If your dentist or periodontist has recommended a deep cleaning, you might be wondering how it differs from the regular cleanings you’re used to.
Regular Cleaning (Prophylaxis)
A regular dental cleaning is designed for patients with healthy gums. It focuses on removing plaque, tartar, and stains from above the gum line. This is typically done every 6 months to maintain oral hygiene and prevent gum disease.
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)
A deep cleaning is a non-surgical periodontal treatment for patients with early to moderate gum disease. It goes beyond the surface:
- Scaling removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line.
- Root planing smooths the tooth roots, helping the gums reattach and heal properly.
This process may be done over one or more visits and may require local anesthesia for comfort.
Why It Matters
Gum disease can lead to bone loss and even tooth loss if left untreated. Deep cleaning helps halt the progression and supports healing—it’s the first step in restoring gum health.
If you’ve been told you need a deep cleaning, don’t delay. Your gums are the foundation of your smile—let’s keep them strong.
Need to schedule an exam or have questions about gum treatment? Contact our office today.


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Scaling and root planing is a teeth cleaning above and below the gum-line all the way down to the bottom of the pockets of the teeth. The scaling part is when your dentist or hygienist removes all the plaque and tartar from your teeth and the root planing part is the smoothing out of your teeth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth. For some, this deep cleaning, may take more than one visit to complete and may require a local anesthetic.