How Long Does Deep Teeth Cleaning Take?
The timeline for a deep teeth cleaning is contingent on whether you are having a regular dental cleaning or a deep teeth cleaning performed. For individuals with healthy gums, a standard cleaning twice a year will be sufficient to prevent periodontal disease. During a dental prophylaxis, commonly known as a regular dental cleaning, your periodontist will conduct a comprehensive examination of your mouth to uncover any potential issues. If everything is in order, a professional cleaning will follow. This process includes the removal of built-up tartar, the polishing of your teeth with a pumice-type paste to eliminate visible stains, and a professional flossing to clear away dental plaque and food particles trapped between your teeth. Such cleanings are recommended for patients without periodontal disease or bone loss and can be performed in less than an hour.
If necessary, a scaling and root planing procedure may be performed, involving specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from both above and below the gumline. This step helps to minimize the risk of developing deeper gum pockets that could lead to periodontal disease. A deep teeth cleaning may be recommended for patients with a history of gum issues, bleeding gums, or deeper gum pockets—specifically those over 4 millimeters—more frequent treatments may be necessary.
Typically, if you fall into any of these categories, you should plan for periodontal maintenance every three to four months. This frequency will help keep your gums and underlying bone healthy by regularly removing tartar and plaque both above and below the gum line and ultimately reduce the time it takes for your oral health to restore itself to a healthy state.
The deep cleaning process is generally broken down into the following stages:
- Supragingival Cleaning: The dentist will first clean the area above the gum line, using specialized instruments to eliminate plaque and tartar.
- Subgingival Cleaning: Next, they will focus on the pockets beneath the gum line, where bacteria and calculus tend to accumulate. This step is especially important for patients with periodontal disease, as this will halt its progress.
- Root Planing: After cleaning, the roots of the teeth are smoothed to remove harmful bacteria that can affect your oral health.
- Medication: An antimicrobial or antibiotic ointment may be applied to the gum pockets to promote healing and reduce discomfort.
- X-ray and Examination: While X-rays are often not needed for healthy teeth, they are recommended for those with periodontal disease to assess gum and bone health.
A deep teeth cleaning can typically be performed in one or two hours, though in more severe cases, multiple appointments may need to be scheduled over a period of time.
Steps You Can Take to Speed Up the Healing Process
Since bacteria can form on the teeth and gums quickly, with harmful bacteria developing over about three months, it is important to keep up with periodontal maintenance. Doing so will help prevent inflammation and breakdown of the gums and bone that support your teeth. Although gum disease cannot be fully reversed, regular deep cleanings can effectively manage its progression.