What Is a Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning is different from your regular dental cleaning. While a routine cleaning focuses on the surface of your teeth and just below the gum line, a deep cleaning goes much deeper. The official name for this treatment is scaling and root planing, and it targets the area beneath your gums where harmful bacteria like to hide.
During this procedure, your dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar that have built up below the gum line. This buildup can cause serious problems if left untreated, including gum disease and even tooth loss.
How Does Deep Cleaning Work?
The deep cleaning process happens in two main steps:
Scaling: Your hygienist carefully removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line using special dental tools. This step cleans out the pockets that have formed between your teeth and gums.
Root Planing: Next, the roots of your teeth are smoothed out. This helps your gums reattach to your teeth properly and makes it harder for bacteria to stick around in the future.
We make sure you feel comfortable during the entire process. We offer sedation dentistry options for patients who feel nervous about dental treatments.
Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Regular Cleaning | Deep Cleaning |
| Frequency | Every 6 months | As needed based on gum health |
| Area Treated | Above gum line | Below gum line |
| Purpose | Prevention | Treatment for gum disease |
| Duration | 30-60 minutes | 1-2 hours (may need multiple visits) |
| Anesthesia | Usually not needed | May use local anesthesia |
Why Would I Need a Deep Cleaning?
You might need a deep cleaning if you have signs of periodontal disease. Here are some warning signs to watch for:
- Your gums bleed easily when you brush or floss
- You have persistent bad breath that won’t go away
- Your gums look red, swollen, or puffy
- Your teeth feel loose or have shifted position
- You notice changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite
- Your gums have pulled away from your teeth, creating pockets
Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that affects the gums and bone supporting your teeth. When these tissues become unhealthy, your teeth lose their strong foundation. The good news is that with proper gum treatments like scaling and root planing, it may be possible to return your gum tissue to a healthy state.
What Happens After a Deep Cleaning?
After your deep cleaning, your gums will start to heal and become healthier. Here’s what you can expect:
- Your gums may feel tender for a few days
- You might notice some sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Your gums will gradually become pinker and firmer
- Bad breath should improve significantly
- The pockets between your teeth and gums will shrink
Following your treatment, you’ll need to maintain your gum health with regular checkups and cleanings. Our team will work with you to create a maintenance plan that keeps your gums healthy for the long term.
How Can I Prevent Needing a Deep Cleaning?
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are some ways to keep your gums healthy:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time
- Floss every day to remove plaque between teeth
- Visit us for regular cleanings and checkups
- Avoid smoking, which increases your risk of gum disease
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Replace your toothbrush every three to four months
We also offer preventative treatments like dental sealants and digital x-rays to help catch problems early. Our digital radiography allows us to see very small issues before they become bigger problems, which means we can treat them preventatively.
What Other Services Support Healthy Gums?
We offer a full range of services to keep your mouth healthy:
- Routine checkups and oral cancer screening exams
- Preventative treatments including sealants and fluoride
- Fillings and laser fillings to treat cavities
- Crowns and bridges to restore damaged teeth
- Root canals when needed
- Sedation dentistry for anxious patients
Our experienced team uses the latest dental technology to provide the best care possible. We’re committed to studying the latest research and taking continuing education courses so we can offer Winchester families the most advanced treatments available.
Key Takeaways About Deep Cleaning
- Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) treats gum disease by cleaning below the gum line
- It’s different from regular cleaning because it targets deeper areas where bacteria hide
- You may need it if you have bleeding gums, bad breath, loose teeth, or gum pockets
- The procedure helps your gums heal and reattach to your teeth
- Regular dental visits and good home care can help prevent the need for deep cleaning
- We offer comfortable, effective gum treatments with modern technology
Take Control of Your Gum Health Today
Don’t wait until gum disease causes serious problems. If you’ve noticed any warning signs like bleeding gums or persistent bad breath, it’s time to schedule a checkup. Our caring team at Westover Family Dentistry in Winchester, VA, is ready to help you get your smile back on track.