If your dentist has told you that you need a “deep cleaning,” it is normal to feel a bit worried. Is it different from a regular hygiene teeth cleaning? Is it painful? How long does it take to recover?
Deep cleaning is actually a very common treatment to help stop gum disease and protect your teeth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 42% of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease.
You can read more about this on the CDC website:
At Dental Quest in Lowell, MA, the goal is to keep your smile healthy with gentle, modern care. Whether you come in for a routine dental cleaning in Lowell or a deeper treatment, your comfort and understanding should come first.
What is a deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning is a special type of cleaning that focuses on the areas below your gumline. Your hygiene treatment dentist may call it “scaling and root planing.”
In a regular hygiene teeth cleaning, plaque and tartar are removed from the visible parts of your teeth above the gums. In a deep cleaning, the dentist or hygienist goes deeper because bacteria have already moved under the gums and started to affect the bone and tissues that hold your teeth.
The American Dental Association (ADA) explains that scaling and root planing is a deep cleanings below the gumline used to treat gum disease.
You can see their patient explanation here: So, in simple terms:
- A regular cleaning helps keep your teeth and gums healthy.
- A deep cleaning helps treat gum disease and stop it from getting worse.
Why would your dentist suggest a deep cleaning?
Your dentist does not recommend a deep cleaning for everyone. It is usually suggested when there are clear signs of gum disease, such as:
- Bleeding when you brush or floss
- Swollen, red, or sore gums
- Bad breath that does not go away
- Gums pulling away from your teeth
- Deep “pockets” between your teeth and gums (measured during your exam)
When gum disease is not treated, it can lead to bone loss around your teeth and, over time, loose teeth or even tooth loss. Studies show that about 4 out of 10 adults 30 or older have some level of periodontitis, which is a more serious stage of gum disease.
A deep cleaning helps remove the bacteria and tartar under the gums, so the gums can start to heal and tighten back around your teeth.
Deep cleaning vs regular hygiene teeth cleaning
You might think, “But I already go for cleanings twice a year. Why do I need more?”
Here is the simple difference.
Regular teeth cleaning:
- Cleans the surfaces of the teeth you can see
- Removes soft plaque and tartar above the gums
- It is mainly for prevention
Deep cleaning:
- Cleans both above and below the gumline
- Smooths the roots so bacteria cannot stick as easily
- Helps treat early or moderate gum disease
Think of a regular cleaning like a light weekly house cleaning. A deep cleaning is like a once-in-a-while heavy clean when dirt has been sitting for a long time in hidden places.
What happens during a deep cleaning?
When you come in for a deep cleaning, here is what usually happens:
1. Numbing the area
First, the dentist or hygienist numbs the area they will treat with local anesthesia. This helps you stay comfortable and feel very little during the procedure.
2. Scaling below the gums
Next, they use special tools to remove plaque and tartar from under the gumline. This step is called scaling. The goal is to clean out the pockets around your teeth where bacteria are trapped.
3. Root planing to smooth the roots
Then, they smooth the root surfaces of your teeth. This is called root planing. Cleveland Clinic explains that root planing helps prevent further buildup of tartar and bacteria and allows your gums to reattach more firmly to your teeth.
You can read their overview here:
4. Done in sections of your mouth
Because this is a very detailed cleaning, it is often done in sections. Many times, your hygiene treatment dentist will treat one side of your mouth at a time, or upper teeth in one visit and lower teeth in another. This makes it easier on you and gives each area time to heal.
How deep cleaning helps your oral health
Deep cleaning is not just about cleaner teeth. It helps protect your long-term oral health by:
- Reducing infection and inflammation in your gums
- Helping your gums reattach to your teeth
- Slowing or stopping bone loss around teeth
- Lowering your risk of loose teeth or tooth loss
Because gum disease is so common in adults, deep cleaning is often the first step to avoid more serious treatments later, like extractions or implants.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does a deep cleaning hurt?
Most people feel more pressure than pain during a deep cleaning because the area is numbed. You may feel a bit sore or sensitive once the numbness wears off, but this usually lasts only a couple of days. A soft toothbrush, careful brushing, and a simple pain reliever (if your dentist says it is okay) are usually enough.
2. How long does a deep cleaning take?
A deep cleaning takes longer than a regular hygiene teeth cleaning because the dentist cleans below the gums and smooths the roots. Often:
- It is done in two visits, each about 45–60 minutes.
- One side of your mouth may be done at a time.
The exact time depends on how much tartar and how many deep pockets you have.
3. Will my gums go back to normal after a deep cleaning?
In many cases, yes. Once the tartar and bacteria are removed, your gums can slowly heal and fit more tightly around your teeth again. You may notice:
- Less bleeding when brushing
- Less swelling
- Fresher breath
However, you still need good home care and regular check-ups to keep your gums healthy.
4. How do I care for my teeth after the treatment?
After a deep cleaning:
- Brush gently with a soft toothbrush
- Floss carefully every day
- Use any mouthwash recommended by your dentist
- Avoid smoking, as it makes gum disease worse
These simple steps help your gums heal and keep the results of your deep cleaning for a longer time.
5. How do I know if I need a deep cleaning instead of a regular cleaning?
You might need a deep cleaning if:
- Your gums often bleed
- Your gums look red, puffy, or are pulling away from your teeth
- You have deep pockets measured during your dental exam
- You have ongoing bad breath that does not improve.
Your hygiene treatment dentist will check your gums, measure pocket depths, and look at any X-rays. Then they will tell you if a regular hygiene teeth cleaning is enough or if a deep cleaning is the proper treatment.