Your dentist said you need a deep clean. It sounds aggressive. It sounds scary.
Is it actually necessary? Here is what it involves and who really needs it.
What scaling and root planing actually is
It is a deep clean below the gumline. Your dentist removes plaque and tartar from the tooth roots. The roots are then smoothed so your gums can reattach.
Regular cleaning cleans above the gumline. Deep cleaning goes deeper. Much deeper.
You will receive a local anaesthetic. You should not feel pain during the procedure. There may be some discomfort afterward. This fades within a few days.
Who actually needs it
You need deep cleaning if you have pockets deeper than 5mm around your teeth. These pockets trap bacteria. Brushing and flossing cannot reach them.
Your dentist measures these pockets during your check-up. If yours are 5mm or deeper, you have periodontitis. Deep cleaning is how we treat it.
Without treatment, bone loss continues. Teeth become loose. Gums recede. This is how you lose teeth.
What happens if you skip it
Nothing good. The infection stays. It worsens. You risk losing bone around your teeth.
Some people refuse treatment because it sounds intense. But ignoring the problem does not make it go away. It makes it worse.
The longer you wait, the more invasive the treatment becomes. What starts as a deep clean can turn into surgery.
What to expect after
Your gums may feel tender. They might bleed slightly. Use a soft toothbrush. Avoid very hot or spicy foods for a day or two.
Book a follow-up in six to eight weeks. Your dentist will check your pockets again. Most people see real improvement.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice