Also known as scaling and root planing, is a procedure thet treats gum disease and restore gum health. Unlike a regular cleaning,deep cleaning goes below the gums allowing your dentist or hygienist to remove harmful bacteria and buildup from the areas where gum disease starts.
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It progresses in stages, starting with gingivitis (mild inflammation) and potentially leading to periodontitis (severe inflammation and bone loss). Deep cleaning is a crucial step in managing and treating patients who have signs of gum infection, bone loss, or gum pockets that trap bacteria.
Scaling and Root Planing
Your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning if you show signs of periodontal (gum) disease. Common symptoms include gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, swelling, or redness. Patients may also experience chronic bad breath, gum recession, or loose teeth.
During your dental exam, your dentist may measure the “pockets” between your teeth and gums. If these pockets are deeper than 4 millimeters, bacteria can settle in and cause damage that a regular cleaning cannot fix. Deep cleanings are essential because they stop gum disease from progressing and help protect your teeth from becoming loose or falling out.
Cleanings also allow your dentist to spot early signs of dental issues before they become painful or expensive to fix. In short, professional cleanings are one of the simplest ways to protect your smile for years to come.
What Happens During a Deep Cleaning?
1. Local Anesthesia
Because deep cleanings are more extensive than a regular cleaning, your dentist may numb the area with local anesthesia to ensure you are completely comfortable. This makes the process easier and less stressful for patients, especially if multiple areas need treatment.
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2. Scaling
In this step, your dentist or hygienist carefully removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the surfaces of your teeth, both above and below the gumline. Special instruments are used to reach the deep pockets where regular brushing and flossing cannot. Removing this buildup reduces infection and inflammation in the gums.​
3. Root Planing
After scaling, the roots of your teeth are smoothed through a process called root planing. When roots are rough, it is easier for bacteria to attach and cause infection. By smoothing them, gums can reattach more tightly to the teeth, reducing the depth of gum pockets and creating a healthier environment.
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4. Follow-Up Visits
Depending on how advanced your gum disease is, your dentist may recommend dividing the treatment into two or more appointments. After the deep cleaning is complete, follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor healing and make sure the gums are improving. In some cases, more frequent maintenance cleanings (every 3–4 months) may be needed to keep gum disease under control.
How to Care at Home After a Deep Cleaning
After your deep cleaning, it’s important to follow good home care to help your gums heal and to prevent gum disease from returning. Brush your teeth gently but thoroughly at least twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid irritating sensitive gums. Floss once a day, but be careful around the treated areas until they have healed. Your dentist may recommend rinsing with warm salt water or a medicated mouthwash to reduce swelling and kill bacteria.
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For the first 24 hours, stick to a softer diet to avoid irritating your gums. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and hard or spicy foods, as they can slow the healing process.
Regular cleanings vs Deep Cleanings
A regular cleaning is a preventive procedure that removes plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth and above the gumline. In contrast, a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, goes further to treat gum disease by removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline and smoothing the roots to help gums reattach to teeth.
While regular cleanings are part of routine oral care, deep cleanings are necessary when signs of gum disease, such as bleeding gums or bone loss, are present. Understanding the differences helps you maintain optimal dental health and prevent serious oral issues.
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