Deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing (SCRP), is a dental procedure that prevents and treats gum disease. Unlike regular cleanings, which focus on the surface of teeth, deep cleaning targets the spaces below the gumline. If untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss and other serious health problems.

Periodontal disease, often painless in its early stages, can escalate quickly without noticeable symptoms. Deep cleaning not only removes plaque and tartar from teeth surfaces but also smooths the roots to help gums reattach.

If you have been diagnosed with gum disease or seek a thorough dental cleaning, consult an experienced dentist.

An Overview of Deep Teeth Cleaning

Scaling and root planing combat periodontal disease by addressing plaque and tartar buildup below the gumline.

Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the surface of the teeth and below the gumline. Plaque and tartar can harbor harmful bacteria that cause gum inflammation and periodontal disease. Dentists use specialized instruments, including ultrasonic scalers and hand-held tools, to clean these areas.

Root planing is the process of smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth. This procedure helps remove any remaining bacteria and toxins, making it harder for plaque and tartar to reattach. Smoothing the roots also allows the gums to heal and reattach more firmly to the teeth, reducing pocket depth and preventing further periodontal issues.

Why Deep Cleanings are Necessary

Deep cleaning is the ideal treatment method if you show signs of periodontal disease. Deep cleanings are essential because they do the following:

  • Prevent Periodontal Disease

The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) states that periodontal disease affects nearly 50% of adults over 30 in the United States. Periodontal disease is a serious infection of the gums that can damage the soft tissue.

Common symptoms of periodontal disease are:

  1. Red, swollen, or tender gums
  2. Bleeding gums
  3. Persistent bad breath (halitosis)
  4. Receding gums
  5. Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
  6. Loose or shifting teeth
  7. Pus between teeth and gums
  8. Changes in bite or dental alignment

Without treatment, the disease destroys the bone supporting your teeth. SCRP helps prevent the progression of this disease by removing plaque and tartar from below the gumline, where harmful bacteria thrive.

  • Reduce Gum Inflammation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights that managing gum inflammation early is key to preventing more severe dental issues. Gum inflammation, or gingivitis, is the initial stage of periodontal disease. It is characterized by red, swollen, and bleeding gums.

If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss. Deep cleanings reduce gum inflammation by eliminating the bacterial toxins causing the irritation.

  • Eliminate Bacteria and Toxins

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. When not removed, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed through professional dental cleanings.

Plaque and tartar bacteria produce toxins that irritate the gums and lead to periodontal disease. Deep cleanings target these harmful substances below the gumline, where regular brushing and flossing cannot reach.

  • Promote Gum Reattachment

Periodontal disease can cause gums to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets where bacteria accumulate. These pockets make it even harder to keep the area clean and can lead to further gum recession and bone loss.

Deep cleanings, specifically root planing, smooth out the roots of the teeth, allowing gums to reattach and heal properly. This process reduces pocket depth and helps restore gum health.

  • Prevent Tooth Loss

Advanced periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Deep cleanings can address the disease early and prevent significant damage to the gums and bones that support teeth.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) emphasizes that preventing tooth loss through early intervention maintains oral function, preserves aesthetics, and improves overall quality of life.

Preparation for A Deep Cleaning Procedure 

Preparing for a deep cleaning procedure ensures its effectiveness and comfort. Proper preparation involves understanding the procedure, following pre-appointment instructions, and addressing concerns with your dentist.

Before deep cleaning, you will have an initial consultation with your dentist. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and medical history during this appointment.

A thorough examination of your teeth and gums will help determine the extent of periodontal disease and the need for deep cleaning. Discussing your medical history, including current medications and underlying health conditions, helps your dentist plan the safest and most effective treatment.

Moreover, your dentist will provide specific instructions before your deep cleaning procedure. These may include medications, dietary guidelines, and oral hygiene practices.

Therefore, if antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection, take them as directed. Inform your dentist if you are taking blood thinners, as you may need to adjust your dosage temporarily.

You should plan and schedule your SCRP appointment in advance. Deep cleaning procedures typically take longer than regular cleanings, requiring multiple visits. Plan your schedule accordingly to allow sufficient time for each session. It is advisable that if you opt for sedation, arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment, as you may feel drowsy afterward.

Check with your dental insurer if deep cleaning is covered under your plan. Some policies cover some or all costs, especially if the procedure is medically necessary. If you do not have insurance or your coverage is limited, inquire about payment plans or financing options offered by your dental office.

Deep Cleaning Procedure

Below are the various stages involved in a  deep cleaning procedure, from initial examinations to post-cleaning applications:

  • Examinations, Imaging Tests, and Gum Charting

Before the deep cleaning process begins, your dentist will thoroughly examine your oral cavity, looking for signs of gum disease, such as swelling, redness, and bleeding. In this stage, dental X-rays are used to visualize the bone structure around your teeth and identify any bone loss or other issues not visible during the clinical examination. X-rays help identify areas that require attention during deep cleaning.

You could also undergo gum charting, in which the dentist measures the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth using a periodontal probe. Healthy pockets are typically 1-3 mm deep, and pockets deeper than this indicate gum disease. Charting these measurements helps plan targeted cleaning areas.

  • Numbing Gel or Local Anesthesia

Before administering local anesthesia, a numbing gel may be applied to the gums. This gel desensitizes the surface tissue, making the injection process more comfortable.

Local anesthesia is injected into the treatment area to numb the gums and surrounding tissues. This ensures you do not feel pain during the scaling and root planing process. The anesthesia typically takes a few minutes and lasts throughout the procedure.

  • Optional Sedation Using Nitrous Oxide

For patients with significant dental anxiety or those undergoing extensive deep cleaning, sedation options such as nitrous oxide are available.

Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative that helps you relax while remaining awake and responsive. Administered through a mask placed over your nose, it takes effect quickly and wears off quickly once the procedure is completed.

  • Ultrasonic and Hand Teeth Scaling

The actual cleaning process involves using an ultrasonic scaler. The tool uses high-frequency vibrations to break up and remove large deposits of plaque and tartar. It also sprays a cooling mist of water to wash away debris.

Following ultrasonic scaling, hand-held instruments called curettes and scalers are used to thoroughly clean the tooth surfaces. Hand scaling allows for precision, ensuring all areas, especially those the ultrasonic scaler may have missed, are thoroughly cleaned.

  • Localized Antibiotic Application Or Irrigation

In cases of significant infection, localized antibiotics such as Arestin (minocycline) may be placed directly into the periodontal pockets. These antibiotics reduce bacteria levels and inflammation, supporting the healing process.

Irrigation involves flushing the periodontal pockets with an antimicrobial solution. This helps eliminate residual bacteria and debris, further reducing the risk of infection and promoting gum health. Common solutions include chlorhexidine or a diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse.

Why Might You Need A Deep Teeth Cleaning?

There are several indicators that you might need this procedure, ranging from previous gum disease diagnoses to persistent symptoms like bleeding gums and bad breath. These include:

Previous Gum Disease Diagnosis

If you have previously been diagnosed with gum disease, you are at a higher risk of recurrent oral health issues that may necessitate deep teeth cleaning.

Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is a chronic condition that can be managed but not completely cured. Regular deep cleanings are essential in managing the disease by removing bacterial buildup that leads to inflammation and infection.

Deep cleaning helps treat existing infections and prevents future bacterial growth, helping control gum disease.

Gum inflammation

Gum inflammation, also known as gingivitis, is one of the earliest signs of gum disease and a clear indicator that you might need a deep cleaning. Gingivitis occurs when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, accumulates on your teeth and gums, causing them to become red, swollen, and prone to bleeding.

If you do not treat it, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can cause tooth loss and other serious health issues. Deep cleaning is an effective treatment for gum inflammation as it involves removing plaque and tartar deposits from both above and below the gumline, which are the primary causes of the inflammation.

Common signs of gum inflammation that may indicate the need for a deep cleaning include:

  • Red, swollen gums
  • Bleeding gums, especially during brushing or flossing
  • Inflamed gums that are sore or tender to the touch
  • Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth

Large Pockets at the Gumline

Large pockets at the gumline indicate that you might need a deep cleaning. These periodontal pockets form when the gums detach from the teeth, creating spaces that trap bacteria and debris. If untreated, these pockets can lead to severe periodontal disease and tooth loss.

Periodontal pockets develop due to several factors, primarily linked to gum disease. If plaque buildup is not removed through regular brushing and flossing, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional. Tartar buildup can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming pockets.

Chronic inflammation from gum disease can cause the gums to detach from the teeth, forming pockets. Advanced periodontal disease can also cause the underlying bone structure to deteriorate, further deepening the pockets.

During a dental examination, your dentist measures the depth of the pockets around each tooth using a periodontal probe. Healthy gums typically have pockets measuring 1-3 millimeters in depth. Pockets deeper than 4 millimeters indicate gum disease and may require a deep cleaning procedure.

Scaling and root planing can reduce the depth of these pockets, making it easier to maintain oral hygiene and prevent further disease progression. Moreover, smoothing the root surfaces helps the gums reattach to the teeth, reducing the size of the pockets and improving gum health.

Receding gums

Receding gums are a prevalent dental issue in which the gum tissue around teeth wears away, exposing more of the teeth’ roots. This condition can indicate that you need a deep cleaning, especially if it is caused by gum disease. Receding gums not only affect the appearance of your smile but also increase the risk of tooth decay and loss due to the exposure of the tooth's vulnerable parts.

Gum disease is the most common cause of receding gums. This condition results from a bacterial infection that destroys gum tissue and jaw bones. Inadequate brushing, flossing, and not visiting the dentist regularly can lead to plaque buildup and gum disease.

Deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is an effective treatment for receding gums, particularly when caused by gum disease. This procedure helps to remove the plaque and tartar buildup from below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces, making it harder for bacteria to adhere and cause further damage.

Removing plaque and tartar helps reduce inflammation that contributes to gum recession. Specifically, scaling and root planing can slow down or even stop the progression of gum recession by maintaining a clean and healthy environment for the gums. Smoothing the root surfaces promotes reattachment of the gums to the teeth, which helps to reduce the pockets that can form between the teeth and gums.

Bad Breath/ Halitosis

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is more than an embarrassing social issue. It can indicate underlying dental problems, like gum disease, that may require deep cleaning.

Persistent bad breath is often caused by accumulated bacteria in the mouth, particularly below the gumline, where regular brushing and flossing cannot reach. Bacteria can also accumulate in pockets formed by receding gums, producing foul-smelling compounds.

Deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, helps remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gum line, addressing the root causes of bad breath. Deep cleaning reduces the depth of gum pockets where bacteria thrive by smoothing the root surfaces and allowing gums to reattach to the teeth.

Brittle or Chipping Teeth

Brittle or chipped teeth are another sign you need deep cleaning. While the immediate concern might be your teeth's structural integrity, the underlying cause often relates to oral health issues, particularly gum disease and tartar buildup, which a deep cleaning can address.

Several factors can contribute to teeth becoming brittle or prone to chipping. Enamel is the hard, protective outer layer of the tooth. When it erodes due to acidic foods, beverages, or stomach acid, teeth become more susceptible to damage.

Periodontal disease can weaken teeth' supporting structures, making them more likely to chip or fracture. Tartar accumulation can exacerbate gum disease and weaken teeth.

Eliminating tartar and plaque helps prevent gum disease and decay, which can weaken teeth. Also, treating gum disease through deep cleaning can strengthen the gums and the supporting structures of the teeth.

Tartar Buildup

Tartar buildup, also known as dental calculus, is a hardened deposit that forms on the teeth when plaque is not adequately removed. Tartar makes it difficult to maintain oral hygiene and provides a breeding ground for bacteria, contributing to gum disease and tooth decay.

Tartar forms when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and food particles, remains on the teeth. Minerals from your saliva harden the plaque into tartar, which can only be removed by a dental professional.

Deep cleaning removes tartar from above and below the gumline, ensuring a thorough clean that regular brushing and flossing cannot achieve. Scaling effectively removes tartar from the teeth and roots, which helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay.

Removing tartar helps prevent gum disease progression, which can lead to more severe oral health issues if left untreated. Once tartar is removed, maintaining oral hygiene becomes easier, leading to better oral health.

Find a Aliso Viejo Dentist Near Me

Regular deep cleanings are essential for maintaining oral health and preventing periodontal disease. Do not wait until a dental issue becomes a major problem. Whether you need a routine check-up, a deep cleaning, or any other dental service, South Coast Dentistry is here to help. We offer comprehensive dental care tailored to meet your unique needs. Located in Aliso Viejo, we are dedicated to providing high-quality dental cleaning services to ensure your smile stays healthy and bright. Call us at 949-274-9086  to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, brighter smile.