What Is a Deep Cleaning?
Scaling and root planing, commonly referred to as a deep cleaning, is a non-surgical periodontal treatment designed to address gum disease at its source. When bacterial plaque and tartar accumulate below the gumline, they create an environment that leads to inflammation, infection, and eventually bone loss around the teeth. Deep cleaning removes these deposits from the tooth surfaces and root structures, allowing the gum tissue to heal and reattach more firmly to the teeth.
Deep Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing): Quick Facts
| Quick fact | Typical answer |
|---|---|
| Number of visits | 2, plus a re-evaluation |
| Time needed | 60 to 90 minutes per visit |
| Anesthesia | Local anesthesia |
| Recovery time | Tender gums for a few days |
| How often | As treatment; followed by maintenance every 3 to 4 months |
These are typical ranges. Your own plan is confirmed after an examination.
Signs You May Need a Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning is typically recommended when a comprehensive oral exam reveals periodontal pockets deeper than what routine cleaning can effectively manage, or when there is clinical evidence of active gum disease. The treatment may be completed in one visit or across multiple appointments depending on the extent of the condition. Local anesthesia is available to ensure comfort throughout the procedure.
A deep cleaning is recommended when measurements and X-rays show that gum disease has reached the tissues and bone below the gumline, where a routine cleaning cannot reach.
- Gums that bleed easily, look red or feel swollen
- Gum pockets of 4 mm or more
- Tartar visible on X-rays below the gumline
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Gums that are pulling away from the teeth
Deep Cleanings (Scaling and Root Planing) at Bensonhurst Dental Care
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, deep cleanings are performed by Dr. Geoffrey Rubinshtein, a board-certified periodontist with advanced training from NYU’s Post Graduate Program in Periodontics. The procedure involves two key steps. Scaling removes plaque and calculus from above and below the gumline, reaching into the periodontal pockets where bacteria harbor. Root planing smooths the root surfaces to eliminate rough areas where bacteria tend to collect, promoting a cleaner environment for the gums to heal against the tooth.
What to Expect, Step by Step
- Charting. Pocket depths are measured and recorded.
- Numbing. Local anesthesia keeps the area comfortable.
- Scaling. Plaque and tartar are removed from the tooth and root surfaces.
- Root planing. The roots are smoothed so the gum can reattach.
- Second visit. The other side of the mouth is usually treated at a separate appointment.
- Re-evaluation. Pockets are measured again four to six weeks later.
A typical deep cleaning schedule
| Visit | What happens | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Visit 1 | One side of the mouth is treated | About 60 to 90 minutes |
| Visit 2 | The other side is treated | One to two weeks later |
| Re-evaluation | Healing is measured and next steps are agreed | 4 to 6 weeks after treatment |
| Maintenance | Periodontal maintenance cleanings begin | Every 3 to 4 months |
Gum disease does not hurt until it is advanced. Bleeding gums are the early warning, and they are worth acting on.
Recovery and Aftercare
After your visit
The first 24 hours
- Avoid eating until the numbness wears off
- Rinse gently with warm salt water
- Expect tender gums and some sensitivity to cold
The following days and weeks
- Brush gently but thoroughly twice a day
- Clean between your teeth daily
- Attend the re-evaluation visit; it shows whether more treatment is needed
When to Call Us
Call the office on (718) 234-3434 if you notice any of the following:
- Bleeding is heavy or does not slow
- Pain or swelling increases after two days
- You develop a fever
After a Deep Cleaning
Following a deep cleaning, patients typically transition to a periodontal maintenance schedule to protect the results and prevent reinfection. In some cases, preventive laser bacterial reduction may be recommended alongside or following treatment to further reduce bacterial load below the gumline. Dr. Geoffrey monitors each patient’s progress closely and adjusts the care plan as healing progresses.
Cost and Insurance
Preventative visits are the least expensive part of dental care, and they reduce the need for larger treatment later.
What affects the cost
- Whether X-rays are due
- The type of cleaning your gums need
- Add-on services such as fluoride, sealants or laser bacterial reduction
- Custom appliances such as nightguards and sports guards, which include a laboratory fee
Most dental plans cover exams, cleanings and X-rays at a high rate, often twice a year. Our team can check your benefits and explain your options before treatment begins.
