What Is a Deep Cleaning? Understanding Scaling and Root Planing

A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is a specialized dental procedure used to treat gum disease (periodontitis). Unlike a routine dental cleaning, a deep cleaning targets bacteria and hardened buildup below the gumline where regular brushing, flossing, and standard cleanings cannot reach.

At Remedy Dentistry, deep cleanings are performed to help stop the progression of periodontal disease, reduce gum inflammation, and protect the bone supporting your teeth.

Why Deep Cleanings Are Needed

Healthy gums typically fit snugly around teeth with pocket depths of 1–3 mm. When bacteria accumulate under the gums, inflammation can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, forming deeper pockets.

These pockets trap bacteria and plaque that cannot be removed with home care alone. Over time, untreated gum disease can lead to:

  • Persistent bleeding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Gum recession
  • Bone loss around teeth
  • Loose teeth or tooth loss

Deep cleaning removes these bacteria and infected buildup so the gums can begin to heal.

According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, scaling and root planing significantly reduces periodontal pocket depth and harmful bacterial levels over time. (PubMed)

Other clinical evidence shows that periodontal debridement can reduce probing depths by approximately 1–2 mm and improve attachment levels in moderate to deep pockets, helping stabilize gum disease. (ScienceDirect)

Regular Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning

Understanding the difference between these two procedures helps patients know why a deep cleaning may be recommended.

Regular Dental Cleaning (Prophylaxis)

A routine cleaning focuses on preventing gum disease and cavities.

During a regular cleaning we:

  • Remove plaque and tartar above the gumline
  • Lightly clean slightly below the gumline
  • Polish teeth
  • Reinforce brushing and flossing habits

This is typically recommended every 6 months for patients with healthy gums.

Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

A deep cleaning treats active gum disease and involves cleaning deep below the gums.

This treatment includes:

  1. Scaling – removing plaque and tartar buildup from below the gumline and inside periodontal pockets.
  2. Root planing – smoothing the tooth root surfaces so gums can reattach and bacteria have fewer places to accumulate.

Because this treatment goes deeper under the gums, it is more thorough than a regular cleaning.

What Happens During Your Deep Cleaning Appointment

At Remedy Dentistry, we focus on both comfort and effectiveness.

Anesthesia Options

Patients may choose to have the area numbed with:

  • Local anesthesia
  • Topical anesthesia (numbing jelly)

This helps ensure the procedure is comfortable.

Targeting Harmful Bacteria

After cleaning the pockets, we may place Arestin® antibiotic microspheres directly into deeper periodontal pockets.

Arestin slowly releases medication that helps kill the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease.

Antibacterial Rinse

We typically prescribe chlorhexidine antimicrobial rinse following deep cleaning. This rinse helps:

  • Reduce bacterial levels
  • Promote healing of the gums
  • Prevent reinfection during the healing period

The Importance of Periodontal Maintenance (Re-Care)

Gum disease is a chronic condition, meaning it requires ongoing maintenance even after treatment.

After a deep cleaning, patients usually return for periodontal maintenance visits every 3–4 months. These visits allow us to:

  • Monitor pocket depths
  • Remove bacteria that accumulate in deeper areas
  • Prevent the disease from progressing again

Regular maintenance is critical to long-term success. Studies show that continued periodontal maintenance helps sustain reductions in pocket depth and bacterial levels after scaling and root planing. (PubMed)

Signs You May Need a Deep Cleaning

You may benefit from a periodontal evaluation if you notice:

  • Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Gum swelling or redness
  • Gum recession
  • Deep pockets around teeth
  • Bone loss seen on X-rays

Early treatment can prevent more advanced procedures such as gum surgery.

Protecting Your Oral Health

Deep cleaning is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for gum disease. By removing bacteria from below the gumline and maintaining regular periodontal care, many patients are able to stabilize their gum health and protect their teeth long-term.

At Remedy Dentistry, our goal is to help patients restore healthy gums and maintain their smiles for years to come.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you have been told you need a deep cleaning or are experiencing symptoms of gum disease, we’re here to help.

You can schedule your appointment online using the link below:

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