How Long Does Deep Teeth Cleaning Take?
Even with the best possible oral hygiene, tartar can appear on teeth, especially in people at risk (such as smokers and diabetics). But how do you know if a cleaning is necessary? The best way is to visit your dentist! Depending on the condition of the patient's teeth, the dentist will assess the need for a cleaning and the type of cleaning required. If the dentist determines that you need a deep teeth cleaning, they will schedule it with you, as a deep teeth cleaning is different than a regular teeth cleaning.
There are also some warning signs that should encourage you to visit the dentist for a cleaning:
- Bad breath.
- Swollen gums, red and sensitive gums with a tendency to bleed.
- The sensation that the teeth have changed shape when the tongue passes over them, since the accumulation of tartar changes the "felt" anatomy of the arch.
- The impression that some teeth are moving.
In general, we recommend visiting the dentist twice a year, starting with the first baby teeth. This allows children to become accustomed to the dentist's office and instruments and to not be afraid of their first dental procedure.
Deep teeth cleaning will consist of some or all of the following procedures:
- Scaling of the teeth to remove tartar from the dental crown (the visible part of the tooth above the gum line).
- Subgingival cleaning, also known as root planing, consists of removing tartar that has accumulated at the gum line, next to the root of the teeth.
- Scraping is essential to preventing gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis.
How does deep teeth cleaning work?
If you're wondering how long a dental cleaning procedure takes, you should know that it takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour for a full dental cleaning and between 2 and 4 hours for a subgingival cleaning, depending on the severity of the patient's problem.
Before beginning the cleaning itself, the dentist will examine the entire mouth. The check-up examines the teeth and gums for signs of gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), cavities, or other potential problems, including the presence of periodontal pockets, which require subgingival cleaning.
Dentists have two techniques to choose from for performing deep teeth cleaning:
- Cleaning by manual scaling, using periodontal curettes;
- Ultrasonic scaling, which consists of loosening tartar through vibrations, simultaneously projecting water and suctioning away loose particles. This is currently the most common technique.
Next, the dentist polishes the teeth using a polishing machine and a paste to smooth the surface and remove stains. Rinse, and your teeth will be clean and tartar-free again.
In the case of periodontal pockets, the dentist is required to perform a subgingival cleaning, which is done under local anesthesia, in order to loosen the gum tissue covering the tartar, remove the subgingival tartar, and make the root as smooth as possible to prevent the subsequent formation of tartar. This medical procedure is usually performed in several sessions, per quadrant, due to its duration and complexity.
In conclusion
Deep teeth cleaning is an essential procedure for maintaining healthy gums and preventing serious dental issues like gingivitis and periodontitis. While it can take longer than a regular cleaning, the benefits are well worth the time. If you notice any warning signs or it’s been more than six months since your last visit, schedule an appointment with us to keep your smile healthy and bright.