Deep Teeth Cleanings in Santa Barbara, CA

There are times when routine teeth cleaning isn't enough. This is especially true when excessive bacteria invade the area below the gum line. When that occurs, a deep teeth cleaning from the team here at See Me Smile Dental may become necessary.

What is a Deep Dental Cleaning?

Deep teeth cleaning is very similar to the standard cleaning you receive during your routine dental checkup. Another term for deep teeth cleaning is periodontal scaling and root planing or SRP. The main difference is that these cleanings focus more on the area below the gum line and the outer surface of your roots.

Why Might I Need Deep Teeth Cleaning?

When too much tartar is present, it can lead to infection, which can cause the gum line to pull away from the tooth. If not treated, the infections caused by tartar buildup could eventually cause bone loss and tooth loss to occur. Deep teeth cleanings help to prevent the infection and promote healing of the gums.

How Do I Know If I Need Deep Dental Cleaning?

Dr. Omid may suggest that you schedule a deep teeth cleaning if you notice any signs of infection. These signs include:

Red or swollen gums
Tender gums that bleed while brushing or flossing
Teeth appearing longer than they once did, which is a sign that your teeth are pulling away from the gum line
Loose teeth

If you have any of these signs, you could have periodontal disease, which begins with gingivitis (gum inflammation) and progresses to periodontitis, which can become very serious and could lead to tooth loss if not treated.

How is Periodontal Disease Diagnosed?

To diagnose the problem, we will use a special probe to measure how much the gums have pulled away from your teeth. The test usually doesn't cause any discomfort or pain. Digital dental x-rays may also be required to check for bone loss. If we feel that the pockets are too deep to be treated by a standard cleaning, deep teeth cleaning will be recommended as part of your care plan.

Is Deep Teeth Cleaning Painful?

Deep teeth cleanings normally do not cause much discomfort, however a local anesthetic will be used to numb the gums. After the cleaning, you may notice your gums are more tender than usual, and some slight bleeding may occur, which is normal and should subside quickly.

What Should I Tell My Dentist Before a Deep Teeth Cleaning?

If you are taking any type of blood-thinning medication such as Plavix, Warfarin, or Pradaxa, or if you are on a daily low-dose aspirin regimen, you should let us know when you schedule your deep teeth cleaning appointment. However, you should not stop taking any medication without consulting with the prescribing physician first.

How Should I Prepare for My Deep Dental Cleaning Appointment?

When you schedule your appointment with us for your deep dental cleaning, we will ask you several questions about your health history. As with any dental procedure, you may need to check with your doctor if you have certain medical conditions to make sure that you don't need antibiotics prior to your appointment (as a precaution).

How Do Deep Dental Cleanings Work?

Deep dental treatments are usually performed in "quadrants" of the mouth: upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left. You will probably not get all quadrants done at the same time. First, we will inject a topical anesthetic in the area to prevent any pain or discomfort. Then, our dental hygienist will work with traditional metal dental tools before using an ultrasonic device to clean deep under the gum line.

What Do Deep Dental Cleaning Treatments Cost?

Deep dental treatments are charged by quadrants, and these costs can range from $150 to $250 per quadrant. Your dental insurance may cover some or all of this service.

What Should I Expect After a Deep Teeth Cleaning?

For the first few days after the cleaning, your teeth will be sensitive to hot or cold. It can take some individuals a few weeks before all the sensitivity goes away completely. Our team will provide you with information on ways to help with the sensitivity, such as using a special mouth rinse, desensitizing toothpaste, or over the counter pain medication if any discomfort occurs.

How Should I Care for My Teeth at Home After My Deep Teeth Cleaning?

We will provide you with home care instructions following your deep teeth cleaning procedure. You will also need to schedule a follow-up appointment between 4 to 6 weeks after the cleaning to check the condition of your teeth and gums. It may be suggested that you come in more frequently for standard cleanings after your deep teeth cleaning appointment to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy. This will help to promote healing and prevent any new infections from occurring.

Most patients respond well to deep teeth cleaning treatments. It's important to follow the instructions for home care following your cleaning appointment very carefully. By doing so, you can help ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy and free from infection. Over time, the pockets that formed will begin to shrink, and you can start to enjoy having a much healthier and beautiful smile.

Meet Dr. Omid

Dr. Omid Barkhordar, DDS has earned his reputation as a leading family and cosmetic dentist in Santa Barbara, the Central Coast, and Southern California. He is committed to providing patients of all ages with compassionate care.

From general dentistry to advanced procedures, Dr. Omid uses innovative technology and gentle techniques to deliver safe and stress-free dental care so patients can enjoy a painless, healthy, and gorgeous smile.

Dr. Omid earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Southern California (USC) School of Dentistry in one of the best dental programs in the United States. His dedication to helping patients achieve their perfect smile has earned Dr. Omid the continued trust and recommendation of many clients.

No matter the age or needs of the patient, Dr. Omid is committed to helping you discover the benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile.

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