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- 3041 Argentia Road Mississauga, ON, L5N 8P7.
When you visit your dentist for a routine checkup, you expect a cleaning. But did you know there are different types of dental cleanings? Most people are familiar with a standard prophylaxis, or regular cleaning, which is a preventative measure. However, when gum disease becomes a concern, your dentist might recommend a deep cleaning. Understanding the difference between a deep cleaning vs. regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile. At Appleday Dental Care in Mississauga, we frequently explain this distinction to our patients, helping them choose the right treatment for their specific needs.
A regular dental cleaning, often called a prophylaxis, is a preventative procedure performed on healthy gums. During this appointment, a dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, particularly above the gum line. They will then polish your teeth to remove surface stains and floss between your teeth. This type of cleaning is typically recommended every six months to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent the onset of gum disease. It is a quick, comfortable procedure that keeps your teeth and gums looking and feeling their best.
A deep teeth cleaning, known clinically as scaling and root planing, is a therapeutic procedure designed to treat active gum disease, also known as periodontal disease. Unlike a regular cleaning, a deep cleaning goes below the gum line. The procedure involves two main steps. First, scaling is performed to remove plaque and tartar (calculus) from the deep pockets that have formed between your teeth and gums. Second, root planing smooths the roots of your teeth to help your gums reattach to the teeth. For many patients in Mississauga, a deep cleaning is the first line of defense against more severe periodontal problems and can prevent the need for surgery.
Your dentist will recommend a deep cleaning if you show signs of periodontal disease. This condition is often indicated by gums that are red, swollen, or bleed easily when you brush or floss. Other symptoms include persistent bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth. These signs suggest that bacteria have accumulated in periodontal pockets deeper than 4 millimeters. When pockets become this deep, a regular cleaning is no longer effective because it cannot reach the bacteria below the gum line. A deep cleaning in Mississauga is the necessary treatment to stop the disease from progressing and to protect your teeth and bone structure.
The scaling and root planing procedure is thorough and may require more than one visit to our Mississauga clinic. To ensure your comfort, we will typically administer a local anesthetic to numb the area being treated. The scaling portion involves the careful removal of tartar and plaque from the tooth surface and the deep pockets around the tooth. Following this, the root planing step smooths the roots of your teeth. This process removes bacterial toxins and creates a clean, smooth surface that encourages the gums to heal and reattach firmly to the teeth, reducing the depth of the periodontal pockets.
The cost is a common concern when patients are deciding between the two treatments. Generally, a deep cleaning is more extensive and therefore more costly than a regular cleaning. In Ontario, the cost of scaling and root planing can vary depending on the number of quadrants of the mouth that require treatment. The good news for our patients in Mississauga is that many dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of the cost of a deep cleaning, as it is considered a medically necessary procedure to treat periodontal disease. We always encourage our patients to check with their insurance provider to understand their coverage.
Many patients ask us if scaling and root planing is painful. While the procedure is more involved than a regular cleaning, we take every step to ensure your comfort. The use of a local anesthetic means you should feel no pain during the treatment itself. You may experience some soreness and sensitivity in the days following the procedure, which is a normal part of the healing process. Over-the-counter pain relievers and rinsing with warm salt water can help manage any discomfort. Our team at Appleday Dental Care is always here to provide aftercare instructions and support for your recovery.
It is not a question of which is “better”, but rather which is necessary. A regular cleaning is a preventative treatment for healthy gums, while a deep cleaning is a therapeutic treatment for active periodontal disease. The right choice depends entirely on the health of your gums.
A deep cleaning is not a routine procedure. It is performed as a one-time treatment to address a specific problem. After you have had a deep cleaning, you will likely need to return to our Mississauga dental office more frequently for “periodontal maintenance” cleanings, typically every three to four months, to prevent the disease from recurring.
The fundamental difference lies in the depth and purpose. A regular cleaning focuses on the tooth surface above the gum line for prevention. Scaling and root planing targets the root surfaces below the gum line to treat an existing infection and help the gums heal.
It is generally classified as a basic or major periodontal service, depending on your specific insurance policy. It is certainly a more involved procedure than a regular preventative cleaning.
Understanding the distinction between a deep cleaning vs. regular cleaning is essential for making informed decisions about your health. A deep teeth cleaning is a powerful, non-surgical treatment that can halt the progression of periodontal disease and save your smile. If you are in Mississauga and suspect you might have gum disease, or if you simply have questions about scaling and root planing, we are here to help. At Appleday Dental Care, our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care.
We invite you to contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive examination and learn more about the best treatment options for your needs. Your journey to a healthier smile starts with a single call.
