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Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning can effectively treat gum disease, eliminate stubborn plaque, and safeguard against bone loss. Scaling and root planing target the root causes of gum issues, promoting healthier gums and teeth.

Caring For Your Whole Mouth

Why Choose The Dental Team for Deep Cleaning?

Whether it's time for a check-up or if you experience sore, swollen, or bleeding gums, our deep cleaning treatment goes beyond a standard cleaning to address serious issues proactively.

At our Brighton location, we offer thorough deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) to combat gum disease, reduce inflammation, and prevent bone deterioration. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss; however, with prompt care, we can help restore gum health and protect your smile. Our gentle and non-surgical deep cleaning technique eliminates harmful bacteria beneath the gumline, smooths the root surfaces, and helps avert further gum recession and bone damage.

If you experience bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or sensitivity in your gums, don't wait—schedule a deep cleaning now to preserve your oral health!

Deep Cleaning Overview

  • Combats Gum Disease – Targets harmful bacteria and infections from below the gumline
  • Prevents Bone & Tooth Loss – Decreases inflammation and protects against additional damage
  • Improves Oral Health After Long Absences – Boosts oral hygiene even after long intervals without dental check-ups
  • Smooths Root Surfaces – Facilitates proper healing and gum reattachment
  • Non-Surgical & Efficient – Offers a comfortable, all-encompassing treatment to restore gum health

Clean That Goes Deeper

What Is Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)?

A deep cleaning, known as scaling and root planing, removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from beneath the gumline. Unlike regular cleanings that focus on tooth surfaces, this treatment addresses the roots of teeth and nearby gum areas.

The procedure consists of two essential steps:

  1. Scaling – We eliminate hardened plaque and tartar deposits from below the gumline, removing harmful bacteria that cause inflammation.
  2. Root Planing – We smooth the root surfaces, helping gums reattach and heal efficiently, which minimizes further infection risk.

This method is often recommended for those with early to moderate gum disease, aiming to prevent its advancement into more severe conditions.

Smiling woman with long, flowing hair.

Getting Ahead of Gum Disease

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease (periodontal disease) is an oral bacterial infection that affects the gums and the bone structure that supports your teeth. Gum disease begins with mild symptoms but, when ignored, can lead to serious complications.

Stages of Gum Disease:

Gingivitis – In this early phase, symptoms include gum bleeding, bad breath, and mild swelling. At this point, gum disease can be reversed with professional cleanings and improved oral hygiene.

Periodontitis – This advanced stage involves gum recession, persistent bad breath, and spaces forming between teeth and gums. Deep cleaning is vital to remove bacteria and prevent further bone loss.

Advanced Periodontitis – The most severe stage leads to the deterioration of the bone supporting teeth, potentially causing loose or missing teeth. Surgical treatment might be necessary if not treated promptly.

If diagnosed with gum disease, undergoing a deep cleaning is essential to halt its progression and restore your oral health.

Simple, Stress-Free Steps

What is the Deep Cleaning procedure like?

We go above and beyond to make sure your deep cleaning experience is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Here's what you can expect:

  1. Comfortable Treatment – To guarantee your comfort, we may use a local anesthetic or numbing gel before starting the procedure.
  2. Scaling Below the Gumline – Using specialized tools, we remove tartar and plaque buildup from beneath the gumline, as well as between the teeth and gums.
  3. Smoothing the Root Surface – We meticulously smooth the root surfaces, helping to prevent bacteria from reattaching and supporting proper gum healing.
  4. Antibacterial Rinse or Medication – In some cases, we might apply an antimicrobial treatment, further reducing bacteria and promoting healing.

The procedure can be completed in either a single visit or two sessions, depending on the severity of gum disease. Most patients experience only

Dental illustration of tooth decay treatment process.

Preserving Your Oral Health

How can a deep cleaning benefit your oral health?

Are you questioning if you need more than the usual dental cleaning? Scaling and root planing might be necessary if you observe any of these symptoms:

  • Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
  • Swollen, red, or tender gums
  • Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste in the mouth
  • Receding gums (teeth appear longer)
  • Sensitivity near the gumline
  • Loose teeth or widening gaps between them

No matter how much time has passed since your last dental appointment, prioritizing oral health is always beneficial. Deep cleaning can refresh your gums and help prevent serious problems.

A Gentle Path to Lasting Health

Deep Cleaning Recovery & Aftercare

After undergoing a deep cleaning, you may notice your gums feeling a bit tender and sensitive for a brief time; however, this sensation will diminish. Follow these suggestions for a smooth recovery:

  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush gently and avoid irritation
  • Floss every day to prevent bacterial accumulation
  • Utilize a prescribed mouthwash or rinse with warm salt water to support healing
  • Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods temporarily
  • If necessary, use over-the-counter pain relievers for slight discomfort

The majority of patients notice healthier, pinker gums within weeks. With regular dental check-ups, you can maintain long-term oral health.

Patient smiling during dental examination with gloves.

Maintaining A Clean & Healthy Mouth

Strategies to Prevent Gum Disease After a Deep Cleaning

Undergoing a deep cleaning is just the beginning—consistent care is vital for keeping your gums healthy. Here are some ways to minimize gum disease risk:

  • Brush your teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss daily to remove plaque from between your teeth
  • Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to help control bacteria
  • Regular dental appointments are essential—your dentist may recommend maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months
  • Avoid smoking and tobacco use, as they increase the risk of gum disease

Following these recommendations can help you maintain healthy gums, reduce inflammation, and avoid the need for additional deep cleanings.

Deep Cleaning Frequently Asked Questions

No, a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is different from a standard dental cleaning. While regular cleanings focus on removing plaque and tartar from the teeth's surface, deep cleanings target bacteria, tartar, and infections below the gumline that contribute to gum disease. If you have bleeding gums, receding gums, or bone loss, this procedure may be necessary.

You may need a deep cleaning if you show symptoms of gum disease such as:

  • Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Gums receding from teeth (making teeth appear longer)
  • Sensitivity near the gumline
  • Loose teeth or widening gaps between them

If unsure, your dentist can check for gum pockets during an exam. Pockets deeper than 4mm usually suggest the need for a deep cleaning to prevent further harm to gums and bone.

A deep cleaning generally isn't painful; however, since it involves work beneath the gumline in Brighton clinics might use local anesthesia or numbing gel for comfort. Any soreness or sensitivity afterward is mild and typically subsides within several days.

This procedure usually requires two visits in Brighton dental offices; each session focuses on one side of your mouth. Each visit lasts about 45 minutes to an hour depending on how severe your gum condition is. Patients with minor issues might complete it in one appointment.

Your gums could feel sensitive after the procedure; thus soft foods are recommended:

  • Soups, yogurt, or mashed potatoes
  • Scrambled eggs or smoothies
  • Cooked vegetables and tender proteins

Avoid consuming hard or spicy foods for several days to minimize irritation.

Certainly! The process supports healing by removing bacteria and infection so that gums can reattach to teeth. With good oral care following treatment in Brighton practices suggest you'll see reduced inflammation and healthier gums within weeks.