How Long Does Deep Teeth Cleaning Take?
Deep teeth cleaning removes a buildup of damaging plaque on your teeth below the gumline, which then reduces gum inflammation and improves gum health.
Plaque is a clear sticky film that collects on teeth daily. It contains damaging bacteria and is the result of food mixing with your saliva. You need to remove plaque, which collects on your teeth daily, by brushing your teeth every day.
Brushing does not remove the plaque in between your teeth. Leftover plaque then calcifies and forms tartar.
The accumulation of plaque or tartar leads to gum disease. This begins with gingivitis, which is an inflammation of your gums. If left untreated, the gingivitis will then progress to periodontitis. This becomes a serious infection that will damage the bone that supports your teeth.
What Are the Benefits of Deep Cleaning Teeth?
You will require a deep teeth cleaning if gum disease has caused your gums to pull away from your teeth, creating sagging pockets.
If your dentist suggests a deep teeth cleaning, the benefits are:
- Stopping and reversing the advancement of gum disease.
- Treating your current gum infection and promoting healing.
- Cleaning your teeth below your gumline.
- Eliminating bad breath caused by gum disease.
- Protecting the roots of your teeth.
How Long Does a Deep Teeth Cleaning Take?
The time a deep cleaning will take depends on several variables.
- Whether it is a partial or a complete mouth cleaning.
- How severe and the extent of the plaque buildup.
- Your anxiety levels.
- Any other medical conditions.
Sometimes only a couple of teeth or just one area of the mouth need a deep teeth cleaning. For a full-mouth deep teeth cleaning, only half of your mouth is done at each appointment.
For a half-mouth deep cleaning, the appointment time will be around 90 minutes. This allows for post-treatment x-rays and to review your after-care instructions.
What is Required in The Process of Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Deep teeth cleaning steps:
- Pre-appointment diagnosis- Before starting your deep teeth clean, your dentist will have diagnosed gum disease by measuring the gaps between your teeth and gums with a periodontal probe. They will also look to see if your gums are bleeding, swollen, or if there are any loose teeth.
The three definitive stages of gum disease are gingivitis, periodontitis, and advanced periodontitis. Gingivitis can most often be treated with a normal teeth cleaning, but periodontitis and advanced periodontitis will require deep teeth cleaning.
- Your first deep teeth cleaning appointment- Deep teeth cleaning is better completed with two appointments. A local anesthetic is used to numb one side of your mouth. Your dentist then uses a small dental tool to scrape off the tartar from below your gumline. An ultrasonic device may also be used which vibrates to dislodge plaque and tartar.
- Your second deep cleaning appointment- During your next appointment, the other side of your mouth will be treated using the same methods. They will review the first side to monitor the recovery from treatment. Each appointment can take around 90 minutes. If you have a severe gum infection, you may need to have an additional treatment, like placing an antibiotic gel into the sagging pockets. You might also be given antibiotics to treat the infection.
- Your follow-up deep cleaning appointment- After your deep teeth cleaning is finished, you will have a follow-up appointment in about two weeks. During this exam, your dentist will measure the pockets to confirm their natural reduction.