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Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) removes bacteria, tartar, and infected tissue below the gumline to treat gum disease and restore your oral health. Our thorough yet gentle approach stops disease progression and promotes healing.

  • Treat and prevent gum disease
  • Reach areas regular cleanings can't
  • Comfortable care with local anesthesia

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Understanding Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a specialized dental procedure designed to treat gum disease (periodontitis). Unlike regular dental cleanings, which focus on the visible portions of the teeth and just below the gumline, deep cleaning addresses the root causes of gum disease by thoroughly cleaning beneath the gumline where bacteria, plaque, and tartar accumulate in periodontal pockets. This non-surgical treatment removes harmful bacteria and smooths the tooth roots to help gum tissues heal and reattach to the teeth, effectively halting the progression of gum disease and protecting your oral health.

Signs You May Need Deep Cleaning

These symptoms may indicate you need a deep cleaning rather than a regular cleaning:

  • Bleeding Gums - Gums that bleed when brushing, flossing, or during dental exams
  • Receding Gums - Gums pulling away from teeth, making teeth appear longer
  • Deep Pockets - Periodontal measurements of 4mm or greater between teeth and gums
  • Persistent Bad Breath - Halitosis that doesn't improve with regular oral hygiene
  • Red or Swollen Gums - Inflamed, tender, or puffy gum tissue
  • Loose Teeth - Teeth that feel mobile or shifts in your bite

Our Deep Cleaning Approach

Our comprehensive deep cleaning protocol includes:

  • Thorough Assessment - Detailed examination with periodontal charting to measure pocket depths
  • Comfort-Focused Care - Local anesthesia and sedation options for a pain-free experience
  • Advanced Ultrasonic Technology - Gentle yet effective removal of deposits
  • Antimicrobial Treatments - Application of antibacterial agents to eliminate infection
  • Customized Home Care Instructions - Personalized guidance for optimal healing
  • Scheduled Maintenance - Ongoing periodontal care to maintain results

The Importance of Treating Gum Disease

Addressing gum disease promptly through deep cleaning is crucial for several reasons:

  • Prevent Tooth Loss - Untreated gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss
  • Protect Overall Health - Research links gum disease to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory issues, and other systemic conditions
  • Stop Disease Progression - Early intervention prevents more extensive, expensive treatments later
  • Eliminate Pain and Discomfort - Resolves symptoms like bleeding, swelling, and sensitivity

Deep cleaning is often the first and most conservative approach to treating gum disease before more invasive surgical options become necessary. With proper care and maintenance, many patients can successfully manage their periodontal health long-term after deep cleaning treatment.

The Deep Cleaning Process

Understanding what to expect during your scaling and root planing treatment

1

Comprehensive Examination

Before beginning deep cleaning, we perform a thorough examination of your gums using a periodontal probe to measure the depth of pockets around your teeth. Healthy gums have pockets of 1-3mm, while deeper pockets indicate gum disease. We also take detailed X-rays to assess bone levels and check for any other issues below the gumline. This examination helps us determine the extent of gum disease and develop a personalized treatment plan.

2

Preparation & Comfort Measures

To ensure your comfort during the procedure, we typically administer local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. For patients with dental anxiety, we also offer additional comfort options such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation. We'll discuss these options during your consultation based on your preferences and the extent of treatment needed. Before beginning, we may also take photographs to document your condition for comparison after treatment.

3

Scaling Procedure

The first part of deep cleaning is scaling, which involves removing all plaque and tartar (calculus) from above and below the gumline. Using specialized instruments including ultrasonic scalers and hand tools, we carefully clean all the way to the bottom of each periodontal pocket. Ultrasonic instruments use gentle vibration and water irrigation to break up and flush away deposits, while hand scalers help remove any remaining tartar. This process is more thorough than a regular cleaning, reaching areas that have been inaccessible during your home care.

4

Root Planing

After scaling, we perform root planing, which involves smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth. This process removes bacterial toxins and creates a clean, smooth surface that discourages further plaque and tartar buildup. Smooth root surfaces also help the gums reattach to the teeth as they heal, reducing pocket depths. We use specialized instruments designed to access the root surfaces without damaging the tooth structure. This step is crucial for creating an environment that promotes healing and discourages the return of gum disease.

5

Antimicrobial Treatment

To enhance the effectiveness of the deep cleaning, we may apply antimicrobial agents directly into the periodontal pockets. These medications help eliminate remaining bacteria and control infection. In some cases, we may place antibiotic fibers or gels in deeper pockets to provide sustained release of medication over several days. Additionally, we may irrigate the pockets with antimicrobial solutions to further reduce bacterial populations and promote healing of the gum tissue.

6

Follow-up Care & Maintenance

Deep cleaning is typically performed in multiple appointments, often treating one quadrant (quarter) of your mouth at each visit. After completing all sections, we'll schedule a follow-up appointment to evaluate your healing and measure your pocket depths again. Based on your response to treatment, we'll recommend an appropriate periodontal maintenance schedule, usually every 3-4 months rather than the standard 6-month cleaning interval. This increased frequency is crucial for maintaining the results of your deep cleaning and preventing the recurrence of gum disease.

Benefits of Deep Cleaning

Discover why deep cleaning is essential for treating and preventing gum disease

Stops Gum Disease Progression

Deep cleaning removes bacteria and tartar below the gumline that cause periodontitis, halting the progression of gum disease and preventing further damage to gum tissue and bone.

Promotes Gum Healing

By smoothing the tooth root surfaces, deep cleaning helps gum tissue reattach to the teeth, reducing pocket depths and creating a healthier environment for gum healing and regeneration.

Protects Your Teeth

Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Deep cleaning helps preserve your natural teeth by addressing the underlying infection and stabilizing the supporting structures.

Fresher Breath

The bacteria that cause gum disease also cause persistent bad breath. Deep cleaning removes these bacteria and their byproducts, significantly improving breath freshness.

Improves Overall Health

Research shows links between gum disease and conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory issues. Treating gum disease with deep cleaning may help reduce these systemic health risks.

Better Cleaning at Home

After deep cleaning, your at-home oral hygiene becomes more effective because there's less buildup and fewer deep pockets where bacteria can hide from your toothbrush and floss.

Schedule Your Consultation

We welcome new patients to our Peachtree City prosthodontic practice. Feel free to request an appointment or ask us any questions about our specialized services.

Office Hours

Monday - Friday: 8 AM–4 PM

Saturday - Sunday: Closed

Contact Information

Phone: (770) 631-0044

Fax: (770) 631-0045

Email: [email protected]

Our Location

Address:
5000 Shakerag Hill
Peachtree City, GA 30269

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Dental Emergencies

For dental emergencies, please call our office immediately:

(770) 631-0044

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Deep Cleaning FAQs

Common questions about deep cleaning procedures and aftercare

A regular dental cleaning (prophylaxis) focuses on cleaning the visible portions of the teeth above and slightly below the gumline, typically extending 1-3mm below the gum margin where healthy gums attach to teeth. This is appropriate for patients with healthy gums and no bone loss. Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), however, addresses gum disease by cleaning deeper periodontal pockets that have formed as gums detach from teeth due to inflammation and infection. This procedure reaches 4mm or deeper below the gumline to remove bacteria, tartar, and toxins from the root surfaces. Deep cleaning also includes smoothing the roots to help gums reattach and heal. While regular cleanings are preventive and typically performed every 6 months, deep cleanings are therapeutic treatments for existing gum disease.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during deep cleaning thanks to local anesthesia, which numbs the treatment area completely. We carefully administer anesthesia before beginning the procedure to ensure your comfort. For patients with dental anxiety or those requiring extensive treatment, we also offer additional sedation options. After the procedure, you may experience some sensitivity, minor discomfort, or slight gum tenderness for a few days as your gums begin healing. This is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and usually subsides within a week. Many patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is, especially compared to their expectations.
A deep cleaning is typically performed in multiple appointments to allow for proper treatment and comfort. Each appointment usually lasts 1-2 hours, depending on the extent of treatment needed. Most commonly, we divide your mouth into quadrants (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left) and treat one or two quadrants per appointment. This approach allows us to thoroughly clean each section while keeping appointment lengths comfortable for you. The complete treatment series is usually completed within 2-4 visits over several weeks. For patients with mild gum disease or those who prefer longer sessions, we can sometimes complete the treatment in fewer, longer appointments.
Several indicators suggest you might need a deep cleaning: Your dentist or hygienist has measured deeper gum pockets (4mm or greater) around your teeth during an exam. Your gums bleed easily during brushing, flossing, or dental exams. You have red, swollen, or tender gums. You've noticed your gums receding or your teeth looking longer. You have persistent bad breath that doesn't improve with regular brushing and mouthwash. Your teeth feel loose, or you've noticed changes in how your teeth fit together. You've been diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis (gum disease). Only a proper dental examination with periodontal measurements can definitively determine if you need a deep cleaning, so regular dental check-ups are essential.
Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) when it's deemed medically necessary to treat gum disease. This is because it's classified as a therapeutic treatment rather than just preventive care. Insurance typically covers about 50-80% of the cost after any deductibles. Coverage often requires documentation of periodontal disease, including pocket depth measurements and sometimes X-rays showing bone loss. Our office staff can verify your specific insurance benefits before treatment and provide a detailed estimate of your coverage and out-of-pocket costs. For patients without insurance or with limited coverage, we offer financing options to help make this important treatment affordable.
After deep cleaning, you can expect: Some tenderness and sensitivity for a few days, manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. Potential mild bleeding when brushing initially as gums begin healing. Teeth might feel more sensitive to temperature for 1-2 weeks. You'll need to follow specific aftercare instructions, including: Gentle but thorough brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Careful flossing daily, using proper technique around the gumline. Rinsing with prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash if recommended. Avoiding very hot, spicy, acidic, or hard/crunchy foods for a few days. We'll schedule a follow-up appointment about 4-6 weeks later to evaluate your healing, remeasure pocket depths, and determine your future maintenance schedule. Most patients transition to a 3-4 month periodontal maintenance schedule rather than the standard 6-month recall.
Deep cleaning is a safe, standard procedure with minimal risks when performed by qualified professionals. Potential temporary side effects include: Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures for a few days or weeks. Gum tenderness or minor discomfort for 24-72 hours. Slight bleeding during brushing initially. Gum recession as inflammation subsides (this actually reveals the true gumline as swelling decreases). In rare cases, patients might experience: Dental nerve irritation causing prolonged sensitivity (usually temporary). Infection (extremely rare with proper aftercare). Risks are significantly minimized by following aftercare instructions. The benefits of treating gum disease through deep cleaning far outweigh these potential short-term side effects, as untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss and has been linked to systemic health issues.
Declining recommended deep cleaning allows gum disease to progress, potentially leading to: Worsening gum inflammation, bleeding, and discomfort. Continued detachment of gums from teeth, creating deeper periodontal pockets. Progressive bone loss around teeth, eventually causing tooth mobility and tooth loss. Recurrent gum infections and abscesses. Increased risk of systemic health issues linked to periodontal disease, including heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory problems. Gum disease is typically painless in early stages, making it easy to ignore, but damage continues silently. Once bone loss occurs, it cannot be reversed, even with treatment. Deep cleaning can stop disease progression and prevent further damage, but postponing treatment often means more extensive, expensive procedures will be needed later.