What is the difference between a routine dental cleaning vs scaling and ROOT planing deep cleaning?

The main difference between a deep cleaning and a routine dental cleaning is that a deep cleaning will go under your gums to clean out any plaque.  Routine dental cleanings are recommended twice a year while scaling and planing would only be done if you have tartar build up under the gums.

A routine dental cleaning is a preventive measure to remove tartar, plaque, and stains from your teeth. The aim is to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. A routine dental cleaning is recommended every six months.

• removes tartar from the surface of your teeth
• recommended twice a year

Scaling and planing, also referred to as a deep cleaning, is a dental cleaning that is recommended for people who have tartar buildup below the gumline. Scaling involves removing tartar from above and below the gumline, while planing smoothens the rough surfaces of the teeth to prevent bacteria from clinging to them. Scaling and planing is usually done in one or two visits.

• sometimes called a deep cleaning
• removes tartar below the gums
• prevents tooth loss from Peridontitis

If you have tartar buildup below the gum line, your dentist may recommend scaling and planing. This is because routine dental cleanings only remove tartar from the surface of the teeth. Tartar buildup below the gumline can cause periodontitis, which is a form of gum disease. Scaling and planing can help to remove tartar and prevent periodontitis. Periodontitis is an infection of the gums that damages the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss.

Plaque accumulation tends to be the thickest along the gumline. Because of the proximity of this area to the gum tissue, plaque here is more likely to cause gingivitis, an early form of gum disease.

Routine dental cleaning can remove plaque from the surfaces of your teeth, but it cannot remove plaque from below the gumline. Only scaling and planing can remove plaque from below the gumline.

If you have tartar buildup, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing. This is because routine dental cleanings only remove tartar from the surface of your teeth. Tartar buildup can cause periodontitis, which is a form of gum disease. Scaling and root planing can help to remove tartar and prevent periodontitis.

Scaling and planing is a safe procedure with few risks. The most common risk is bleeding or sore gums. Bleeding usually goes away within a few days. Sore gums may last for a week or two. Other rare risks include infection, tooth sensitivity and damage to the teeth.