Deep Dental Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing): What to Expect and When It’s Needed

Even with great daily brushing and flossing, some areas of your mouth are difficult to reach on your own. That’s why professional dental cleanings every six months are essential; they remove plaque and tartar that regular brushing can’t reach and help prevent gum disease before it starts.

When gum inflammation or bleeding persists even after routine cleanings, a deeper level of care may be needed. That’s where deep dental cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, comes in. This procedure gently cleans below the gumline to remove bacteria and help your gums heal, restoring a healthier foundation for your smile.

While regular cleanings help keep your smile healthy, sometimes your gums need a little extra care. If early signs of inflammation or infection appear, we may recommend a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing. At Summit Dental Partners, we perform this gentle, effective treatment to help restore gum health and protect your smile.

What Is a Deep Dental Cleaning?

A deep cleaning goes beyond the gumline to treat early gum disease and prevent it from advancing. During this treatment, your dentist removes bacteria, plaque, and hardened tartar that have built up below the surface of your gums, areas a toothbrush or floss can’t reach.

Left untreated, this buildup can lead to inflammation, gum recession, and in advanced cases, bone or tooth loss. Deep cleaning targets these problem areas so your gums can heal and reattach more securely to your teeth.

According to the American Dental Association, scaling and root planing are among the most effective non-surgical treatments for managing gum disease and supporting gum tissue recovery.

If your dentist recommends scaling and root planing, explore our detailed overview of deep teeth cleaning procedures in Summit, NJ to see what’s involved and how the treatment supports gum health.

Scaling and Root Planing: Step-by-Step

Scaling involves using specialized instruments to gently remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline.

Root planing smooths the root surface beneath the gums, making it harder for bacteria to cling and easier for gum tissue to reattach.

Together, these steps help reduce inflammation, prevent infection, and stop gum disease from advancing to more serious stages.

Depending on the extent of buildup and gum sensitivity, your dentist may complete the procedure in one or two visits. Local anesthesia or numbing gel can be used to ensure comfort throughout your appointment.

Once the cleaning is complete, your dentist will review your aftercare instructions and discuss how deep cleaning differs from a routine visit.

Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning

Both deep cleanings and standard dental cleanings help remove plaque and support gum health, but they differ in depth and purpose.

Type of Cleaning	Focus	When It’s Recommended
Regular Cleaning	Removes plaque and tartar above the gumline	Every 6 months for prevention
Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)	Cleans bacteria and buildup below the gumline	When signs of gum disease are present

If your gums are healthy, regular cleanings and daily care at home are usually enough. But if you’ve noticed bleeding, tenderness, or gum recession, your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning to help prevent further infection or bone loss.

What Healthy vs. Unhealthy Gums Look Like

Healthy gums are light pink, firm, and fit snugly around your teeth. If your gums appear dark red, swollen, or bleed easily when brushing or flossing, it may be an early sign of gingivitis.

Early gum disease often goes unnoticed because it’s painless, but small changes like bleeding or tenderness are your body’s way of signaling inflammation. Detecting it early makes treatment easier and more comfortable.

Many patients are surprised to learn that bleeding gums can often be reversed with early treatment and improved home care, helping them avoid the need for future deep cleanings.

Signs You Might Need a Deep Cleaning

Gum disease often develops silently, which is why regular exams are so important. You may benefit from scaling and root planing if you experience:

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Receding gumline or teeth appearing longer
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
• Tenderness or pain while chewing
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Changes in the way your bite feels
• Increased sensitivity along the gumline
  

If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, schedule an evaluation to determine whether deep cleaning could help restore your gum health and prevent more advanced issues.

What to Expect After a Deep Cleaning

After treatment, your gums may feel tender or sensitive for a few days. You might notice mild bleeding or soreness; this is normal and typically subsides within a week.

To support healing:

• Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Rinse with warm salt water or an antimicrobial mouth rinse as recommended.
• Avoid crunchy or spicy foods for the first 24 to 48 hours.
• Stay hydrated and avoid tobacco products.

In some cases, your dentist may place an antimicrobial treatment inside the cleaned gum pockets to support healing and help reduce bacteria.

How to Prevent Gum Disease After Deep Cleaning

A deep cleaning can stop gum disease from progressing, but maintaining healthy gums afterward requires consistent care.

Here’s how to protect your results:

• Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss every day to remove buildup between teeth.
• Rinse with water after meals to neutralize acids.
• Keep up with regular dental checkups and cleanings.
• Eat a balanced diet to support healthy gums and enamel.

Good home care and consistent visits can help ensure your gums stay healthy long after your treatment.

Simple Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy at Home

Preventive care starts with your daily habits. You can reduce your risk of gum disease and maintain a brighter smile by:

• Using an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor to avoid brushing too hard.
• Choosing a soft-bristled brush and replacing it every 3 to 4 months.
• Flossing before brushing to let toothpaste reach more surfaces.
• Sipping water throughout the day to wash away food particles.
• Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol, which can dry your mouth and irritate gums.
• Paying attention to early signs like bleeding when brushing or flossing.
  

These small habits can make a big difference in keeping your gums strong and healthy between dental visits.

Myth vs. Fact: Deep Cleaning Edition

Myth: Deep cleanings are painful.
Fact: Local anesthetic keeps you comfortable during treatment. Some mild tenderness afterward is normal but temporary.

Myth: Once you’ve had a deep cleaning, you’ll never need another.
Fact: Most patients only need one, but gum health varies. Your dentist will monitor your progress at future checkups to make sure your gums stay healthy.

When to See Your Dentist

Contact your dentist if you notice:

• Bleeding gums that don’t improve after a few days
• Ongoing tenderness or swelling
• Persistent bad breath
• Teeth that feel loose or shift slightly
  

Regular checkups allow your dentist to catch these concerns early and reduce the need for more extensive treatment later on.

Deep Dental Cleaning in Summit, NJ: When to Ask Your Dentist About It

Scaling and root planing are trusted, effective treatments for managing gum disease and preserving your smile. Not everyone will need a deep cleaning, but if your dentist recommends one, it’s a proactive way to protect your oral health and prevent more advanced concerns.

For a closer look at the procedure and the benefits of professional gum care, visit our deep teeth cleaning page.

If you’ve noticed bleeding or tenderness in your gums, our team can help you restore comfort and maintain a healthy, confident smile. You can schedule your appointment online with Summit Dental Partners to get started.

Key Takeaways

• Deep cleanings treat gum disease below the gumline.
• The procedure removes bacteria and smooths tooth roots to support healing.
• Regular brushing, flossing, and checkups help prevent recurrence.
• Early detection makes treatment easier and less invasive.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a deep cleaning take?
A deep dental cleaning typically takes one to two hours. Depending on the severity of gum disease, it may be completed in one or two visits.

Can I eat after a deep cleaning?
Stick to soft foods for the first day or two. Yogurt, mashed potatoes, eggs, and smoothies are gentle choices while your gums recover.

Is scaling and root planing covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover deep cleanings when medically necessary. Check with your provider to confirm your specific benefits.