General Dentistry
Deep Cleaning
Scaling and root planing — the most effective non-surgical treatment for gum disease.
Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning
A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth above and just below the gumline. A deep cleaning goes further — it cleans below the gumline, down to the root surface, removing bacteria and tartar buildup that has accumulated in the pockets between your teeth and gums. It's the first-line treatment for gum disease and is often the key to stopping bone and tissue loss before it becomes irreversible.
Signs You May Need a Deep Cleaning
What to Expect
Periodontal Exam
We measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth using a small probe. Pockets deeper than 4mm typically indicate gum disease.
Local Anesthesia
The area is numbed so you're completely comfortable throughout the procedure. Most patients feel only mild pressure.
Scaling
We use ultrasonic and hand instruments to remove tartar and bacteria from below the gumline and from the root surfaces.
Root Planing
The root surfaces are smoothed to remove rough spots where bacteria like to cling, helping your gums reattach to the tooth.
Antibiotic Treatment
In some cases, we place a slow-release antibiotic directly into the pockets to help eliminate remaining bacteria.
Follow-Up Visit
We schedule a follow-up 4–6 weeks later to measure your pockets again and confirm your gums are healing properly.
What to Expect After
Some tenderness and sensitivity for a few days after deep cleaning is normal. Your gums may look like they've receded slightly as the swelling goes down — this is a sign of healing, not damage. Most patients notice significantly healthier gums within a few weeks. Maintaining regular 3–4 month periodontal maintenance cleanings is essential to keeping gum disease from returning.
Protect Your Gums Before It's Too Late
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults — but it's treatable. Call us today to schedule your periodontal evaluation.