Do I really need a deep cleaning? If your dental team found signs of gum disease below the gumline, the answer is usually yes. A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar above and just at the gumline. A deep cleaning goes further, cleaning below the gums where bacteria have collected in pockets around your teeth.
Skipping a recommended deep cleaning can allow gum disease to keep progressing. Here’s how deep cleanings work, why they’re recommended, and what you can expect.
If you have questions about a deep cleaning recommendation, call Thomas F. Brown, DDS, at (630) 283-1851 to talk with our team in Naperville.
What Is the Difference Between a Regular Cleaning and a Deep Cleaning?
A regular cleaning is preventive care for healthy gums. Your hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and just at the gumline, then polishes your teeth.
A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, treats gum disease. It has two parts:
- Scaling removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, down to the bottom of the pockets around your teeth.
- Root planing smooths the root surfaces so bacteria have a harder time sticking and your gums can reattach to your teeth more easily.
Put simply, a regular cleaning helps keep healthy gums healthy. A deep cleaning helps get unhealthy gums back on track.
Why Would a Dentist Recommend a Deep Cleaning?
During your exam, our team gently measures the space between your gums and each tooth. Healthy gums usually measure 1 to 3 millimeters. Measurements of 4 millimeters or more can be a sign that gum disease has created pockets where bacteria are hiding.
Other signs that may lead to a deep cleaning recommendation include:
- Gums that bleed easily during brushing, flossing, or your exam
- Tartar buildup below the gumline
- Signs of bone loss on your X-rays
- Gums that are red, swollen, or pulling away from your teeth
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
A regular cleaning can’t reach deep into these pockets, which is why a deeper treatment is needed.
What Happens If You Skip a Deep Cleaning?
When bacteria and tartar stay below the gumline, gum disease can continue to progress. Over time, it may affect the bone that supports your teeth. This can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and in some cases, tooth loss.
Gum disease has also been linked to other health concerns, such as diabetes and heart disease. Treating it early helps protect both your smile and your overall health.
What Should You Expect During a Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning is often done in one or two visits, sometimes treating one side of the mouth at a time. Here’s what usually happens:
- Numbing: Our team numbs the area so you stay comfortable throughout treatment.
- Cleaning below the gumline: Your hygienist carefully removes plaque and tartar from the pockets around each tooth.
- Smoothing the roots: The root surfaces are smoothed to help your gums heal and reattach.
- Follow-up: We’ll check how your gums are healing at a follow-up visit.
If you feel nervous about dental visits, ask us about sedation. Our office offers nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation to help you relax.
What Happens After a Deep Cleaning?
Your gums may feel a little tender for a few days, and your teeth may be more sensitive to hot and cold. These effects usually fade quickly. Our team will give you aftercare tips to help you heal comfortably.
After a deep cleaning, most patients move to periodontal maintenance visits, often every three to four months. These visits help keep bacteria under control and let us catch any changes early.
Do I Really Need a Deep Cleaning If My Teeth Feel Fine?
Gum disease often doesn’t cause any discomfort in the early stages, so feeling fine doesn’t always mean your gums are healthy. It’s also always fair to ask questions about your treatment. A deep cleaning should be based on what your dental team actually finds, such as pocket measurements, bleeding, and X-rays.
At our office, we’ll show you what we see and explain why a deep cleaning is recommended. If your gums are healthy, a regular cleaning is all you need. We’re always happy to walk you through what scaling and root planing involves and answer your questions before you decide.
Gum Care for Patients in Naperville, Bolingbrook, and Woodridge
October is National Dental Hygiene Month, which makes it a great time to check in on your gum health. Our office has served Naperville for more than 35 years, and Dr. Thomas F. Brown has been caring for patients since 1985. We welcome patients from Bolingbrook, Woodridge, Romeoville, and throughout the area.
Our hygienists take the time to explain your results and answer your questions, so you always know why a treatment is being recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a deep cleaning take?
It depends on how many areas need treatment. Many patients complete a deep cleaning in one or two visits.
Will I be comfortable during a deep cleaning?
Yes. Our team numbs the area before treatment. For patients who feel anxious, our office also offers sedation options.
How do I know if I need a deep cleaning instead of a regular cleaning?
Your dental team will measure your gum pockets, check for bleeding, and review your X-rays. Pockets of 4 millimeters or more, along with other signs of gum disease, often mean a deep cleaning is needed.
Can I go back to regular cleanings after a deep cleaning?
Most patients move to periodontal maintenance visits after a deep cleaning, often every three to four months. Our team will let you know what schedule fits your gum health.
Get Answers About Your Gum Health
If you’ve been told you need a deep cleaning, you don’t have to guess. Our team will walk you through what we found and what your options are.
Our team provides deep cleaning treatment in Naperville to help patients get their gum health back on track. Book an appointment online or call our office at (630) 283-1851.