When plaque builds up below the gum line, it hardens into tartar and cannot be brushed away. A deep periodontal cleaning scrapes the tarter from the tooth’s enamel before the gum tissue and bone deteriorate.

Removing these areas of tarter early on is important. If left untreated this tarter would advance into periodontitis (gum disease).

How is gum disease treated?

• We will clean above your gum line
• You will be brought back in for a periodontal deep cleaning (scaling and root planning)
• You will be scheduled to come in every three months for one year, to make sure your gums stay healthy
• After one year, your pocket depths will be reevaluated

Normal teeth cleaning vs. deep cleaning

A dental deep cleaning provides better treatment for advanced stages of gum disease than a normal dental cleaning. During regular teeth cleaning visits, we mostly focus on the outer surfaces of the teeth above the gum line. A deep cleaning focuses on problem-causing tarter that has formed on tooth enamel, both above and below the gum line.

After deep cleaning, it’s normal to feel some type of soreness along the gum line. Inflammation, redness, and bleeding of the gums should slow. It’s important to brush and floss regularly and avoid tobacco as it can slow healing, and increase the risk of infection.