If your dentist recommends a deep cleaning instead of a routine cleaning, it’s usually because plaque and bacteria have collected below the gumline. At that point, brushing, flossing, and a regular dental cleaning may no longer remove everything that’s causing the infection.
At First Class Smiles, we perform scaling and root planing to treat gum disease before it causes more serious damage. This deep cleaning removes bacteria beneath the gums, helps reduce inflammation, and supports healthier gum tissue.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease. Unlike a routine cleaning, it targets plaque, tartar, and bacteria that have collected below the gumline.
The procedure includes two important steps. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from beneath the gums, while root planing smooths the tooth roots to make it more difficult for bacteria to collect and easier for the gums to reattach.
When Is a Deep Cleaning Needed?
We may recommend scaling and root planing when gum disease has progressed beyond the earliest stage. During your visit, we’ll evaluate your gums, measure the spaces around your teeth, and determine whether a deep cleaning is the right treatment.
Signs that may indicate the need for scaling and root planing include:
- Bleeding while brushing or flossing.
- Red or swollen gums.
- Persistent bad breath.
- Deep pockets around the teeth.
- Gum recession.
- Tartar below the gumline.
How Is Scaling and Root Planing Different from a Regular Cleaning?
A routine dental cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of your teeth and around the gumline.
Scaling and root planing reaches below the gumline to remove bacteria from areas a regular cleaning can’t access. That’s why dentists often recommend it when gum disease has already developed.
What Happens During the Procedure?
We’ll carefully clean below the gumline using specialized instruments to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria. Next, we’ll smooth the root surfaces to encourage healthier gum attachment and reduce areas where bacteria can collect.
Depending on the amount of treatment needed, we may complete the procedure over one or more appointments to keep you comfortable.
What Can You Expect After Treatment?
Your gums may feel slightly tender or sensitive for a few days after treatment. Most patients return to their normal routine shortly afterward.
We’ll provide instructions for brushing, flossing, and caring for your gums as they heal. Keeping up with good oral hygiene plays an important role in maintaining your results.
Can Scaling and Root Planing Stop Gum Disease?
Scaling and root planing helps control gum disease by removing the bacteria that cause the infection. Many patients notice healthier gums and less bleeding after treatment, especially when they continue practicing good oral hygiene at home.
We’ll continue monitoring your gum health during future visits and may recommend periodontal maintenance to help keep the infection under control.
Can Gum Disease Return?
Yes. Gum disease can return if plaque and bacteria build up below the gumline again. That’s why ongoing home care and regular professional visits remain an important part of long-term gum health.
We’ll create a personalized maintenance plan based on your oral health and risk factors to help protect your results.
Why Choose First Class Smiles?
Our goal is to treat gum disease as early as possible and help you keep your natural teeth healthy for years to come. We take the time to explain your diagnosis, answer your questions, and provide gentle treatment focused on your long-term oral health.
Whether you need preventive care or treatment for active gum disease, we’re here to help you achieve healthier gums and a healthier smile.
Treat Gum Disease Before It Progresses
If you’ve been told you need a deep cleaning or you’re noticing signs of gum disease, request an appointment with First Class Smiles today. We’ll evaluate your gum health and recommend the treatment that’s right for your smile.
