A deep dental cleaning goes further. It’s both diagnostic and therapeutic, reaching into areas where bacteria cause active infection. Because the goal is to stop disease progression, treatment may be completed over one to four visits depending on how many areas are involved and your comfort level. The American Dental Association notes that non-surgical periodontal therapy like scaling and root planing is a first-line, evidence-based approach for many patients with chronic periodontitis.
If you’re curious about what a standard cleaning looks like, you can skim our recent guide, What to Expect During a Professional Teeth Cleaning — it’s a helpful contrast to periodontal care when disease is present.
Do You Need It? Signs To Watch For
You can’t self-diagnose periodontitis at home, but these signs are worth a closer look:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen, or tender gum tissue
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Gum recession or teeth that look “longer”
- Spaces opening between teeth
- Loose teeth or changes in your bite
During a comprehensive exam, our team measures your periodontal pockets, checks gum inflammation, and reviews X-rays. If pockets are deeper than healthy limits and show tartar buildup, scaling and root planing may be recommended to halt the infection and protect your bone.
Is Scaling And Root Planing Painful?
Comfort is a priority. Most patients do well with local anesthesia to numb the treated area so you feel pressure and movement, not pain. If your gums are inflamed, they can be tender — numbing makes the experience much more comfortable. After treatment, it’s normal to have a little sensitivity, especially to cold, for a few days. We’ll share simple home tips to ease it: use a soft toothbrush, choose a toothpaste for sensitivity, and take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed unless your physician advises otherwise.
The ADA and broader periodontal literature support non-surgical therapy as an effective, conservative step that improves gum health and reduces pocket depths — without surgery for many cases.
What Happens During And After Treatment
During Your Visit
- We numb the area to keep you comfortable.
- The hygienist removes tartar and bacterial biofilm below the gumline.
- Root surfaces are smoothed so gums can heal and reattach.
- Depending on your needs, we may place a localized antimicrobial or recommend a specific rinse.
Aftercare At Home
- Expect mild tenderness for a day or two.
- Brush gently along the gumline twice a day.
- Floss daily or use an interdental brush as recommended.
- Rinse with salt water or a prescribed antimicrobial if advised.
- Keep your follow-up visit so we can re-measure your gums and track healing.
Many patients transition to a periodontal maintenance schedule — usually every three to four months — to keep bacteria at bay while tissues heal. That supportive care is key because once a person has had periodontitis, they remain at higher risk for recurrence even after successful therapy.
Will Insurance Cover A Deep Dental Cleaning?
Many dental plans provide benefits for scaling and root planing when clinical findings support the diagnosis. Coverage varies, so it’s smart to verify your plan specifics in advance. Our team can help you navigate benefits and financing options.
Why Treat Gum Disease Now — Not “Someday”
Periodontitis doesn’t just threaten teeth. It can impact chewing, nutrition, and quality of life, and it’s associated with several systemic conditions. Early, non-surgical treatment is far simpler than managing advanced disease or tooth loss later.
Quick FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
“Is A Deep Dental Cleaning Really Necessary?”
If periodontal measurements and X-rays show bone loss and deep pockets, yes. Scaling and root planing removes the infection where a regular cleaning can’t reach, giving your gums a chance to heal.
“How Long Does It Take?”
Many patients complete treatment in one to four visits, often numbing one or two quadrants per appointment for comfort. We’ll tailor the schedule to your needs and calendar.
“Will It Fix Bad Breath?”
Gum infection is a common source of persistent halitosis. By removing the bacteria and tartar below the gumline, breath often improves noticeably as tissues heal.
“What’s The Follow-Up?”
Expect a re-evaluation to measure pocket depths and a customized periodontal maintenance schedule. That ongoing care helps protect your investment in treatment.
Ready To Protect Your Smile?
If your gums bleed when you brush, feel swollen, or just don’t seem “right,” don’t wait. Early periodontal therapy can save teeth, reduce discomfort, and keep your mouth healthier for years to come.Call us or schedule with Millington Family Dentistry!