How to Tell When you Need a Dental Deep Cleaning
A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is different from your standard cleaning. While a regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth, a deep cleaning goes below the gumline to clear away bacteria, smooth tooth roots, and reverse early gum disease. This type of cleaning is often recommended when signs of gum disease begin to show, such as bleeding or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, tooth sensitivity, or gum pockets that feel deeper than usual. These issues are often linked to gingivitis or early-stage periodontitis, both of which respond well to timely deep cleaning treatments.
Dr. Crowley and the team at Brightwork Family Dentistry can confirm whether you need a deep cleaning by performing a periodontal evaluation. Using a small probe, they measure the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums. A pocket depth of more than three millimeters can indicate the need for scaling and root planing. X-rays may also be used to check for gum inflammation or bone loss. If your dentist notices unhealthy pockets or early bone deterioration, they may recommend moving forward with treatment.
There are also certain health and lifestyle factors that make deep cleaning more likely. Smokers, people with diabetes, those with weakened immune systems, individuals with a family history of gum disease, or women experiencing hormonal changes such as pregnancy may be at greater risk of developing gum issues. If any of these apply to you, Dr. Crowley may keep a closer eye on your gum health and suggest a deep cleaning sooner.
Acting quickly when gum disease is detected has major benefits. A deep cleaning can control infection before it progresses into more serious periodontal disease, help gums reattach to teeth, reduce tooth sensitivity, and improve bad breath. Most importantly, it can prevent tooth mobility or loss, and may even help you avoid more invasive procedures in the future.
Unlike a regular cleaning, which is usually quick and painless in a single visit, a deep cleaning is often performed in multiple sessions. Dr. Crowley may divide the mouth into sections, completing one quadrant at a time. Local anesthesia is sometimes used to keep you comfortable. Afterward, Dr. Crowley will schedule a follow-up periodontal evaluation to ensure your gums are healing properly and to monitor progress.
Have concerns? Don’t worry about asking questions- we want to make sure you understand the process fully. You might ask about the depth of your gum pockets, whether X-rays show bone loss, and if your health history puts you at higher risk for gum disease. You can also find out how many appointments the process will take, what recovery will feel like, and what home care steps you should follow to maintain results.
In the days following treatment, you may notice mild soreness, temporary sensitivity, or slight bleeding in the treated areas. Dr. Crowley will likely recommend brushing gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush, rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash, and avoiding abrasive toothpaste or vigorous flossing until your gums have begun to heal. In some cases, a short course of antibiotics or antimicrobial rinses may also be prescribed. More frequent check-ups may be suggested as well to keep a close watch on your gum health.
Delaying periodontal treatment can cause problems to progress quickly. Untreated gum disease can lead to deeper gum pockets, bone deterioration, and eventually tooth loss. In advanced cases, surgery or extractions may be necessary. Addressing the issue early with a deep cleaning is often far less complicated, more effective, and much more affordable.
Have questions about your dental health? Book an appointment today.