What’s the Difference Between Regular Dental Cleaning and Deep Cleaning?

Do you need a regular dental cleaning or a deep cleaning? Your dentist in Woodbridge, VA, can help you decide. Knowing the difference between these dental cleanings is important, especially if your dentist recommends deep cleaning. Understanding how these procedures are different can help you prepare for a deep cleaning.

What’s a Regular Dental Cleaning?

A typical dental cleaning is what most people experience when they go to the dentist’s office. During a regular dental cleaning, dental professionals remove plaque and tartar from your teeth. Then, they clean and polish the tooth enamel so that the food they eat won’t stick to their teeth after meals are over.

What’s a Dental Deep Cleaning?

A dental deep cleaning is a procedure wherein the dental professional cleans beneath the gum line. This is a procedure your dentist will recommend if you have gum disease. During the dental deep cleaning, the dentist engages in scaling and root planing.

During the scaling portion of the teeth cleaning, the dental professional removes plaque and tartar below the gums. During root planing, the dental professional smooths the roots of the teeth, so food can’t stick to them as easily.

Scaling and root planing takes a lot of time and takes place over two visits to the dentist. Often, patients undergoing these procedures get sedation. If you don’t get root planing and scaling when it’s needed, you may need more invasive help later. If you have gum disease, it’s important to get help when you need it.

Which One Do I Need?

Not sure whether you need a regular dental exam or a dental deep cleaning in Woodbridge, VA? Call us to schedule an appointment. We can help!