Last updated · Dr. Jon Barnes, DDS
If you’ve been told you need a “deep cleaning,” it’s natural to wonder: are deep cleanings necessary, or is this an upsell? It’s a fair question. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, treats gum disease below the gumline, something a regular cleaning isn’t designed to do. Here’s how Buffalo Creek Dental in Mustang, OK, decides when one is needed, what happens during treatment and what happens if you skip it.
Regular Cleaning vs. Deep Cleaning
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces above the gumline and just under it. It’s preventive care for healthy gums.
A deep cleaning goes further. It removes hardened tartar and bacteria from the root surfaces deep under the gums, in the pockets that form when gum disease separates the gums from the teeth. Then the roots are smoothed so the gums can heal and reattach.
In short, a regular cleaning keeps healthy gums healthy. A deep cleaning treats gums that already have an infection.
Are Deep Cleanings Necessary? How We Decide
The recommendation isn’t a guess. It’s based on measurements and X-rays:
- Pocket depths. We gently measure the space between each tooth and the gum. Healthy gums usually measure about 1 to 3 millimeters. Deeper pockets suggest gum disease.
- Bleeding. Gums that bleed when measured are inflamed.
- Tartar below the gumline. Hardened deposits on the roots can’t be removed by brushing or a routine cleaning.
- Bone levels on X-rays. Bone loss around the teeth is a sign that gum disease has moved past the early stage.
If your measurements show deeper pockets with bleeding, tartar or bone loss, a deep cleaning is the standard treatment. Dr. Barnes will show you your numbers and X-rays so you can see the reasons for yourself.
Signs You May Have Gum Disease
Gum disease is often painless, which is why so many people don’t know they have it. Watch for:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Gums pulling away from the teeth, making teeth look longer
- Teeth that feel loose or a bite that feels different
The American Dental Association has a helpful overview of gum disease and its stages.
What Happens During a Deep Cleaning
- Numbing. The area is numbed with local anesthesia so you stay comfortable.
- Scaling. An ultrasonic scaler and hand instruments remove tartar and bacteria from the tooth and root surfaces below the gumline.
- Root planing. The root surfaces are smoothed, which removes rough spots where bacteria collect and helps the gums reattach.
- Additional care if needed. In some cases, an antimicrobial is placed in deeper pockets to help them heal.
Deep cleanings are often done one section of the mouth at a time, usually over two or more visits. That keeps each appointment comfortable and lets you go back to your normal day afterward.
After Your Deep Cleaning
Some tenderness and sensitivity to cold for a few days is normal. Over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft toothbrush help. Keep brushing and flossing gently, even if your gums are a little sore.
We’ll recheck your gums several weeks later to see how they’ve responded. Most people then move to periodontal maintenance visits, often every three to four months, to keep bacteria from rebuilding in the pockets. Advanced cases may be referred to a gum specialist.
What Happens If You Skip It?
Gum disease doesn’t go away with better brushing alone once tartar has formed under the gums. Without treatment, the infection keeps breaking down the gum tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place. Over time, that can lead to loose teeth, tooth loss and more involved, more expensive treatment. Treating it early is the conservative choice.
Keeping Your Gums Healthy at Home
A deep cleaning gives your gums a fresh start, but your daily routine decides how well they stay healthy. Brush twice a day with a soft brush, angling the bristles toward the gumline. Clean between your teeth every day with floss, picks or a water flosser, since that’s where gum disease usually starts. If you smoke, quitting makes a big difference in how your gums heal. Our guides to oral hygiene at home and why flossing is important walk through the details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a deep cleaning hurt?
The area is numbed first, so most people feel pressure and vibration rather than pain. Mild soreness for a few days afterward is common.
How long does a deep cleaning take?
Each visit usually treats one or two sections of the mouth. Our front office team will let you know how many visits to plan for.
Will my insurance cover a deep cleaning?
Many dental plans cover part of scaling and root planing. We’ll check your dental insurance benefits before treatment, and financing is available.
Can gum disease come back after a deep cleaning?
It can if plaque builds up again. Daily brushing and flossing, plus regular maintenance visits, are what keep it under control.
Why can’t I just get a regular cleaning instead?
A regular cleaning isn’t designed to reach tartar deep under the gums. If you have gum disease, a regular cleaning leaves the infection in place.
Have Questions About Your Gums?
If you’ve been told you need a deep cleaning, or your gums bleed when you brush, we’re happy to take a look and explain your options honestly. Learn more about our gum disease treatment and regular checkups, then book online or call (405) 353-1333 to schedule a visit with Dr. Jon Barnes.
Buffalo Creek Dental is at 201 S. Sara Rd., #140, Mustang, OK 73064, serving Mustang, Yukon, Tuttle and southwest Oklahoma City. Hours: Monday–Wednesday 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursday 7 a.m.–3 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m.–noon.
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