You may have heard people talk about needing a “deep cleaning,” especially if it’s been a long time since they had their teeth cleaned. The actual term for a deep dental cleaning is scaling and root planing, which is a procedure to remove heavy deposits and clean out deep gum pockets to give your oral health a reset. If you think you may need scaling and root planing in Orlando, FL, our team at Lake Baldwin Dental has the skill and technology to protect your gums with gentle and effective treatments.
But what is scaling and root planing? And how do you know if you need it? Let’s find out!
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a procedure to completely remove bacteria and hardened tartar (called calculus by dentists) above and below the gum line. This is a specialized type of cleaning that addresses deep periodontal pockets over 5mm.
Scaling is the process of using ultra-fine instruments to break up and remove hardened deposits from the tooth surfaces. We typically start with an ultrasonic scaler, which vibrates and flushes out the pocket with a gentle stream of water.
Root planing is the process of smoothing the tooth roots to provide a healthy surface where the gums can reattach.
The ultimate goal of a dental deep cleaning of this kind is to remove the plaque and tartar that cause gum disease and encourage the gums to stick to the tooth roots again, stabilizing your periodontal health and preventing more bacteria from building up below the gums.
How Do You Know If You Need a Deep Cleaning?
Not everyone needs scaling and root planing. At Lake Baldwin Dental, we believe in always providing care that’s tailored to your specific needs.
We’ll use detailed digital diagnostic images to look for signs of tartar deposits below the gums and evaluate the health of the bone sockets that hold your teeth in place. We’ll also measure your gum pockets to determine if any are deep enough to warrant scaling and root planing.
Signs that you may need a deep dental cleaning include:
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Tenderness when biting or chewing
- It’s been a very long time since you had a dental cleaning
- Risk factors like smoking or a history of gum disease
- Signs of bone loss or large tartar deposits on X-rays
- Signs of periodontal abscess on X-rays
- Gum pockets over 5mm deep
The best way to know for sure if you need scaling and root planing in Orlando is a comprehensive examination with our team.
How Does a Deep Dental Cleaning Work?
The idea of getting a deep cleaning can be intimidating, especially if it’s been many years since you last saw a dentist. Our team is committed to helping you feel comfortable and confident getting the care you need, so we’ll let you know exactly what to expect at every step.
Here’s a general idea of what to expect during scaling and root planing:
1. Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
We’ll perform a comprehensive examination and evaluate your X-rays, gum chart, and dental and medical history. Dr. Dunn and Dr. Nestle work closely with our expert dental hygienists to create a plan that’s tailored to your specific needs. While some people need scaling and root planing for the whole mouth, we can also perform deep cleaning for specific periodontally-involved teeth.
2. Keeping You Comfortable
If you’ve put off dental cleanings because of dental anxiety, we’ll provide safe and effective sedation to help you relax throughout your visit. We’ll also thoroughly numb the area to ensure a completely painless experience.
With a TV attached to your dental chair as well as blankets, pillows, and a compassionate team, we’ll help you stay as comfortable as possible.
3. Thoroughly Removing Deposits
In most cases, we’ll start with ultrasonic scaling to gently break up and sweep away large deposits. Then, we’ll use hand instruments to fine-tune your cleaning and smooth your roots.
If you need a full-mouth deep cleaning, we’ll split your cleaning into three appointments. This allows us to do a thorough job without overwhelming you. We’ll perform scaling and root planing for one half of your teeth in the first appointment, the other half in the second, and then perform a full-mouth review and final cleaning including polishing your teeth in the third appointment.
In most cases, we’ll build in a slight delay before your third appointment to give your gums time to recover. This is important because swelling from gum disease can make it difficult to accurately identify small deposits below the gums. By giving your gums time to heal, we can ensure a thorough procedure.
4. Keeping Your Smile Healthy
Managing gum disease takes long-term care, including great home care habits. Our team will provide detailed instructions for how to protect your teeth and gums and home to ensure you get the best possible results from your scaling and root planing.
If you need recommended supplies like a WaterPik or Sonicare toothbrush, we have everything you need right in our office!
We’ll stick with you over the long haul with periodontal maintenance cleanings. At first, you’ll need to get a cleaning every three months to prevent bacteria from building up below your gums again.
As your gums recover over the coming months, we’ll reassess and update your recommendations. Ideally, we’ll start to space your cleanings out to four months and eventually go back to a routine six-month schedule. This depends on how well your gums recover and how committed you are to keeping up with excellent home care, so be sure to stick with it!
Reset Your Oral Health with Scaling and Root Planing in Orlando!
If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs, like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or gum recession, it’s time to schedule a gum‑health exam. Our team will measure your pocket depths, discuss whether scaling and root planing are right for you, and create a personalized plan to protect your smile.
Healthy gums are the foundation of a beautiful smile. We’re here to help you build that foundation, one gentle, thorough cleaning at a time. Get in touch to schedule your deep cleaning in Baldwin Park, FL. Let’s work together to keep your gums healthy, your breath fresh, and your smile confident, Orlando!
