A deep cleaning is a dental procedure recommended by dentists to prevent tartar (calculus) that forms between the teeth and gums from moving below the gumline and causing periodontal disease.
Periodontal disease damages the jawbone and the gum tissues that support the teeth, leading to the formation of periodontal pockets around the teeth.
Bacterial plaque, also called biofilm, forms on natural or implanted teeth, both above and below the gumline, often due to the consumption of sugary and carbohydrate-rich foods. These transparent, sticky biofilm structures are invisible to the naked eye, but over time, they calcify by binding with minerals from food and saliva. Tartar is the calcified biofilm layer.
Because tartar accumulation in the pockets between teeth and gums can cause various dental problems, it must be cleaned by a specialized dentist. If tartar is not removed, the consequences can progress up to tooth loss.
Tartar can form due to poor oral hygiene or due to existing gum disease. Tartar found in pockets greater than 3 mm between the tooth and gum and approaching the tooth root should be removed, as this indicates a risk of early periodontal disease.
Patients who do not seek early treatment usually request an examination when they experience symptoms such as bleeding gums, gum swelling, gingival inflammation, loosening of teeth due to gum detachment, pain while chewing, tooth sensitivity, gum recession, bad breath, and staining or discoloration of teeth. After a comprehensive examination, the dentist recommends a deep cleaning procedure suited to the patient’s condition.
The technological and professional instruments used during deep cleaning do not damage natural teeth, implants, gums, or other prosthetic or aesthetic dental work. Deep cleaning aims to remove tartar around the teeth and both above and below the gumline. With older devices, manual force was used, which could scratch the tooth surface during treatment.
The treatment consists of at least two sessions, depending on the patient’s condition. X-rays are taken to determine the extent of damage to the teeth and bone and to assess whether the cleaning may lead to tooth instability or loss. Local anesthesia is applied to prevent pain during the procedure.
First, a tooth staining technique is used to make the biofilm visible. This allows the invisible layer to be detected and the cleaning process to begin.
An antimicrobial solution, adjusted to the proper temperature, is sprayed using professional tools, destroying all biofilm layers and early tartar deposits. Hardened tartar located above and below the gumline can be softened and removed painlessly using an ultrasonic vibrating device that simultaneously sprays solution. Thanks to ultrasonic vibration, tartar in hard-to-reach areas can be removed easily.
After cleaning, it is expected that the pockets once filled with biofilm and tartar will shrink, and the gums will reattach firmly to the tooth. To avoid needing future deep cleanings, patients should pay attention to oral hygiene and diet.
Following the procedure, gum bleeding, discomfort, and sensitivity may occur for about a week. During this period, teeth and gums should be treated more gently.
At the follow-up appointment set by the dentist, the pocket depth should be measured again, and a general evaluation should be performed.
