DEEP CLEANING • Lombard & Aurora
Healthier Gums Start Below the Surface
When gum disease develops, a regular cleaning may not be enough. Deep cleaning — scaling and root planing — removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, calms inflammation, and helps protect the bone and tissue supporting your teeth.
Signs You May Need Deep Cleaning
Gum disease often develops quietly. If you notice any of these signs, a deep cleaning may be recommended at your exam:
Bleeding Gums
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss can signal inflammation below the gumline.
Bad Breath
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste that won’t go away can point to bacteria trapped under the gums.
Gum Recession
Gums pulling away from the teeth — making teeth look longer — often means supporting tissue is being lost.
Loose Teeth
Teeth that feel loose or shift position may indicate bone loss from advanced gum disease.
Deep Pockets
Pockets deeper than 3mm between teeth and gums trap bacteria that regular cleanings can’t reach.
Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning
Both matter — but they do different jobs. Here’s an honest comparison:
Regular Cleaning
- Preventive care for healthy gums
- Removes plaque and tartar above the gumline
- Usually completed in a single visit
- Recommended about every six months
Deep Cleaning
- Treatment for gum disease, not just prevention
- Scaling below the gumline plus root planing
- Often completed over more than one visit
- Followed by periodontal maintenance as your dentist recommends
The Deep Cleaning Process
Here’s what happens during scaling and root planing:
Exam & Measurements
We examine your gums and measure pocket depths to map the areas that need treatment.
Numbing for Comfort
The treatment area is gently numbed so you stay comfortable throughout your visit.
Scaling Below the Gumline
Plaque and tartar are carefully removed from the tooth surfaces hidden below the gumline.
Root Planing & Smoothing
Tooth roots are smoothed to help gums reattach and discourage future buildup.
After Your Deep Cleaning
Knowing what to expect helps you heal well and protect your results:
What to Expect
Mild soreness, tenderness, or sensitivity for a few days is normal as your gums begin to heal. Any discomfort is usually mild and fades quickly — contact us if anything feels out of the ordinary.
Follow-Up Visits
We’ll schedule follow-up visits to check your healing and re-measure your gum pockets. Based on your progress, your dentist may recommend ongoing periodontal maintenance to keep gum disease under control.
Home Care Tips
Brush twice daily, clean between your teeth every day, and use any prescribed rinses as directed. Consistent home care is the best way to protect the results of your treatment.
Deep Cleaning FAQs
Does deep cleaning hurt?
We numb the treatment area so you stay comfortable during your visit. Afterward, some mild soreness or sensitivity is normal for a few days as your gums heal.
How many visits will I need?
Deep cleaning is often completed over more than one visit, depending on the extent of buildup and the areas involved. We’ll outline your personalized treatment plan at your exam.
Will my gums bleed after?
Light bleeding or spotting for a day or two can happen and is generally normal as inflamed tissue heals. Please call us if bleeding is heavy or doesn’t settle.
How is this different from a regular cleaning?
A regular cleaning is preventive care for healthy gums, cleaning above the gumline. Deep cleaning treats gum disease below the gumline with scaling and root planing.
