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Deep Teeth Cleaning

West Hollywood | Beverly Hills

Understanding the Importance of Deep Cleaning for Your Teeth

Most people tend to think more about the state of their teeth than the health of their gums, but the two are obviously connected, and the fact is that gingivitis and periodontal disease are the most frequent causes of lost teeth.

Even worse, gum problems can have a seriously adverse impact on an individual’s overall health, increasing the risk of heart disease and other serious health threats. Our West Hollywood Cosmetic Dentist, Dr. Borzoo Ahmadi DDS, wants patients to understand the signs that point to periodontal problems and to understand that there’s a lot that can be done to treat all types of gum disease, starting with a deep teeth cleaning.

What is Deep Teeth Cleaning?

At our practice in West Hollywood Deep teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a dental procedure that goes beyond the scope of regular cleaning. It involves the thorough removal of plaque and tartar buildup both above and below the gum line, reaching down to the pockets of the gums and the roots of the teeth. This process not only cleans the teeth but also smoothens the root surfaces, helping gums reattach to the teeth and reducing the depth of gum pockets. It's an essential treatment for combating periodontal disease and is recommended for individuals showing signs of significant gum inflammation and bone loss. Deep teeth cleaning is a proactive step towards maintaining oral health and preventing more severe dental issues.

Gum
Care Basics

The first and most important aspect of caring for your gums is basic dental hygiene, i.e., regular and thorough brushing and flossing. The next important thing is to keep a close eye on your gums to look for any of the following signs of possible trouble. These may include:

  • Gum pain
  • Bleeding gums
  • Discharge from gums
  • Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
  • Gums that look swollen or unusually red
  • Receding gums (appearing to separate from teeth)
  • Loosening of teeth or any unusual change in their appearance

If you see any of these symptoms, contact your dentist immediately and tell her about your situation. After a thorough examination, she will suggest any of a number of steps, from deep teeth cleaning to oral surgery, that will typically be able to restore the health of gums as well as teeth.

Preventing Periodontal Issues

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. In the case of periodontal issues that means thorough and regular (twice daily) brushing and flossing. It also means regular dental check-ups and teeth cleanings to deal with plaque and other issues that even the most thorough individual will usually miss. Whether you are concerned about possible periodontal issues, or want to make sure you avoid them entirely, it’s up to you to maintain a relationship with a qualified dentist. If you have not had a dental appointment within the last six months or longer, now is the time to get started. A deep teeth cleaning may be recommended if you haven't been seeing your dentist regularly.

Periodontal Scaling & Root Planing

Periodontal scaling and root planing are procedures used to treat periodontal disease. This is commonly known as a deep teeth cleaning.

When getting a deep teeth cleaning West Hollywood smile experts will carefully remove the hardened plaque near the gum line. This is where harmful bacteria can grow and cause damage to both the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. The treatment starts with scaling, during which special instruments are used to scrape tartar away from the teeth and gums. Root planing follows, which is a process of smoothing the surface of the tooth’s root in order to prevent bacteria from accumulating there in the future. Finally, an antibiotic is administered to ensure that no bacteria remain at the treatment site.

Did you know…

That you cannot brush or rinse away hardened plaque that causes periodontal disease? The only thing you can do is prevent is from accumulating by using good brushing and flossing habits. Once tartar has formed, the only way to remove it is via a professional dental or periodontal cleaning.

The Benefits of
Deep Teeth Cleaning

At our practice in West Hollywood deep teeth cleaning is more than just a routine dental procedure; it's a crucial part of maintaining oral health and ensuring long-lasting smile vibrancy. This specialized cleaning goes beyond what traditional brushing and regular cleanings can achieve, targeting the hidden areas prone to bacteria buildup.

Prevents Gum Disease

Removes plaque and tartar buildup that can lead to gingivitis and periodontitis, keeping your gums healthy.

Halts Tooth Decay Progression

By cleaning hard-to-reach areas, it prevents the progression of cavities and tooth decay.

Freshens Breath

Eliminates bacteria that cause bad breath, ensuring a fresher and more pleasant oral environment.

Brightens Your Smile

Helps remove stains and discoloration, leading to a brighter, more attractive smile.

Enhances Overall Health

Reduces the risk of oral bacteria contributing to other health issues like heart disease and diabetes.

Early Detection of Dental Issues

Regular deep cleanings allow your dentist to spot early signs of dental problems, ensuring timely intervention.

Remember, a deep teeth cleaning isn't just about aesthetics; it's a vital part of your health routine that offers long-term benefits for your smile and overall health.

Candidates for Deep Cleaning

It’s common to wonder why you might need this procedure now when a regular cleaning was fine before. The difference usually comes down to "pocket depth." Healthy gums fit snugly around the tooth. When bacteria build up, they irritate the gum tissue, causing it to pull away from the tooth and form pockets.

We typically recommend a deep teeth cleaning (clinically known as scaling and root planing) when we see:

Gum Lift West Hollywood

The Deep Cleaning Procedure

Think of a regular cleaning as dusting the shelves, while a deep cleaning is scrubbing the floors and corners. It goes below the gumline to remove the source of the infection. We usually break this down into two main steps:

Scaling

We remove plaque and tartar (calculus) from the tooth surface and, crucially, from the area below the gumline.

Root Planing

This is the smoothing step. Bacteria love rough surfaces. By smoothing out the root of the tooth, we make it harder for bacteria to stick in the future and easier for your gums to reattach firmly to the tooth.

We perform this using local anesthesia, so the area is completely numb. You shouldn’t feel pain during the process. Depending on the extent of the work needed, we might treat one quadrant of your mouth at a time or do one half in a single visit.

Recovery and Results

The body is resilient, and the gums generally heal quickly once the irritants are gone. You might feel some sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures for a few days after the numbing wears off. This is normal. Your gums might also feel a bit tender, but this usually subsides within a day or two.

The goal here is a reduction in pocket depth. When you come back for a follow-up, we want to see that the gums have tightened up and reattached to the teeth. The bleeding should stop, and the redness should fade to a healthy pink. Essentially, we are halting the progression of periodontal disease.

Aftercare: Protecting Your Investment

Once we’ve cleared out the infection, the ball is in your court to keep it away. Maintenance is key because bacteria will try to return.

  • Gentle Brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Aggressive scrubbing can irritate healing gums.
  • Saltwater Rinses: Rinsing with warm salt water a few times a day can soothe the tissue and help speed up healing.
  • Periodontal Maintenance: After a deep cleaning, we typically switch you from "regular" cleanings to periodontal maintenance visits. These usually happen every 3 to 4 months rather than 6, ensuring we catch any regression early.

Why Choose
Dr. Borzoo Ahmadi?

Dr. Borzoo Ahmadi combines clinical excellence with a genuine understanding of patient anxiety. He knows that being told you need a "deep cleaning" can sound intimidating.

Our practice serves the West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, CA area with a focus on transparency. You aren’t just a set of teeth to manage; you’re a person who deserves to feel confident in your smile. Dr. Ahmadi uses the latest ultrasonic technology to make the procedure as efficient and comfortable as possible, minimizing downtime so you can get back to your life.

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Cost and Insurance

We know the financial aspect is a major factor in your healthcare decisions. Deep teeth cleaning is a therapeutic procedure, not cosmetic, which means most dental insurance plans cover a significant portion of the cost (typically between 50% and 80%) Of course, this is depending on your specific plan and deductible.

Our office team is an expert at navigating these benefits. We’ll perform a benefits check before we start, so you have a clear estimate of your out-of-pocket responsibility. We believe in no surprises when it comes to the bill.

Deep Teeth Cleaning Frequently Asked Questions

Is a dental deep cleaning worth it?

Absolutely. It is the gold standard for stopping the progression of gum disease. Without it, the infection continues to destroy gum tissue and bone, eventually leading to loose teeth and tooth loss. It’s an investment in keeping your natural teeth for a lifetime.

What is the 2 2 2 rule for teeth?

The 2-2-2 rule is a simple guideline for maintaining oral health: Brush 2 times a day, for 2 minutes each time, and see your dentist 2 times a year. Following this rule helps prevent the plaque buildup that leads to the need for deep cleanings.

Is deep cleaning covered by insurance?

Yes, in most cases. Because periodontal disease is a medical infection, dental insurance usually categorizes scaling and root planing as a necessary basic or major service. Coverage varies, so we always verify with your provider first.

What to do if you can't afford a deep cleaning?

Talk to us. We understand that healthcare costs can be a burden. We offer various financing options, such as CareCredit, which allows you to break the cost into manageable monthly payments. Neglecting the treatment usually costs more in the long run due to tooth loss and restorative work, so we do our best to find a financial solution that works for you now.

How painful is deep cleaning?

It shouldn’t be painful. We use local anesthesia to numb the area thoroughly before we begin. You might feel pressure and vibration, but sharp pain isn't part of the experience. Afterward, any tenderness is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.

Serving West Hollywood and Beyond

Time to see a dentist? Let us introduce you to a new level of care at the practice of Dr. Borzoo Ahmadi, DDS, in West Hollywood, CA. Patients from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, and all over the world have unlocked more beautiful smiles and lasting oral health with our help. We can’t wait to show you your most confident smile. 

(310) 562-4746

9201 Sunset Blvd, Suite 710
West Hollywood, CA 90069

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(310) 562-4746

Mon - Thur: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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