Teeth Cleaning (Deep)
Deep clean below the gums to treat and prevent gum disease effectively.
Book ConsultationA deep teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, treats gum disease. It removes plaque and tartar below the gumline, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing, helping prevent further progression of periodontal disease and protecting oral health.
A deep teeth cleaning, or scaling and root planing, removes plaque and tartar beneath the gums. This treatment targets periodontal disease, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing for healthier gums and long-term oral health.
Deep teeth cleaning removes plaque and tartar below the gumline, treating gum disease. It prevents infection, reduces inflammation, and supports gum healing. This procedure protects teeth from further damage and helps restore healthy gums and fresh breath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most people feel little discomfort during a deep teeth cleaning, because the gums are numbed with local anesthetic before the team cleans below the gumline. You may feel pressure, scraping, or vibration during the visit. Afterward, gums can be tender and teeth sensitive to hot and cold for a few days, which over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft toothbrush usually help. If you're nervous, ask about laughing gas or other sedation options at SoCal Prime Dentistry.
You likely need a deep cleaning if your exam shows gum pockets deeper than normal, tartar below the gumline, or bone loss on X-rays. Signs you might notice include gums that bleed when you brush, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, or teeth that feel loose. A regular cleaning treats the teeth above the gumline, while scaling and root planing reaches the roots. Gum pocket measurements at your exam determine which you need.
The cost of a deep teeth cleaning depends on how many areas of your mouth need treatment, how deep the gum pockets are, and whether follow-up periodontal maintenance visits are needed. Many dental plans cover scaling and root planing as a basic or periodontal service, and our team verifies your benefits and gives you a written estimate first. If you don't have insurance, ask about the in-house membership plan or financing through CareCredit and Sunbit.
A deep cleaning usually takes one or two visits of about 60 to 90 minutes each, depending on how much tartar is below the gumline. Often half the mouth is treated at each appointment, so you can chew comfortably on the other side while the numbness wears off. A follow-up visit a few weeks later checks how your gums are healing, and many patients then move to periodontal maintenance cleanings every three to four months.
Gums usually feel back to normal within a few days to a week after a deep cleaning, while the deeper healing and tightening of the gum tissue continues over several weeks. Expect some tenderness, minor bleeding, and sensitivity at first. Stick to soft foods while you're numb and for a day or so afterward, rinse with warm salt water, and keep brushing and flossing gently. Dr. Sharma will recheck your gums to see how the pockets have responded.
