Brushing your teeth and flossing regularly is the first step in taking care of your oral health. But it doesn’t stop there: It’s important to talk to your dentist about getting a dental cleaning or deep cleaning procedure. 

Dental cleaning and a deep cleaning procedure serve different purposes and involve distinct procedures. Let’s take a look:

Dental Cleaning, according to Cleveland Clinic:

• Removes plaque and tartar above the gumline

• Typically performed every six months

• Standard preventive procedure for healthy gums

• Usually completed in 45-60 minutes

Deep Cleaning Procedure, according to Cleveland Clinic:

• Treats gum disease/periodontitis

• Removes bacteria, calculus and debris below the gumline

• Smooths root surfaces to remove infected tooth structure

• Often requires multiple visits and local anesthesia

Dental cleanings help achieve and maintain healthy teeth and gums when combined with brushing and flossing at home, the American Dental Association advises. However, sometimes more than a routine cleaning is required. When that happens, dentists suggest a deep cleaning dental procedure.

Is deep root cleaning necessary and why?

If your dentist suggests a deep cleaning, you might wonder, “Is deep root cleaning necessary?”

A deep cleaning dental procedure is required when your dentist has found periodontal (gum) disease, according to Aspen Dental, which accepts Altogether Dental members.

Untreated gum disease can cause serious problems like tooth loss and advanced gum disease (periodontitis). It can also impact your overall health. A deep cleaning procedure removes the plaque, tartar and bacteria from tooth roots and smooths them to prevent more bacteria from growing, Aspen Dental says, using periodontal scaling and root planing.

What’s involved in a deep cleaning dental procedure?

A deep dental cleaning procedure involves one or more in-office treatments and at-home care. This type of cleaning targets bacteria that have extended deep below the gum line, causing gum infection, according to WebMD.

Your dentist may numb the area with a local anesthetic, either by injection or by directly applying it, like lidocaine, WebMD says. Then the process includes scaling and root planing:

• Scaling uses a scraping or an ultrasonic tool to remove these deposits from the tooth surfaces and pockets.

• Root planing smoothes the root surfaces to facilitate gum reattachment and prevent bacterial growth.

Sometimes, dentists place antibiotic fibers in your gums or prescribe antibiotic pills or mouthwash to fight bacteria, WebMD reports.

Your at-home care might include brushing, flossing and using an antibacterial mouthwash. Your dentist may suggest more frequent check-ups and cleanings to monitor your oral health and prevent gum disease from coming back, Aspen Dental says.

Price of deep cleaning vs. dental cleaning

The average price of deep cleaning ranges from $150 to $350 per quadrant of the mouth, according to WebMD. By comparison, a routine dental cleaning has an average cost of around $125, Healthline reports.

We know that seeing a dentist twice a year can be costly. At Altogether Dental, we’re dedicated to making sure people get the care they need. For example, the average cost for a standard dental cleaning is $69 for Altogether Dental members.

In addition, with your Altogether Dental membership, you can get 15-50% off all dental procedures — unlimited usage; throughout the year. Every dental procedure is included with membership, including routine cleanings, fillings, X-rays, crowns, orthodontia, cosmetic procedures (whitening and veneers), braces, major dental procedures (like root canals) and so much more.

Deep cleaning of teeth side effects

A deep cleaning procedure may cause a few side effects. Healthline writes that the risks are typically minor and usually resolve within a week. Besides pain and sensitivity, deep cleaning of teeth side effects may include:

• Potential nerve damage 

• No guarantee that gums will reattach to the teeth 

• Possible gum recession 

• Risk of infection, especially for those with weakened immune systems

Do all dentist offer a deep cleaning procedure?

Regular dental cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing more costly dental issues, like deep cleanings, in the future. If you need to schedule an appointment, you can search dental cleaning near me or deep clean dentist to find options in your area.

Dentists perform deep cleanings when necessary, according to the ADA.

If your dentist has suggested a deep clean, you might like to learn more about a dental savings plan. These are membership-based programs that offer discounts on dental services at participating dentists. As an Altogether Dental member, here are a few benefits you’ll enjoy:

• Lower costs: With Altogether Dental, you’ll enjoy discounts of 15-50% on all dental procedures — everything from cleanings, fillings, orthodontia, dentures and more.

• No waiting periods: Discounts are made available immediately upon enrollment.

• No annual maximums: There are no annual limits on the amount of discounts you can receive.

• Flexibility: Our partnership with Aetna gives you access to 260,000+ choices of in-network general and specialty care dentists.

Sources:

Cleveland Clinic | Dental cleaning

American Dental Association | Oral health

WebMD | Cost of deep cleaning

Healthline | How often should you clean teeth

American Dental Association | Scaling and root planning