Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning: What’s the Difference?

Many patients are referred to our office after being told they need scaling and root planing. While this treatment is often called a deep cleaning, it is very different from a regular dental cleaning and is used to treat active gum disease.

With two convenient locations in Aurora and Centennial, Periodontal Associates provides comprehensive periodontal and implant care to patients throughout the Denver metro area.

What Is Involved in a Regular Dental Cleaning?

A regular dental cleaning, sometimes called a prophylaxis, is a preventive treatment performed to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from the teeth.

During a routine cleaning, the hygienist focuses on the visible surfaces of the teeth and along the gumline. The goal is to help prevent cavities and gum disease while maintaining overall oral health.

Regular dental cleanings are generally recommended for patients with healthy gums or those with a history of mild gingivitis that has been successfully managed.

What Is Involved in a Deep Dental Cleaning?

Scaling and root planing, often referred to as a deep dental cleaning, is a non-surgical periodontal treatment used to treat gum disease.

Like a regular dental cleaning, scaling and root planing removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the teeth. However, this treatment extends much deeper below the gumline to clean periodontal pockets that have formed as gum disease progresses. The procedure also smooths the root surfaces of the teeth, making it more difficult for bacteria to accumulate and allowing the gums to heal and reattach more effectively.

Scaling and root planing is often recommended when periodontal pockets have formed around the teeth due to gum disease.

The Main Difference Between a Regular Cleaning and Scaling and Root Planing

The biggest difference is the purpose of the treatment. A regular dental cleaning is designed to help prevent gum disease by removing plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of the teeth and along the gumline and in the shallower spaces between the teeth and gum.

Scaling and root planing is a periodontal treatment used after gum disease has developed. The procedure removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline and inside periodontal pockets where a regular cleaning cannot reach.

As periodontists, we recommend scaling and root planing when there is evidence of periodontal disease, such as pocketing, inflammation, bleeding, or bone loss around the teeth.

When Is Scaling and Root Planing Recommended?

During a periodontal exam, we measure pocket depths, assess gum inflammation, and evaluate bone levels to determine whether periodontal disease is present.

Signs that may indicate gum disease include:

• Bleeding gums
• Swollen or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Gum recession
• Loose teeth
• Deep periodontal pockets
• Bone loss visible on X-rays

Many patients are surprised to learn they have periodontal disease because symptoms are often mild during the early stages.

Can Scaling and Root Planing Reverse Gum Disease?

Scaling and root planing can often stop the progression of periodontal disease and improve gum health when performed early enough.

However, bone loss caused by advanced periodontitis cannot always be reversed. This is one reason why early diagnosis and treatment are so important.

Ongoing periodontal maintenance visits are often recommended after scaling and root planing to help maintain the results and reduce the risk of future disease progression.

Periodontal Therapy at Periodontal Associates

At Periodontal Associates,  Dr. Heller, Dr. Beckman, and Dr. Thousand take a comprehensive approach to treating gum disease. While scaling and root planing is often the first step in managing periodontal disease, treatment recommendations are based on each patient’s periodontal health, pocket depths, bone levels, and overall treatment goals.

Depending on the severity of the disease, periodontal therapy may include scaling and root planing, laser periodontal therapy, antimicrobial treatments, periodontal maintenance, or other procedures designed to control infection and support long-term gum health. 

We use advanced technologies, including Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers, to help provide individualized care and support healthy gums and bone.

Gum Disease Treatment in Aurora and Centennial, CO

If you have been told you need scaling and root planing or have concerns about your gum health, contact Periodontal Associates to schedule an evaluation. 

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.   

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