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A "deep cleaning" - clinically called scaling and root planing - is a treatment for gum disease, not a more thorough version of a routine cleaning. Knowing the difference matters because the two have different goals, take different amounts of time, and are used for different patients.
Learn about periodontal treatment at our Centennial dental office → /service/periodontal-treatment
Routine Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning
A routine cleaning (prophylaxis) is preventive care. The hygienist removes plaque and tartar from above and just below the gum line, polishes the teeth, and flosses. This is what most adults need every six months.
A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is therapeutic. It treats active gum disease — bacterial infection that has spread below the gum line, often creating pockets between teeth and gums where bacteria thrive. The hygienist works below the gum line to remove tartar from the roots, then smooths the root surfaces so the gums can reattach.
A deep cleaning usually takes two visits, one for each side of the mouth, and is done with local anesthesia.
Who Needs a Deep Cleaning
You may need one if you have gum pockets deeper than 4 millimeters on the periodontal exam, bleeding gums when you brush or floss, receding gums, persistent bad breath, signs of bone loss on X-rays, or a history of skipped cleanings with visible tartar below the gumline.
About 47% of American adults have some form of periodontal disease. Many don't know it because early gum disease is often painless.
After a Deep Cleaning
Mild soreness and sensitivity lasts a few days. Cold sensitivity can persist for two to six weeks. Most people return to normal eating and oral hygiene the same day.
Once the active infection is treated, your cleaning schedule shifts to periodontal maintenance every three to four months. Harmful bacteria can rebuild below the gum line in about 90 days, so the shorter interval keeps the infection from returning.
What Happens If You Skip Treatment
Untreated periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. As pockets deepen, bone loss progresses, teeth loosen, and tooth loss follows. Untreated gum disease is also associated with higher rates of heart disease and diabetes complications. The earlier the intervention, the less work it takes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does insurance cover deep cleanings?
Most dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing as a periodontal procedure, often with a co-pay. We verify benefits before scheduling.
Will I need deep cleanings forever?
Many patients with treated periodontal disease move to periodontal maintenance every 3 to 4 months — for life, in some cases. A few patients with mild disease and excellent home care can eventually return to a routine schedule.
Is there anything I can do at home to avoid one?
Brush twice a day, floss daily, and don't skip your routine professional dental cleanings. Catching plaque early prevents the tartar buildup that leads to deeper problems.
Periodontal Care in Centennial, CO
If your hygienist has mentioned gum pockets, bleeding, or bone loss — or it's been a while since your last cleaning — schedule a visit at Christiansen Dental. Call (303) 790-9323 or book online.
About the Authors
Drs. Bart & James Christiansen, DDS are brothers practicing in Centennial, CO. Bart has been practicing since 1988 and James since 2009. They offer general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry for the whole family — and our hygienists are excellent at the cleaning part.
