A routine dental cleaning is excellent for maintaining a healthy smile, but when bacteria migrate beneath the gumline, a more intensive approach is required. This specialized procedure is known as scaling and root planing, or "deep cleaning." At Goodman Dental Center, we recommend this treatment to halt the progression of periodontal disease and prevent tooth loss. If your dentist has suggested a deep cleaning, it means they have detected signs of infection that a standard polishing cannot reach.
Periodontal disease begins when plaque—a sticky film of bacteria—hardens into tartar. When tartar accumulates along and under the gumline, it pulls the gums away from the teeth, creating "pockets." According to recent data from the CDC, nearly 47% of adults aged 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease.
Left untreated, these pockets deepen, allowing bacteria to attack the bone and ligaments that support your teeth. Scaling and root planing is the primary non-surgical treatment for these infections before they cause permanent structural damage. This procedure is specifically designed to:
A deep cleaning is more detailed than a preventive cleaning and is typically performed over one or two appointments. To ensure your comfort, we often use a local anesthetic to numb the gums and tooth roots.
The procedure consists of two main stages:
Recent clinical studies shared by WebMD suggest that scaling and root planing significantly reduces the bacterial load in the mouth, which is essential for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease, where oral inflammation can impact overall wellness.
After a deep cleaning, it is normal to experience some mild sensitivity to hot and cold, as well as slight gum tenderness for a few days. You may be prescribed a specialized antimicrobial mouthrinse to support the healing process. Research from the Mayo Clinic emphasizes that the success of this treatment relies heavily on your at-home care and follow-up visits.
Approximately four to six weeks after your treatment, we will schedule a follow-up to measure the "pockets" again. In most cases, the inflammation will have subsided, and the pockets will have shrunk, indicating that the infection is under control. Once you have undergone scaling and root planing, you will likely move to a "periodontal maintenance" schedule, which involves more frequent cleanings to ensure the bacteria do not return.
Protecting your smile starts with a healthy foundation. If you have noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or receding tissue, it is time to take action. We invite you to visit our website to book an appointment online at Goodman Dental Center to discuss your periodontal health.
