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What is the difference between a cleaning and a deep cleaning at the dentist?

I am a 30 year old female. I want to know what is the difference between a cleaning and a deep cleaning at the dentist?

5 Answers

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We suggest deep cleaning (SRP), when we see bone loss between the teeth in the X-rays, 5mm or more perio pockets during perio probing exam and calculus build-ups under the gums (sub gingival). But regular cleaning only cleans the plaque and calculus above the gums (supra gingival).
A regular cleaning mainly is above the gums and very superficial; a deep cleaning usually needs an anesthetic and goes below the gum to the depth of the pocket to remove diseased and necrotic tissue and tartar (coral-like substance with millions of bacteria defecating in your mouth!).
A "deep cleaning" is usually the lay term used for describing periodontal scaling and root planing, which is needed by those patients who have deeper than normal gum pockets. If you have normal (2-4mm) gum sulci (the gum pockets), then you do not need "deep cleaning" - it's when patients develop deeper (4-6mm and beyond) pockets that scaling and root planing is
needed; unless you haven't been to the dentist in a long time, where significant calculus (tartar) has formed.
A "Cleaning" typically refers to a Preventive Cleaning for patients who have no presence of periodontal disease, and is to prevent disease from occurring due to areas not properly cleaned by the patient through daily care. A "Deep Cleaning" refers to Scaling and Root Planing which is indicated in the presence of bone loss associated with Periodontal Disease. Progressive bone loss is due to the body responding to bacteria residing within the pockets around your teeth that are too deep for you to cleanse on your own.
Periodontal disease needs to be treated.