Reviewed by Dr. Chris Brett
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Reading time: four minutes
A dental deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, can help control gum disease before it causes further damage. By removing tartar and bacteria from below the gumline, treatment can reduce inflammation, help prevent further bone loss and lower the risk of loose teeth or tooth loss.
With two convenient locations in Aurora and Centennial, Periodontal Associates provides comprehensive periodontal and implant care to patients throughout the Denver metro area.
Table of Contents
What Is a Dental Deep Cleaning?
A dental deep cleaning is a nonsurgical treatment that removes buildup from above and below the gumline.
The procedure has two parts:
- Scaling removes plaque, tartar and bacteria from the teeth and periodontal pockets.
- Root planing smooths the root surfaces so they are easier to keep clean and the gums can heal against them.
Why Would You Need a Deep Cleaning?
A routine cleaning helps maintain healthy teeth and gums, but it cannot remove tartar from deep periodontal pockets. Once gum disease has progressed to periodontitis, home care and standard cleanings are no longer enough to control the infection.
A deep cleaning may be recommended when an exam reveals:
- Bleeding or inflamed gums
- Periodontal pockets around the teeth
- Tartar below the gumline
- Gum recession
- Bone loss
- Persistent bad breath caused by bacterial buildup
Bleeding gums do not always mean that scaling and root planing is necessary. Gingivitis may improve with better home care and a routine professional cleaning. A periodontal exam can show whether the disease has moved deeper and requires treatment below the gumline.
What Can a Deep Cleaning Accomplish?
The purpose of a deep cleaning is to address the bacteria behind gum inflammation, not simply clean the visible parts of the teeth. Removing tartar and bacteria from beneath the gums can:
- Reduce bleeding, swelling and inflammation
- Keep periodontal pockets from becoming deeper
- Slow or stop further bone loss
- Improve breath affected by bacterial buildup
- Make daily oral hygiene more effective
- Lower the risk of loose teeth and tooth loss
Scaling and root planing cannot restore bone that has already been lost. It can, however, bring the infection under control and give the gums a chance to heal. Treating gum disease at this stage may also reduce the likelihood of needing more involved care later.
How We Determine if You Need a Deep Cleaning
Our periodontists, Dr. Heller, Dr. Beckman, Dr. Thousand and Dr. Brett, have additional training focused on the gums and bone around the teeth. That experience helps them distinguish between inflammation that may improve with a routine cleaning and periodontal disease that requires more extensive treatment.
During a comprehensive periodontal exam, we measure the spaces around each tooth and check for bleeding, inflammation and tartar beneath the gums. X-rays help us see whether gum disease has begun to affect the supporting bone.
These findings show whether a routine cleaning is enough or scaling and root planing is needed in part or all of the mouth. After treatment, we check how the gums have responded and recommend maintenance or further periodontal therapy when necessary.
Find Out if a Deep Cleaning Is Right for You
If you have bleeding gums, gum recession, ongoing bad breath or signs of bone loss, a periodontal exam can determine whether a deep cleaning would help.
To book an appointment at our periodontal office in Aurora, call (303) 755-4500. To book an appointment at our periodontal office in Centennial, call (303) 795-5700
FAQ
How often should an adult get a deep teeth cleaning?
There is no set schedule for deep cleanings. Some adults need scaling and root planing once, followed by regular periodontal maintenance. Further treatment may be needed if gum disease remains active or returns.
How long does a deep cleaning take?
A deep cleaning may take one to two hours per appointment, depending on the number of teeth and areas being treated. Some people complete treatment in one visit, while others have each side of the mouth treated separately.
Is a deep cleaning the same as a regular cleaning?
No. A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above the gumline to maintain oral health. A deep cleaning reaches below the gums to treat periodontal pockets and clean the tooth roots.
Are deep cleanings necessary or an upsell?
Scaling and root planing should be recommended based on signs of gum disease, not simply as a more extensive cleaning. Your dentist or periodontist should be able to show you why it is needed, such as deep periodontal pockets, tartar below the gums or bone loss on X-rays. If you are unsure, you can also seek a second opinion from a periodontist.
