When gum disease develops, plaque and tartar build up not just on your teeth, but below the gumline where your toothbrush can't reach. If left untreated, this buildup can damage the bone that supports your teeth. Deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is a treatment we use to remove these deposits and help your gums heal.
During the procedure, we carefully remove tartar and plaque from below your gumline using specialized instruments. We then smooth the tooth root to help the gum tissue reattach and prevent future bacteria buildup. This is often done with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
Deep cleaning is typically the first step in treating gum disease. After treatment, most patients see their gums become firmer and less inflamed over the next few weeks. You'll play a big role too—keeping up with excellent home care and regular visits makes a huge difference in preventing the disease from coming back.