Do you ever feel like your smile isn’t as bright and shiny as it used to be? Do you find yourself constantly dealing with bad breath and gum pain? Taking care of your oral health is essential and can save you from expensive treatments down the line.

Regular dental cleanings are essential to maintain good oral health, but did you know there’s a difference between routine cleanings and deep cleanings? Keep reading to learn more about the differences and better understand how to care for your teeth.

What is a Routine Dental Cleaning?

Regular dental cleaning is a quick, easy, painless procedure that helps maintain good oral health. The hygienist will use specialized tools to remove plaque and stains from your teeth, polish them with a paste or powder, floss around the area, and give you a fluoride treatment.

This professional dental cleaning can help prevent cavities, gingivitis, and other serious dental issues. Aside from the cleaning procedure, dental check-ups may also include nutrition advice and instructions on how to brush and floss your teeth properly. Regular cleanings are recommended every six months or as advised by your dentist.

How Long Does A Dental Cleaning Take?

The time a dental cleaning requires can vary depending on your oral health. For example, if you practice good oral hygiene and don’t have cavities or tartar build-up, the procedure should take around 40 minutes.

However, if you have existing dental issues like cavities and tartar build-up, the cleaning may take closer to an hour. So, to reduce your time in the dentist’s chair, you must maintain your dental hygiene and regularly visit your dentist for check-ups and cleanings.

What Is A Dental Deep Cleaning?

A deep dental cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is an in-depth procedure that targets plaque and tartar below the gum line. It is recommended for patients with gum disease signs, like receding or bleeding gums.

During a dental deep cleaning procedure, your dentist will use specialized tools to remove plaque and tartar from beneath the gum line, clean and smooth the roots of your teeth, and use antibiotics to reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth. You can do a deep teeth cleaning in two visits, with the first focusing on scaling and the second on root planing.

How Long A Dental Deep Cleaning Take?

Similar to regular dental cleanings, the time a deep cleaning requires can vary depending on your oral health. For example, if you don’t have existing dental issues and your gums haven’t receded, the procedure should take about an hour. However, if you have extensive tartar build-up and your gums have receded, or you have gum disease, the procedure may take closer to two hours.

It is important to note that you may still need to return for additional visits even after a deep cleaning. That is because the bacteria in your mouth can regrow and cause future gum problems.

No matter your current oral health, it’s essential to keep up with routine visits to the dentist and take care of your teeth. Regular dental cleanings and deep cleanings can help you maintain a healthy smile and keep your oral health in excellent condition.

In addition, taking the time to learn about these procedures can help you make informed decisions about your oral health, so you can keep smiling for years to come.

Schedule an Appointment with Stephens Dentistry in Evanston, IL

If you’re looking for a quality dental office, Stephens Dentistry in Evanston is here to help. Our experienced staff is dedicated to providing top-notch dental care in a comfortable, friendly environment.

Whether you need a routine dental cleaning or deep cleaning procedure, we’re here to help keep your smile healthy and beautiful. So contact us today at (847) 864-8151 to schedule an appointment to help get your teeth sparkling and healthy.

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