Deep cleaning or “Scaling and Root Planning” is a cleaning procedure performed by the dental hygienist. It is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease. It is recommended when one needs more work than a regular professional cleaning.

The Problem

The Solution

The Procedure

Advantages

The Problem :

Gums that bleed during tooth brushing
Red, swollen or tender gums
Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
Gums that have pulled away from the teeth which make teeth appear longer than before
Pus between the teeth and the gums when the gums are pressed
Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums

Remember that you can have a gum disease and NOT show any symptoms.

The Solution :

The objective of deep cleaning is to remove deposits of bacterial plaque, tartar (calculus), food debris and pus and diseased debris that have accumulated in the infected pocket of the tooth and then to smooth the root in order to eliminate any rough tartar deposits on the root which can provide breeding grounds for bacteria.

A successful result is highly dependent on how well you maintain your mouth; it is critical that you follow a regular schedule of daily brushing and flossing.

The Procedure :

Deep cleaning is usually performed in one section of the mouth at a time using local anesthesia. After the treatment the dental hygienist may place antibiotic under the gum to help kill any remaining bacteria.

Advantages:

Deep cleaning is often effective in allowing complete healing of early stages of periodontitis and may reduce the extent of surgical treatment needed when performed in more advanced stages of gum disease. Often, deep cleaning will reduce bleeding of the gums and cause the pockets around the teeth to become less deep.