TL;DR:
Need a dental cleaning, but not sure what kind?
A regular cleaning is preventive and removes plaque above the gums. A deep dental cleaning goes below the gumline to treat gum disease.
Read on to understand the difference between deep cleaning and regular cleaning, the benefits of deep cleaning teeth, how often you should get a deep cleaning, and answers to FAQs like “Why are dentists recommending deep cleanings?”
Dental Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning: What’s the Difference?
A regular dental cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is the standard treatment for creating healthy smiles, and it’s what you or your little ones have most likely experienced in the past. During a regular or routine dental cleaning, your dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth. This helps prevent cavities, ward off bad breath, and keep gingivitis (gum inflammation) at bay. What’s more, as Delta Dental notes, most dental insurance plans cover 100% of the cost of routine cleanings when you visit an in-network provider.
A deep cleaning, on the other hand, otherwise known as a scaling and root planing, is often the go-to choice when a patient already exhibits significant gum inflammation or infection. It is more involved than a routine cleaning, involving removing bacteria below the gumline, smoothing out the roots of teeth, and helping gums reattach. Usually, a deep cleaning cannot be completed in just one visit, and it may require local anesthesia.
Benefits of Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning can:
- Stop gum disease from getting worse
- Prevent tooth and bone loss
- Improve bad breath
- Help gums heal and reattach
- Save you from more costly treatments later on
There are no “cons” to deep cleaning, but there are side effects, including possible sensitivity, gum soreness, or mild swelling. The long-term benefits of deep cleaning far outweigh the temporary discomfort it can create.
How Often Should You Get a Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning?
Deep cleaning is not something that you should regularly have done. Rather, deep cleaning is for gum disease. Your dentist will likely recommend it if they notice gum pockets over 4 mm deep, bleeding, or signs of periodontitis.
After the first round of deep cleaning, however, it’s common for your dentist to recommend maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months.
Most people who don’t need deep cleaning, on the other hand, should get routine (“regular”) cleanings completed once to twice a year, or every 6-12 months.
Ready to Learn More or Schedule a Cleaning?
If you’re curious about the cost of deep cleaning, we’ve broken it down for you here.
Ready to schedule a dental cleaning for your family? Visit our Kids’ Teeth Cleaning page now.
