Regular Cleaning Vs. Deep Cleaning: What's The Difference? What Do I Need?

If you haven’t seen the dentist for a while, you may think you need a “deep cleaning” in Jacksonville. After all, you “deep clean” your car, your home, and lots of other things if they haven’t been cleaned in a while. Why not your teeth?

Well, there’s actually a big difference between a regular, routine dental cleaning and a “deep cleaning” in dentistry. And in this blog, JAX Dental Studio will discuss everything you need to know, and explain which treatment may be necessary during your next visit. 

Every Patient At JAX Dental Studio Needs Routine Six-Month Cleanings

A regular or routine teeth cleaning is probably what you imagine when you think about visiting the dentist for a checkup. It includes:

• X-rays – X-rays are usually taken for new patients, or yearly for existing patients at our office. They let Dr. Poblenz see below the surface and diagnose potential oral health issues.
• Plaque removal – Your dental hygienist will scrape and clean your teeth to remove the  buildup of plaque and tooth decay, reducing your risk of gum disease and cavities.
• Polishing the teeth – Next, your teeth will be buffed and polished with a special brush and gritty toothpaste. This eliminates surface stains and leaves your smile shiny and bright.
• Flossing – Your hygienist will floss your teeth to remove any remaining food particles and other debris.
• Oral exam – Dr. Poblenz will examine your mouth, then discuss your oral health with you, schedule any necessary follow-ups, and answer any questions you may have.
  

This type of exam is recommended every six months. Routine oral exams and teeth cleanings allow Dr. Poblenz to keep an eye on your oral health, and reduce your risk of problems like cavities and gum disease.

Only People With Gum Disease Need To Get A “Deep Cleaning” 

In the context of dentistry, a “deep cleaning” does not mean an extra-thorough routine cleaning. It actually refers to a specific procedure, which is also called “scaling and root planing.” And this treatment is not required by most patients. It’s only needed for those who have periodontal (gum) disease.

Scaling and root planing is used as the first step to treat gum disease. This procedure is a lot different than a routine cleaning. First, your mouth must be numbed. Then, Dr. Poblenz will use a variety of special tools to clean between your teeth and gums, and eliminate bacteria. 

This process takes about 1-2 hours, and only one half of the mouth is cleaned during each session. After the initial cleaning, you will need to come back to our office to have the other half of your mouth cleaned.

As you can see, this process is a lot more involved, complicated, and expensive compared to a routine cleaning. But unless you have gum disease, you won’t need a deep cleaning at all. That’s just one more reason to brush, floss, and keep your mouth healthy and free of gum disease! 

Need A Dental Checkup In Jacksonville? Come To JAX Dental Studio! 

At JAX Dental Studio, we offer expert care in a judgment-free zone. Whether you’re new to the area, switching dentists, or just haven’t seen a dental professional for preventive care in a while, Dr. Poblenz and our team are here to help. Contact us online or give us a call at (904) 396-4091 to schedule an appointment right away.