Dental Cleanings vs Deep Cleanings: What’s the Real Difference?

Maintaining a healthy smile begins with regular preventative care, but many of our patients aren't entirely clear on the difference between a routine dental cleaning and a deep cleaning. The truth is, both treatments are designed to protect your gums and teeth but they have very different roles to play in long-term oral health.

At Salt Creek Dental, we believe that when our patients are informed and clear on what each type of cleaning involves, when it's recommended, and how it helps prevent larger issues down the road, they feel more confident scheduling care and following personalized treatment plans.

Thats why our team makes sure to take the time to explain everything. Whether you're coming in for some routine General Dentistry or for more advanced periodontal care, understanding what your smile needs is the first step towards longterm health.

Introduction

A lot of people assume that all cleanings are the same, but the reality is that routine cleanings and deep cleanings tackle entirely different oral health issues. A regular appointment is all about prevention - keeping your mouth fresh, preventing tartar from forming and addressing any problems before they become major issues.

A deep cleaning, however, is specifically for treating gum disease by getting rid of all the bacteria that has built up far down below the gumline. Knowing which kind of cleaning you need can make all the difference - it can prevent all sorts of discomfort, gum recession and future dental complications. At Salt Creek Dental, we make the process as easy and stress-free as possible, making sure every visit is a positive experience.

What Is a Routine Dental Cleaning?

A routine cleaning - often just called a prophylaxis - is one of the most important services in Dental Cleanings and preventative care. During this appointment, your hygienist will give your teeth a good scrub above the gumline, removing any plaque and tartar that might be lurking there.

They'll also polish the surface of your teeth to get rid of any stains, floss your teeth thoroughly and take a good look at your gum health. This is all about reducing your risk of gum inflammation, gingivitis and cavities, and keeping your smile looking bright and healthy.

Routine cleanings are also a key part of Cosmetic Dentistry, because healthy enamel is essential for making treatments like Teeth Whitening last longer and look better. Most people need a cleaning every six months, but your dentist might recommend a different schedule depending on your oral health.

What Is a Deep Cleaning?

A deep cleaning - also known as scaling and root planing -is a more advanced periodontal procedure that's designed to tackle early to moderate gum disease. Unlike routine cleanings, this treatment gets down way beneath the gumline to remove all the hardened up tartar (calculus) and bacteria that's built up on the tooth roots.

Your dentist will then smooth out the root surfaces to help your gums reattach and reduce the depth of any periodontal pockets. Deep cleanings are super important for stopping gum disease in its tracks, preventing bone loss and keeping your teeth stable in the long term.

Because this treatment is restorative in nature, it often works really well with procedures in Restorative Dentistry - especially when the gum health is stopping you from getting the solution you need, such as a Dental Crown, Dental Bonding or Dental Veneers.

Key Differences: Regular Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning

While both treatments are all about improving your oral health, the differences are pretty stark:

Purpose:
• A routine cleaning is all about prevention - keeping your mouth fresh and your gums healthy
• A deep cleaning is specifically for treating gum disease and removing all the bad stuff that's accumulated below the gumline

Procedure:
• Routine cleanings just focus on getting rid of the plaque on the outside of your teeth
• Deep cleanings get right down to the root of the problem - literally

Symptoms:
• Routine cleanings are best for people with healthy gums
• Deep cleanings are what you need when your gums are bleeding, swollen or pulling away from your teeth

Comfort Level:
• Routine cleanings should be pretty painless
• Deep cleanings can sometimes be a bit more painful, but we'll make sure to numb you up first

Follow-up:
• Routine cleanings require a visit every six months or so
• Deep cleanings can sometimes require a few different appointments and some follow-up maintenance afterwards

Understanding these differences helps patients feel more confident about discussing treatment options - whether they're looking to spruce up their smile with some Smile Makeovers or addressing the underlying gum health issues first.

Signs You Might Need a Deep Cleaning

Deep cleanings aren't for everyone - they're only necessary when you've got gum disease going on. Some common signs include:

• Bad breath that just won't go away
• Gums that bleed or get swollen
• Gum tenderness or soreness
• Gums that are receding
• Sensitive teeth
• Teeth that feel loose
• Deep periodontal pockets that show up in an exam
• Visible tartar buildup along the gumline
• Bone loss, as shown up on an x-ray

If any of these sound like you, a deep cleaning might be just what you need to prevent further damage and get your gum health back on track before things get any worse.

How Often You Need a Regular Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning

Most patients get the most benefit from having their teeth cleaned every six months, but the frequency of cleanings can vary depending on how well a person takes care of their teeth, how sensitive their gums are, or if they have any medical conditions. Deep cleanings aren't scheduled six months in advance, though.

They're only recommended when gum disease is actually diagnosed. After you've had a scaling and root planing, many people have to go in for maintenance cleanings every three to four months to make sure bacteria doesn't come back. Keeping on top of cleanings also helps you keep the results from any cosmetic procedures like Teeth Whitening, or restorative work like Dental Crowns.

Does a Deep Cleaning Hurt - What You Can Expect

Deep cleanings are a bit more involved than a regular cleaning, but with modern dentistry the process is a whole lot more comfortable than a lot of people think they'll be. Your dentist will usually numb the area so you don't feel a thing, making the whole experience pretty smooth and easy going.

After it's all done, you might feel a little sore or sensitive for a few days, especially when you eat or brush your teeth. A little warm saltwater rinse, some gentle brushing and avoiding anything super cold should help you feel okay again. Most people start feeling better pretty quickly, especially once the gum inflammation starts to go down and their mouth starts to heal.

Long Term Benefits of Keeping Up with Your Cleanings

Routine cleanings and deep cleanings do different things for your teeth, but both are important for keeping your overall oral health on track. Some benefits include:

• Stronger gums that don't inflame as easily
• Way lower risk of losing teeth or bone recession
• Your mouth just smells fresher, period
• Your smile definitely looks better
• You'll probably save yourself money in the long run by not having to spend it on expensive treatments
• Cosmetic procedures will give you better results
• Plus your overall health is less likely to be affected by gum disease

Keeping up with your cleanings will also make sure you get the most out of any cosmetic or restorative work you've had done.

How Much They Cost and Insurance Coverage

Routine cleanings are usually fully or mostly covered by your insurance because it's considered preventive care. Deep cleanings, on the other hand, are considered periodontal treatment and have different levels of coverage depending on your plan.

Here at Salt Creek Dental, we'll always go over the cost with you ahead of time and explain things in a way you can understand. Our goal is to make sure both preventive and periodontal care is something you can afford and feel good about.

Get in Touch

Whether you just need a routine cleaning or you need to come in for something a little more serious, the most important thing is to get in here before gum disease gets out of control. The team at Salt Creek Dental is here to help you keep your smile in top shape, and we're committed to taking good care of you every step of the way. So why wait? Give us a call and schedule your cleaning or gum health checkup today - knowing your smile is in good hands should give you peace of mind.