Regular vs. Deep Cleanings.
Sometimes a patient comes to Dental Haven expecting a routine cleaning and is surprised when we tell them they need something different.
One of the most common reasons is periodontal — or gum — disease.
This isn't unusual. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 42.2% of U.S. adults age 30 and older had some form of periodontitis in the referenced national survey data. [NIDCR – Periodontal Disease in Adults]
What Is a Regular Dental Cleaning?
A routine preventive cleaning is generally appropriate for a patient whose gums and supporting tissues are healthy.
The goal is to remove plaque, tartar, and surface staining and help maintain that healthy condition.
Periodontal disease changes the situation.
Bacteria and tartar can accumulate below the gumline, periodontal pockets can develop, and the tissues and bone supporting the teeth may be affected.
Simply polishing the visible portions of the teeth doesn't address that disease.
What Is a “Deep Cleaning”?
Depending on what we find, periodontal disease may require treatment such as scaling and root planning — commonly called a “deep cleaning.”
This treatment reaches areas below the gumline that aren't adequately addressed by a routine preventive cleaning.
That's why we can't always know what kind of cleaning you need before examining you.
Why Can't I Just Have the Regular Cleaning Anyway?
Because our goal isn't simply to provide the procedure you expected when you scheduled the appointment.
Our responsibility is to recommend the treatment that is appropriate for the condition we actually find.
Think of the examination as establishing a baseline:
Where is your oral health today, and what do we need to do to keep—or get—you healthy?
Sometimes the answer is a routine cleaning. Sometimes it's periodontal therapy. Either way, the examination allows us to make that decision based on your health rather than assumptions.- Dr. Matos