Deep cleaning / scaling and root planning ( sRP )
Scaling and Root Planning (SRPis a deep cleaning)
While SRP is a technical term, many dentists have referred to it as “Gum therapy,” “Gingival bacterial control,” or “Subgingival therapy” because of the increasing public resistance to deep cleanings.
As periodontal disease progresses, natural pockets between your gum tissue and teeth grow deeper, allowing calculus to form further down the tooth’s root.
Over time, this further exacerbates the problem and leads to inflammation, bone loss, and ultimately infection and tooth loss.
SRP
SRP
The goal of an SRP is to remove this calculus, allowing the pockets to tighten back around the tooth. The image below shows an individual with a severe state of the disease, which we attempt to avoid with treatment.
There is tremendous evidence detailing the efficacy of the procedure, and the success of the procedure is tied to the skill of the individual provider. In other words, the better your dentist or hygienist, the better the potential outcome.
However, SRP alone is not a magic bullet, and the necessity of an SRP is a clear indication that there is an active periodontal disease requiring regular periodontal maintenance (typically every three months) to maintain the disease; think something between a deep cleaning and a regular cleaning.
With shallow probing depths (e.g., pockets less than 4mm), the procedure has less measurable benefit and is considered unwarranted.
However, the greater the initial probing depth, the more benefit the procedure provides. Smoking also has a negative impact on the success of deep cleanings and worsens periodontal disease.
FAQs
What does a deep cleaning do?
Deep cleaning is highly recommended to you when you face periodontal diseases. It is an in-depth cleaning of your mouth involving the removal of plaque and calculus below the gum line. It is also known as scaling & root planning or SRP. It ensures that plaque is removed below the gum line and promotes healing.
What’s the difference between a regular routine dental cleaning and a deep cleaning?
Regular dental cleanings, also called prophylaxis, are recommended for patients without gum disease. During a routine cleaning, your hygienist will remove plaque and calculus buildup along your gum line and between your teeth. These routine cleanings are essential to prevent gum disease and other dental issues.
Deep cleanings are more thorough than regular cleanings. These are necessary for patients with gum disease because they remove the bacteria buildup below the gum line, which allows the inflamed gums to heal.
Do periodontal cleanings hurt?
At Elite Dental Group, our team ensures that you feel comfortable during the entire procedure as our periodontists use local anesthetic. It ensures that you will not have any pain during the treatment while some pressure could be felt on gums as they are getting cleaned.
How do I know if I have gum disease?
If you have gum disease, you may notice some of these symptoms:
- Red, swollen gums
- Bleeding gums when you floss or brush your teeth
- Sensitive teeth
- Chronic bad breath
How long does a deep cleaning take?
Generally, it takes 1-2 hours for deep cleaning. Further, the duration depends on the condition of your gums and teeth.
Can a deep dental cleaning cure gum disease?
Yes, depending on the circumstances. In the early stages of your gum disease, it can help curing the disease at the time of gingivitis. This ensures all the plaque has been removed from your mouth, which could lead to gum disease. It helps heal your gums and reattach your teeth. However, if you are in an advanced stage of gum disease, you may need other treatments, like periodontal therapy.
Contacts
Contact Details
ELITE DENTAL GROUP, 1249 W. Glenoaks Blvd Glendale, CA 91201
(818) 649-1772
ELITE DENTAL GROUP, 17800 Chatsworth St Granada hills, CA 91344
(818) 391-0000
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Contact Details
ELITE DENTAL GROUP, 1249 W. Glenoaks Blvd Glendale, CA 91201
(818) 649-1772
Post Address: 1249 W. Glenoaks Blvd Glendale, CA 91201
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sunday: Closed