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Deep Teeth Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing) for Healthier Gums

  • Combat gum disease and restore your oral health with professional deep cleaning at Shoreline Dentistry. Our expert team gently removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, smooths tooth roots, and supports healing—all in a comfortable, caring environment.

What Is Deep Teeth Cleaning?

Deep teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a professional dental procedure designed to treat and control gum disease. Unlike routine dental cleanings that focus on the surface of the teeth, deep cleaning goes below the gumline to remove harmful plaque and tartar buildup. This treatment not only helps stop the progression of gum disease but also allows your gums and teeth to heal, restoring a healthier foundation for your smile.

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Why You Might Need Deep Cleaning

Your dentist may recommend deep cleaning if you are showing signs of gum disease, such as red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing, persistent bad breath, or deep pockets forming around your teeth. These symptoms often indicate that bacteria have settled beneath the gumline, where regular brushing and flossing cannot reach. Treating gum disease early with deep cleaning helps prevent tooth loss, bone deterioration, and more serious oral health problems down the road.

Scaling: Removing Harmful Buildup

Scaling is the first step of deep teeth cleaning. During this process, our dental team carefully removes hardened plaque (tartar) and bacterial deposits from both above and below your gumline. This buildup is the main cause of gum disease, and eliminating it is essential to protect your oral health. Scaling is performed using advanced tools that ensure precision and comfort, helping to create a cleaner, healthier environment for your gums and teeth.

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Root Planing: Helping Gums Heal

Root planing is the second part of the deep cleaning process. After scaling, the roots of your teeth are smoothed to remove rough surfaces where bacteria tend to cling. This not only reduces the risk of reinfection but also encourages your gums to reattach to the tooth surfaces naturally.

The Benefits of Deep Cleaning

Deep teeth cleaning offers many important benefits beyond improving gum health. It reduces gum swelling and bleeding, eliminates bacteria that cause persistent bad breath, and lowers the risk of tooth and bone loss.

What to Expect After Treatment

After a deep cleaning, it’s common to experience some mild soreness, tooth sensitivity, or tenderness in your gums for a few days. These are temporary effects and usually improve quickly as your gums begin to heal. Your dentist may recommend special rinses, a gentle oral care routine, or a follow-up visit to monitor your progress.

Signs You May Need Deep Cleaning

  • Bleeding Gums – If your gums bleed easily while brushing or flossing, it may indicate early gum disease.
  • Persistent Bad Breath – Bacteria trapped below the gumline can cause ongoing bad breath that brushing alone can’t fix.
  • Loose Teeth – Gum disease weakens the support of your teeth, leading to mobility if left untreated.
  • Gum Recession – If your gums are pulling away from your teeth, it could be due to plaque and tartar buildup under the gumline.

Protecting Your Smile After Deep Cleaning

The success of deep cleaning depends on your commitment to follow-up care. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are important to ensure gum disease does not return. At home, brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using antibacterial mouthwash can keep your gums strong and healthy. Avoiding tobacco and maintaining a balanced diet are also crucial for long-term oral health. With proper care, the results of deep teeth cleaning can last for many years.

Advantages of Deep Teeth Cleaning

  • Stops Gum Disease Progression – Prevents mild gum disease from turning into advanced periodontitis.
  • Reduces Pocket Depth – Helps gums reattach to teeth, reducing deep pockets where bacteria hide.
  • Fresher Breath – Removes bacteria and buildup that cause bad breath.
  • Prevents Tooth Loss – Strengthens gum and bone support around your teeth.
  • Boosts Overall Health – Lowers risks linked to systemic health issues like heart disease and diabetes.

Deep Teeth Cleaning: Restore & Protect Your Gum Health

Deep teeth cleaning—also known as scaling and root planing—is a specialized procedure that goes beyond routine cleaning. Designed for patients with signs of gum disease, it removes harmful buildup beneath the gumline, smooths the tooth roots, and promotes gum reattachment. With local anesthesia, a caring approach, and thorough aftercare, we aim to heal your gums, prevent progression, and preserve your smile for the long run.

  • Targeted Assessment & Anesthesia– Before your treatment, our dental team performs a thorough exam of your gums, measuring pocket depths and possibly using X-rays to assess bone health. Local anesthesia ensures a comfortable, virtually painless experience throughout.
  • Scaling: Removing Deep Buildup– Our hygienist carefully removes plaque and tartar using ultrasonic tools and hand instruments—both above and below the gumline. This is essential for eliminating the bacteria that contribute to gum inflammation and disease.
  • Root Planing: Smoothing for Healing–After scaling, the tooth roots are smoothed to eliminate rough surfaces where bacteria can reattach. This encourages your gums to heal and reattach properly, reducing pocket depth and stopping disease progression.
  • Multi-Visit Approach for Thorough Care– Depending on the severity, the deep cleaning may be split into two or more sessions—often treating one side (or quadrant) per visit. This improves comfort and ensures thorough attention to each area.
  • Comfort, Sensitivity, & Healing Post-Care– It's normal to experience slight gum tenderness, mild bleeding, and sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days after the procedure. Recovery typically takes a few days, with full healing in a few weeks. We may also recommend pain relief, saltwater rinses, or antibacterial mouthwash to support healing.