What is a Deep Cleaning and Why Would I Need One?

Undergoing a professional teeth cleaning every six months is one of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce your risk of cavities and periodontal disease.

However, if you have severe plaque buildup or gum inflammation that’s impacting your oral health, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning.

At Willow Glen Dental Center in San Jose, California, our experienced team provides deep cleanings to people with gum disease.

This article explains what a deep cleaning is, who can benefit from it, and what to expect during the procedure.

The role of deep cleanings in oral health

A deep cleaning, sometimes called scaling and root planing, is a dental procedure used to treat gum disease. Instead of removing plaque from the visible surfaces of your teeth, it goes a step further, removing plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from beneath your gums.

Removing plaque from beneath your gums helps prevent additional tissue damage, keeps your gums from receding, and addresses inflammation at the source. Together, these factors can improve your oral health and prevent gum disease from worsening.

Signs you may need a deep cleaning

In most cases, regular preventive cleanings are enough to keep the teeth and gums healthy.

We typically recommend deep cleanings to people with gum disease. Signs that you may benefit include:

Red, swollen, or tender gums
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Persistent bad breath
Gum recession
Deep pockets between your teeth and gums
Loose teeth

The best way to determine if a deep cleaning is right for you is to undergo a dental exam and X-rays. After measuring your periodontal (gum) pockets and assessing your gum health, we can make personalized treatment recommendations.

What to expect during a deep cleaning

A deep cleaning is typically completed over several appointments. The number and length of your visits will depend on the severity of the plaque buildup.

Before starting, we numb your mouth with a local anesthetic, like lidocaine, to ensure a comfortable experience.

After the anesthetic sets in, the procedure involves two parts:

Scaling

First, a dental hygienist uses handheld tools, such as an ultrasonic debrider, to remove hardened plaque and tartar from above and below your gumline. The cleaning process extends all the way down to your tooth roots.

Root planing

Next, your dental hygienist smooths out any rough spots on your tooth roots. That makes it harder for plaque and bacteria to collect and helps your gum tissue reattach to your teeth.

Because a deep cleaning is a multi-step process, we typically break the mouth into four quadrants: upper right, upper left, lower right, and lower left. The first session usually cleans two quadrants, while the second cleans the remaining two.

Recovery after a deep cleaning

After a deep cleaning, it’s normal to experience mild gum soreness and increased sensitivity. However, you shouldn’t need to change your diet or your daily routine. Taking an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, can provide relief.

Follow any recovery instructions we provide and continue brushing and flossing your teeth as you normally would. These preventive steps are crucial to prevent plaque and tartar from building up again.

Is it time to schedule a deep cleaning?

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease and want to prevent it from worsening, a deep cleaning can help. To see if you’re a candidate, contact Willow Glen Dental Center. Call our office or message us to schedule your visit today.