Implants
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Bone loss, diabetes, smoking or gum disease? Who can get implants, and how a 3D scan tells you.
4 min readBy Hiral Desai, DDS, MDS, D. ABDSM
Is a Deep Cleaning Necessary? Scaling and Root Planing Explained
Being told you need a "deep cleaning" can feel like an upsell. It isn't. It treats gum disease that a regular cleaning can't reach. Here is how to know if you need one, what happens, and what comes after.
The short answer
A deep cleaning is recommended when gum pockets are deeper than about 4 mm and tartar has built up below the gumline. It removes bacteria a regular cleaning can't reach without hurting and helps stop gum disease before it causes bone and tooth loss. Also, evidence suggests that periodic deep cleaning helps keep gum disease under control and helps maintain the bony support of the teeth, so you can enjoy chewing on your teeth without issues for years to come.
Key takeaways
Do
- Ask to see your pocket measurements
- Brush gently twice a day
- Floss daily
- Use interdental brushes
- Keep cleanings every 3 to 4 months afterwards
Don't
- Ignore bleeding gums
- Skip the deep cleaning if advised
- Smoke
Regular cleaning vs deep cleaning
| Regular cleaning | Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Healthy gums | Gum disease with deeper pockets |
| Where it cleans | Above and just below the gumline | Deep below the gumline, on the root surfaces |
| Numbing | Usually not needed | Usually used for comfort |
| Visits | One | Often 1 to 2 |
| Goal | Prevent problems | Stop gum disease and help gums reattach |
How do I know I need one?
We use three main checks.
Pocket depths
We gently measure the space between each tooth and gum. Healthy pockets are usually 1 to 3 mm. Pockets of about 4 mm or more, with tartar below the gumline, usually point to gum disease. Ask to see your numbers.
Bleeding
Gums that bleed when brushed, flossed or measured are inflamed. Bleeding is an early warning sign.
X-rays
X-rays show whether the bone around the teeth has started to shrink.
What happens during the visit?
Deep cleaning is done one section of the mouth at a time.
Numbing
The area is numbed so you stay comfortable.
Scaling
Tartar and bacteria are removed from the tooth and root surfaces below the gumline.
Root planing
The root surfaces are smoothed so the gums can heal and reattach more easily. We may follow with laser-assisted bacterial reduction to help with results.
Number of visits
Often 1 to 2 visits, depending on how many areas need treatment.
Want to see your gum measurements? Book a cleaning and exam.
Book a consultationDoes it hurt, and how long is recovery?
With numbing, most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Afterwards, gums can be tender and teeth a little sensitive for a few days. Warm salt-water rinses and gentle brushing help.
What does it cost, and does insurance cover it?
Many PPO plans cover part of a deep cleaning, and we check your benefits first. Without insurance, our in-house membership plan offers a discount on other treatment. Read No Dental Insurance? How Our Membership Plan Works in Tustin and Irvine.
What happens if I skip it?
Gum disease usually progresses quietly. Over time, pockets deepen, bone is lost and teeth can loosen.
How often do I need cleanings afterwards?
Most patients with a history of gum disease need cleanings every 3 to 4 months, rather than every 6, to keep it under control. A deep cleaning may need repeating every couple of years if pockets return.
Gum care in Tustin with periodontal training
Dr. Desai has postgraduate training in periodontics, so gum treatment is a core part of what we do. Our office is at 604 E 1st St in the Larwin Square Shopping Center in Tustin, near Irvine, City of Orange, Santa Ana and the rest of Orange County. Call (714) 505-9462 or book online.
Questions patients ask
Can a deep cleaning loosen teeth?
No. Teeth can feel slightly different once tartar is removed, but the cleaning treats the disease that loosens teeth.
Can I eat afterwards?
Yes, once the numbness wears off. Choose softer foods for a day if your gums feel tender.
How long does it take?
Often 1 to 2 visits, depending on how many areas need treatment.
Can gum disease come back?
Yes, which is why regular cleanings every 3 to 4 months and good home care matter.
Why do my gums bleed?
Bleeding usually means inflammation from plaque below the gumline. It is worth having checked.
Healthy gums protect everything else
Treating gum disease early protects your teeth, your bone and any future implants. Ask to see your pocket measurements at your next visit.
Sources: American Academy of Periodontology: Non-Surgical Treatments
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Does Our Office Take Your Insurance? Aetna, MetLife, Cigna, Delta Dental, UnitedHealthcare and More
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This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Book a visit for advice about your own teeth.