Routine vs Deep Dental Cleaning: What's the Difference?

Has your dentist recommended a deep dental cleaning? Learn what's different between it and regular cleaning in our easy to understand guide!

How often you should visit the dentist is dependent on your own oral hygiene, but the standard recommendation is at least twice a year. Many people, however, don't follow this.

If you've left it too long, your regular cleaning might need to become a deep dental cleaning. If your dentist recommends this and you've never had it before, you might not know what to expect or how it differs from regular cleaning.

There are, however, a few key differences when it comes to having a deep clean. Read on to find out about the difference between the two, and come prepared for your appointment!

What Does Regular Cleaning Involve?

A regular dental cleaning focuses on polishing your teeth and cleaning above the gum line. Plaque can collect around the gum line and between the teeth, causing bacteria if left to grow, so it's caught early and removed.

Regular cleaning can also remove stains from the teeth.

Routine dental cleaning isn't too invasive and usually doesn't take too long, nor will you require any kind of anesthetic. Most people undergo this cleaning multiple times a year to keep their oral hygiene at its best. 

Regular dental cleanings are also a good opportunity to ask your dentist about your teeth. Everyone's mouth is different, and they'll be able to give you some guidelines as to whether you're flossing enough, if you need to visit the dentist more, and any developing problems they might see in your mouth.

What About Deep Dental Cleaning?

So your dentist has recommended a deep cleaning — what now?

Deep cleanings delve below the gum line to get rid of tartar and plaque that's settled down there. When bacteria grows beneath the gum line, it can cause gum disease and irritates areas of your mouth that you can't get to with brushing, so it requires some specialized tools to help out. 

A local anesthetic is usually used, unlike regular cleaning. Because the dentist is going below the gum line, it might otherwise be painful.

Sedation is also usually an option. 

The cost for deep dental cleaning is much higher than the regular cleaning, simply because of the tools used, time taken, and anesthetic involved. It's wise to ask your dentist about the cost beforehand and check if your insurance will cover any of this. 

Which Do I Need?

The only real way to work out if you need deep dental cleaning is by asking your dentist, but you might be able to predict the answer using a few factors:

• When was the last time you had your teeth professionally cleaned?
• Are your gums irritable and swollen?
• Do you have any pain around your gum line?
• Do you brush every day and floss regularly?

Ultimately, the dentist's office will be able to let you know what they recommend and you can plan accordingly.



Think you need a professional in Jensen Beach, Florida? Make an appointment with a dentist you can trust.