Deep Cleaning to Remove Bacteria on Gums
If you have been told you need a deep cleaning, you may be wondering what that means and why it is different from a routine dental cleaning. A periodontal deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is a non-surgical treatment used to manage gum disease by removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline.
What is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning treatment designed for patients with gingivitis or periodontitis. Unlike a regular cleaning, which focuses on the surfaces of the teeth above the gums, scaling and root planing cleans deep below the gumline where harmful bacteria collect.
This treatment has two main parts:
- Scaling: Scaling removes plaque, tartar, and bacterial buildup from the tooth surfaces and from below the gums.
- Root Planing: Root planing smooths the root surfaces of the teeth. This helps the gum tissue heal and reattach more closely to the teeth, making it harder for bacteria to collect again.
Why Would You Need a Periodontal Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning is often recommended when there are signs of gum disease, especially when plaque and tartar have spread below the gumline and caused inflammation around the teeth.
You may need scaling and root planing if you have:
- Bleeding gums
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Gum recession
- Deep periodontal pockets
- Bone loss around the teeth
- Loose teeth
- A history of periodontal disease
When gum disease is caught early, non-surgical treatment like scaling and root planing can often help control the infection and prevent it from getting worse.
What Is the Difference Between a Regular Cleaning and a Deep Cleaning?
A routine dental cleaning is intended for patients with healthy gums or mild gingivitis. It removes plaque and tartar from above the gumline and helps maintain oral health.
A deep cleaning for gums goes further. It is used when bacteria, tartar, and inflammation have moved below the gumline into the periodontal pockets. At that point, a regular cleaning is usually not enough to manage the problem.
In short:
Regular Cleaning
- Preventive care
- For healthy gums or mild gingivitis
- Cleans above the gumline
Scaling and Root Planing
- Active gum disease treatment
- For deeper inflammation and periodontal pockets
- Cleans below the gumline and smooths root surfaces
What Happens During Scaling and Root Planing?
Before treatment, your periodontist or dental professional will examine your gums, measure the pocket depths around your teeth, and review X-rays if needed. This helps determine how advanced the gum disease is and which areas need treatment.
During the procedure:
- The area is numbed, so you stay comfortable
- Plaque and tartar are carefully removed from below the gumline
- The root surfaces are smoothed
- The mouth may be treated by section or by quadrant, depending on how much area needs care
Some patients complete treatment in one visit, while others need two or more visits.
Why Choose District Dental Surgery for Scaling and Root Planing?
At District Dental Surgery, we focus on treating the health of the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. Our team provides thorough, personalized periodontal care in a comfortable setting, with a focus on both immediate treatment and long-term stability.
We help patients in Washington, DC and Bethesda, MD understand their condition, feel comfortable during treatment, and create a plan to protect their oral health moving forward.
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Why Choose District Dental Surgery?
At District Dental Surgery, our board-certified periodontists specialize in advanced gum procedures using the latest technology. Patients from Washington, DC and Bethesda, MD choose us for our precision, expertise, and compassionate care. We focus on protecting your natural teeth, restoring gum health and aesthetics, minimizing discomfort with modern techniques, and creating long-term, natural-looking results.
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