The longer the bacteria remains in the mouth, the more damage can be done.
Cavities are one of the most common ways to determine if plaque is hiding beneath the gums. Cavities result from enamel that has worn away, exposing tender tooth layers underneath. The driving force of the decay is usually bacteria, signifying plaque in the area that must be removed through scaling and root planing.
Patients who see signs of gum disease should not wait to contact a dentist. Addressing plaque and tarter now is one way to keep infection from doing greater damage to teeth and gums.
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