Deep Cleaning
Cleaning below the gum line, for gums that bleed or have pulled back.
What it is
A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, treats gum disease. A routine cleaning works above the gum line; a deep cleaning goes beneath it, removing bacteria and hardened deposits from the root surfaces and smoothing them so the gum can reattach. It is normally done under local anaesthetic, often one section of the mouth at a time.
When you might need it
- Gums bleed regularly when brushing
- Gums have pulled back and teeth look longer
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- A dentist has measured deep pockets around the teeth
- A tooth has begun to feel loose
What the appointment involves
- Measuring the pockets around each tooth
- Numbing of the area being treated
- Cleaning the root surfaces below the gum line
- A follow-up to see how the gums have responded
Afterwards
Gums are usually tender for a few days, and teeth can be sensitive to cold for a while because more of the root is exposed. Gum disease is controlled rather than cured, so regular maintenance cleanings matter more after this treatment than before it.
This page explains the procedure in general terms so you know what you are looking at. It is not a diagnosis and not a treatment plan. What is right for you depends on your own teeth, and that needs an examination.
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