Teeth Cleaning Process

Professional teeth cleaning is both a cosmetic and medical procedure. By using advanced polishing equipment, cosmetic dentists can bring about remarkable results, transforming the way your teeth look and feel. However, the procedure is also an effective health intervention, helping to halt the development of conditions like periodontitis.

What is teeth cleaning?

Teeth cleaning is a common dental procedure which has two major aims. Firstly, it can set out to improve the cosmetic appearance of a patient's teeth. Secondly, it can help to prevent the development of serious dental conditions such as gum recession and caries. The procedure tends to be non-invasive and can be carried out very quickly. However, invasiveness and treatment durations vary. There are a number of methods in use, which can be classified as "deep" or "standard." Your dentist should be able to recommend exactly the right procedure to improve your dental health.

What is deep cleaning?

Deep cleaning is also known in the dental world as scaling and root planing. Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar from the surface of the teeth and from the pocket area between the teeth and gums, according to the NIDCR. The dental hygienist can perform scaling and root planing using either electriceor ultrasonic instruments or manual scaling tools.

The other part of deep cleaning is root planing. The dental hygienist will use a scaling instrument to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of the roots of your teeth. A scaling and root planing procedure will require a minimum of two visits as an appointment. A follow-up visit may be necessary to confirm that your gums and teeth are getting healthier and there is no pocket depth.

How does teeth cleaning work?

Many people will be familiar with basic dental cleaning techniques. When superficial cleaning is required, dentists can rely on polishers, air jets and mechanical scrapers to remove plaque and other forms of debris. In these procedures, dentists may use specialist electric toothbrushes to apply abrasive toothpastes. They may also carry out a thorough flossing of all tooth junctions, and fluoride-based gels may be applied; these tend to be left to set underneath mouth guards for a few minutes and help to ward off cavities following the procedure. However, more long-lasting results can be achieved via a "deep" cleaning procedure. Here is how it usually works:

1. Consultation: The first step is to attend a dental consultation, where your dentist will assess the extent of staining and plaque build-up and check for any tooth and gum damage. If they are satisfied that extra cleaning is required below the gum line, they will recommend that you undergo "root planing" - a form of cleaning which reaches below the visible gum line.
2. Admission and preparation: Before your operation, it will be advisable to eat a healthy diet that includes few foods that can leave "debris" around the gum line. Patients may also be asked to floss more thoroughly than usual. If an anaesthetic is required, it may be necessary to abstain from alcohol for a few days prior to admission.
3. Scaling and brushing: Before carrying out root planing, your dentist will follow many of the steps outlined above for a basic teeth cleaning procedure. This will remove plaque and dirt from the back of teeth and anywhere else your regular brushing and flossing has missed.
4. Root planing: A local anaesthetic may be applied to affected areas, and the gum tissue will be carefully eased away from the tooth. Your dental surgeon will then use a hook-shaped scraper to penetrate under the gums, cleaning deposits from the roots of your teeth. After that, they will polish the affected areas, removing uneven surfaces that are typical in periodontitis patients.
5. Disinfection: In some cases, it may be necessary to apply disinfectant remedies to kill off harmful bacteria. Dentists may "irrigate" the gum areas with antibacterial solutions like chlorhexidine gluconate. Antibiotics may also be prescribed as a follow-up measure.

Are there different types of teeth cleaning?

Yes, the type of cleaning recommended varies for different patients. If a purely cosmetic cleaning is required, there will usually be no need to carry out a "deep" procedure. Instead, dentists will focus on removing dirt and stains from visible surfaces. If medical conditions like gingivitis or periodontitis are the cause, then deep cleaning may be essential, and patients can expect a slightly longer treatment duration. They may also need to follow more complex aftercare recommendations to ensure that infections are prevented. Teeth cleaning also varies in the amount of cleaning required. In many cases, a few teeth will form the focus of attention, but in others, every tooth must be scaled and polished. So, when you attend your initial consultation, a variety of options may be suggested, and it will be necessary to weigh these up with your dentist.

What should I expect from teeth cleaning?

Professional teeth cleaning procedures are relatively simple, pain-free, and very effective, whether they are carried out for purely cosmetic or medical reasons. Individuals can expect a high level of satisfaction with the aesthetic results and a high probability of improved gum or tooth health in the future.

However, in all cases the result are not permanent. Whitening and the reduction of plaque deposits won't last forever, and follow-up cleaning may be required in a year or two. Moreover, if tooth discolouration is due to poor dental hygiene, patients will need to follow dental recommendations about improving their daily routine. Following teeth cleaning, anticipate a brief period where extra care is required when brushing, flossing, and eating. Teeth and gums may be very sensitive for up to a week, so hard foods are best avoided.

Potential risks and side effects

Serious side effects are rare. However, patients may experience soreness around their gums and bleeding in some cases. Heightened sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures is also possible.

If deep cleaning is required, there is a slight risk of bacterial infection and swelling. This should subside within a few days.

When carried out by an accredited hygienist or dentist, professional teeth cleaning has an almost flawless success rate, although the effects are never permanent, and staining or dirt build-ups may occur following the procedure.