Introduction
Your smile is one of your best assets and something a person notices as soon as they see you, and keeping it healthy requires more than just brushing and flossing. Keeping your teeth healthy also involves professional dental cleanings. But did you know there’s more than one type- Regular teeth cleaning and deep cleaning? Though they may sound similar, but they serve very different purposes. By understanding these procedures, you can maintain your oral health and avoid potential dental issues in the future. Let’s understand and explore the teeth cleaning charges and key differences between teeth cleaning and deep cleaning.
What is Regular Teeth Cleaning?
Regular teeth cleaning can be considered a smile maintenance routine. This procedure focuses on removing plaque and tartar that is not removed while brushing. It keeps teeth sparkling and prevents cavities and gum disease.
This is what happens in a teeth cleaning procedure:
- Scaling: In this step, the dentist gently removes plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth.
- Polishing: After scaling, the dentist then polishes your teeth to remove stains and smoothen the surface, leaving the surfaces feel smooth.
Teeth cleaning is a quick and painless procedure which is ideal for keeping your teeth in top shape. For most people, scheduling a cleaning every six months is enough to keep oral issues at bay.
What is Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning is a step higher than regular teeth cleaning as it comes into the picture when your gums are infected. The procedure is also known as scaling and root planing, which helps clean below the gumline to aid problems like inflammation and gum recession.
Here is what deep cleaning involves:
- Scaling: Similar to regular cleaning, here scaling is done with added focus on cleaning below the gumline.
- Root Planing: Your dentist smoothens the roots of your teeth, making it harder for bacteria to latch on and easier for your gums to heal and reattach.
If you’re noticing swollen gums, bleeding, or persistent bad breath, deep cleaning might be the solution you need.
Key Differences Between Teeth Cleaning and Deep Cleaning
- Focus Area:
- Teeth cleaning: Cleans above the gumline to remove plaque and tartar.
- Deep cleaning: Cleans above and below the gumline to remove bacterial buildup.
- Purpose:
- Teeth cleaning: Cleaning your teeth helps avoid cavities and minor gum disease.
- Deep cleaning: Prevents the progression of gum disease.
- Procedure Length:
- Teeth cleaning: Teeth cleaning is quicker, non-invasive and painless.
- Deep cleaning: May require local anesthesia for comfortable procedure and takes longer than teeth cleaning.
- Cost: while considering teeth cleaning charges, deep cleaning is usually more expensive due to its specialized nature. The choice between the two depends on the state of your gums and your dentist’s recommendations after a thorough examination.
Benefits of Each Procedure
Depending on the needs, deep cleaning and teeth cleaning both have several advantages. Frequent cleaning keeps gums healthy, prevents cavities, and gets rid of surface stains for a brighter smile. It’s a reasonably priced and efficient method of keeping your teeth healthy. However, in order to treat gum disease, stop tooth loss, and encourage gum healing, deep cleaning is necessary. It halts the development of severe oral health issues by focusing on microorganisms beneath the gum line. For long-term oral health, both procedures are essential.
Conclusion
Whether you need regular teeth cleaning or deep cleaning, both procedures are essential for maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile. Regular cleanings focus on prevention, while deep cleanings address gum disease at its source. Scheduling routine checkups with your dentist ensures that your teeth and gums receive the care they need. Don’t wait until problems escalate—take the first step toward better oral health today by booking your dental cleaning appointment. A healthier, brighter smile awaits!