Many people are familiar with standard dental cleanings, which typically involve a visual check, plaque and tartar removal, and polishing with gritty toothpaste. However, if your dentist finds something more concerning during this routine procedure, they may recommend a more intensive, specialized cleaning to tackle a deeper issue. There are three main types of specialized cleanings, often used to manage significant plaque and tartar buildup, particularly in cases of periodontal disease.
Scaling and Root Planing
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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 individuals undergoing treatment for periodontitis, periodontal maintenance cleanings are frequent procedures aimed at managing gum disease and preventing its advancement. Similar to scaling and root planing, these cleanings focus on removing excessive plaque and tartar. The key difference, however, is that periodontal maintenance cleanings are conducted more often—typically every three to four months. This regularity ensures that bacteria are swiftly eliminated, making the treatment of periodontitis more effective. Additionally, during these sessions, the dental hygienist will assess gum pockets and use antiseptic to disinfect the area and control 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 today!