Most people are well-acquainted with regular dental cleanings, which involve a visual examination, removal of plaque and tartar, and brushing with gritty toothpaste. However, depending on what your dentist discovers during a routine dental cleaning, they may suggest a more involved and specialized cleaning to address a deeper problem. There are three basic types of specialized dental cleanings, most commonly used to address excessive plaque and tartar buildup related to periodontal disease.
Scaling and Root Planing
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, also known as “gross scale,” are the deepest of dental cleanings and are used for dental patients with extreme amounts of plaque and tartar buildup. Often required of those who have avoided regular dental cleanings for many years, gross debridement cleanings tackle hardened tartar and plaque using specialized tools designed to loosen excessive buildup. Once the hardened plaque and tartar have been removed, a regular dental cleaning is performed to further clean the now fully exposed teeth and gums. Debridement cleanings are the first step in treating severe periodontal disease after a long-term period of neglecting oral hygiene.
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.