A deep cleaning is a non-surgical procedure that goes beyond a routine dental cleaning. It’s specifically designed to treat early to moderate stages of gum disease. The process involves two main components:
This thorough cleaning significantly reduces the bacterial load in your mouth, lessens gum inflammation, and helps prevent the progression of gum disease, which can otherwise lead to bone loss and tooth loss. For residents of Woodland Hills and the surrounding San Fernando Valley, our deep cleaning procedures are a cornerstone of effective periodontal care.
My commitment to your oral health goes beyond just your teeth, it extends to the foundation of your smile: your gums. If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease (periodontitis), a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planning, is often the most critical first step to halt its progression, reduce inflammation, and restore your gum health. This specialized cleaning goes beneath the gum line to remove harmful bacteria and tartar. My team and I are dedicated to providing thorough, gentle, and effective deep cleaning procedures right here in Woodland Hills, helping you reclaim healthy gums and a stable smile.
Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) is a common condition caused by bacteria in plaque and tartar that irritate and infect the gum tissue. If left untreated, it can lead to serious consequences, including bone loss around your teeth and eventually tooth loss. During your comprehensive examination at my Woodland Hills dental office, I will assess your gum health, measure pocket depths, and discuss if a deep cleaning is the appropriate treatment for you.
You might need a deep cleaning if you experience:
While “scaling and root planing” refers to the entire deep cleaning procedure, it’s often tailored to the specific needs of your mouth. Depending on the extent and location of your gum disease, we may perform a full-mouth deep cleaning, or focus on specific quadrants (sections) of your mouth.
For instance, if the infection is localized, we might perform “quadrant scaling and root planing” on just one or two sections. The number of appointments needed will vary based on the extent of the areas requiring treatment and your comfort level, ensuring that each section is thoroughly cleaned and has optimal time to heal.
reating gum disease effectively requires a precise, thorough, and compassionate approach. Here’s why patients in Woodland Hills, CA, and the surrounding San Fernando Valley, trust Smiles By Eddie for their deep cleaning needs:
A deep cleaning is a more extensive procedure than a routine cleaning and is often completed over one or two appointments, depending on the severity of your gum disease and your comfort level. Here’s what you can expect at my Woodland Hills dental office:
With effective local anesthesia, the deep cleaning procedure itself should not be painful. You may feel pressure, but no sharpness. Some soreness, sensitivity, or mild throbbing can be expected after the numbness wears off, usually managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) focuses on removing plaque and tartar from above the gum line. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) goes much further, specifically targeting plaque and tartar below the gum line within gum pockets and smoothing the root surfaces to treat gum disease.
A deep cleaning typically takes longer than a routine cleaning and is often done in two separate appointments, focusing on one side of your mouth at a time. This allows for thorough cleaning and makes the experience more comfortable.
It’s very common for gums to be a bit sensitive, swollen, or bleed slightly after a deep cleaning, especially since they were inflamed. This usually subsides within a few days. Following post-care instructions will help.
It’s best to stick to soft foods for the first few days after a deep cleaning, especially if your gums are sensitive. Avoid extremely hot, cold, spicy, or crunchy foods.
A deep cleaning is a treatment for active gum disease, not a routine maintenance procedure. After the initial deep cleaning, you will typically transition to more frequent “periodontal maintenance” cleanings (e.g., every 3-4 months) rather than standard cleanings. This helps prevent the return of gum disease.
Deep cleaning can effectively halt the progression of gum disease, reduce pocket depths, and significantly improve gum health. While it can’t reverse bone loss that has already occurred, it can prevent further damage and help healthy gum tissue reattach.
Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for scaling and root planing, as it is a necessary medical procedure to treat gum disease. The amount of coverage varies. My team will help you understand your specific benefits and provide an estimate.
For advanced stages of gum disease where deep cleaning and consistent maintenance aren’t sufficient, I may refer you to a periodontist (a gum specialist) for more advanced treatments, such as gum surgery.
Extremely important! Your daily oral hygiene routine (diligent brushing, flossing, and possibly using an antimicrobial mouthwash) is crucial for maintaining the results of your deep cleaning and preventing the reaccumulation of bacteria and tartar.