How Long Does Deep Teeth Cleaning Take?
Deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a more thorough cleaning than a traditional dental cleaning appointment but they both manage gum disease and promote oral health. The dentist has recommended a deep cleaning as a part of your treatment plan to better clean your teeth and the roots below the gumline. You may need to have scaling and root planing all over your mouth or in just one area. Before scheduling the appointment for your deep cleaning, it’s important to know the duration of the procedure depends on several factors, including the severity of gum disease, the number of teeth being treated, and your overall oral health condition.
If a routine cleaning takes about 30 to 60 minutes for your appointment, a deep cleaning is a more comprehensive process that is usually completed in stages. During the appointment, the dentist will use special tools to remove plaque and tartar that have accumulated beneath the gum line and along the roots of your teeth.
For many patients, a deep cleaning is divided into two sessions, with one side of the mouth being treated per visit. Each session typically lasts between one and two hours, depending on the level of buildup and the complexity of the treatment. Focus on a smaller, specific area ensures that the procedure is as effective as possible.
The dentist might also recommend more than two appointments to complete the treatment, depending on how significant the tartar buildup is or how extensive the pocketing around the teeth is. The dentist may recommend the sessions are scheduled a certain amount of time apart from each other to allow for optimal healing between visits.
The thoroughness of the procedure means that some appointments may also include follow-up assessments of your gum health. The dentist may need to measure pocket depths, evaluate gum inflammation, and document other signs of improvement or ongoing concerns. These evaluations can add to the overall time spent in the dental chair but are crucial for tailoring the treatment to your specific needs. Additionally, the dentist may recommend laser treatments or other in office procedures to ensure your deep cleaning has lasting results.
Preparing for a deep cleaning appointment can help ensure the process goes smoothly. Arriving on time, discussing any concerns with your dental provider beforehand, and following their guidance can all contribute to an efficient experience. If you are unsure about the expected duration, the dentist can provide a more personalized estimate based on your oral health condition. If the dentist uses anesthesia or sedation, these steps might add time to your appointment but will keep you more comfortable during the procedure.
After completing a deep cleaning, follow-up care is an essential part of the process. Post-procedure appointments typically take less time than the initial cleaning sessions but are equally important for maintaining gum health and preventing the recurrence of disease.
If you have more questions about deep cleaning or how it works as a part of your treatment plan to achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if a dental deep cleaning can help you.