Is bleeding after brushing normal—or is it your gums asking for help? A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is a proven, non-surgical way to treat gum disease, cut down bacterial buildup, and help your mouth heal.
What Is a Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning treats areas below the gumline where routine cleanings and home care can’t reach. Using specialized instruments, your clinician removes hardened tartar (calculus) and sticky plaque from root surfaces and smooths those roots so bacteria have fewer places to hide.
Two core steps:
- Scaling: Gently removes plaque and tartar from the tooth and root surfaces beneath the gums.
- Root planing: Smoothens the root surfaces to support healthy reattachment of the gums.
Signs You Might Need It
- Gums that bleed easily or look red and puffy
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Gum recession or teeth that look “longer”
- Periodontal probing depths showing pockets ≥4 mm
- Tartar visible along or under the gumline
Benefits You Can Feel (and Measure)
- Reduces gum inflammation and bleeding
- Lowers bacterial load, improving breath
- Helps protect bone and prevents further attachment loss
- Stabilizes the foundation for future work (e.g., fillings, crowns, implants)
What to Expect During Treatment
Your comfort comes first. Numbing the gums ensures you feel pressure and vibration but not pain. The appointment is typically completed in quadrants or halves of the mouth. Ultrasonic and hand instruments are used with plenty of irrigation. After, we review home care and give you a personalized plan.
Aftercare & Home Care
- Brush gently with a soft brush along the gumline
- Clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes
- Use any prescribed antimicrobial rinse as directed
- Expect temporary tenderness as gums heal
Maintenance Matters
Gum disease is chronic—it can be controlled but not cured. That’s why most patients transition to periodontal maintenance visits to keep pockets stable and prevent reinfection.
FAQs
Is a deep cleaning the same as a regular cleaning?
No. Routine cleanings clean above the gums. Deep cleanings treat the root surfaces below the gums to manage gum disease.
Will my gums grow back?
Healthy gums can re-tighten and shrink inflammation, but lost gum and bone don’t naturally “grow back.” The goal is to stop progression.
Does insurance cover it?
Many plans offer periodontal benefits. We’re happy to help verify your coverage.
How often will I need it?
Your periodontium is unique. We’ll recommend a schedule and maintenance plan based on your measurements and healing response.
Ready to get your gums healthy again? Contact Connect Periodontics and Implant Dentistry to schedule your evaluation for scaling and root planing