Deep Cleaning
San Diego, CA
 Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a specialized periodontal treatment designed to treat gum disease and protect your long-term oral health. Unlike a routine dental cleaning, deep cleaning targets bacteria, plaque, and tartar buildup beneath the gumline—where traditional cleanings cannot reach. At Mission Hills Periodontics, our dental team provides comprehensive deep teeth cleaning services to help patients in San Diego, CA manage periodontal disease and prevent further damage to their gums and supporting bone.
Gum disease often develops silently. Many patients do not realize they have an issue until symptoms such as bleeding gums, gum recession, or persistent bad breath become noticeable. Deep cleaning is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments available to stop the progression of periodontal disease and restore healthier gums.
What Is a Deep Cleaning?
A deep dental cleaning is a non-surgical periodontal procedure that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to promote healing. This process involves two main steps:
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Scaling - Removes plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) from the tooth surface and beneath the gums.
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Root Planing - Smooths the root surfaces to eliminate bacteria and help the gums reattach to the teeth. |
By removing harmful bacteria and smoothing rough root surfaces, deep cleaning reduces inflammation, shrinks periodontal pockets, and encourages gum tissue to heal. This treatment is typically recommended when patients show signs of moderate to advanced gum disease, including pockets deeper than 4 millimeters around the teeth.
Why Deep Cleaning Is Necessary for Gum Disease
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is caused by the accumulation of bacteria along and below the gumline. If left untreated, it can lead to bone loss, tooth mobility, and even tooth loss. A standard dental cleaning focuses on the visible areas of the teeth and just slightly below the gumline. However, once gum disease progresses, deeper intervention is required.
Common signs that indicate the need for scaling and root planing include:
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Bleeding Gums - Especially during brushing or flossing.
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Persistent Bad Breath - Caused by bacteria trapped under the gums.
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Gum Recession - Gums pulling away from the teeth.
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Swollen or Tender Gums - Inflammation due to infection.
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Loose Teeth - Advanced bone loss affecting tooth stability. |
Deep cleaning addresses the root cause of these symptoms by removing the bacterial buildup responsible for inflammation and tissue destruction. Early intervention with periodontal therapy can prevent the need for more invasive procedures later.
How the Deep Cleaning Procedure Works
At Mission Hills Periodontics, your deep cleaning procedure begins with a comprehensive periodontal evaluation. Our dental team measures pocket depths around each tooth and assesses the extent of gum disease.
The treatment itself is typically performed in sections, often focusing on one quadrant of the mouth at a time. Local anesthesia is commonly used to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. Specialized instruments and ultrasonic tools are used to carefully remove plaque and tartar deposits from below the gumline.
After scaling is completed, root planing smooths the root surfaces. This step is critical because rough roots can harbor bacteria and prevent the gums from properly reattaching to the teeth. Smoother roots create a healthier environment that supports gum healing.
In some cases, antimicrobial solutions or localized antibiotic therapy may be applied to reduce bacterial activity and promote healing.
What to Expect After a Deep Cleaning
Following a deep cleaning for gum disease, it is normal to experience mild sensitivity, tenderness, or slight swelling for a few days. These symptoms are temporary and typically resolve as the gums begin to heal.
Patients are usually advised to:
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Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene - Brush and floss carefully to keep treated areas clean.
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Use Recommended Rinses - Antimicrobial mouthwash may be suggested to reduce bacteria.
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Avoid Extremely Hot or Cold Foods - Teeth may be temporarily sensitive.
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Attend Follow-Up Visits - Monitoring ensures proper healing and pocket reduction. |
As the gums heal, inflammation decreases and periodontal pockets may shrink. Regular periodontal maintenance cleanings are often scheduled every three to four months to prevent recurrence.
Benefits of Deep Cleaning
A periodontal deep cleaning offers significant health benefits beyond just improving your smile. When performed early in the progression of gum disease, it can halt the infection and prevent more complex surgical treatments.
Key benefits include:
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Stops the Progression of Gum Disease - Eliminates bacteria causing inflammation and tissue damage.
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Reduces Gum Pocket Depth - Promotes reattachment of gum tissue to the teeth.
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Prevents Tooth Loss - Protects supporting bone and connective tissues.
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Improves Breath and Oral Comfort - Removes infection responsible for odor and discomfort.
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Supports Overall Health - Reduces systemic inflammation linked to heart disease and diabetes. |
Research shows a strong connection between periodontal health and overall health. By treating gum disease with deep cleaning, patients can reduce inflammation that may contribute to other medical conditions.
Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Dental Cleaning
Understanding the difference between a routine cleaning and a deep cleaning is essential.
A regular cleaning focuses on preventive care for patients with healthy gums or mild gingivitis. It removes plaque and tartar from above the gumline and slightly below it.
In contrast, a deep teeth cleaning is a therapeutic treatment designed specifically for patients with periodontal disease. It reaches deep beneath the gums to address infection at its source.
Deep cleaning is not performed at every visit. It is recommended only when clinical signs, such as deep pockets and bone loss, indicate the presence of active gum disease.
Who Is a Candidate for Deep Cleaning?
Patients who have been diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis may benefit from scaling and root planing. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of needing deep cleaning include:
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Poor Oral Hygiene - Inconsistent brushing and flossing habits.
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Smoking or Tobacco Use - Significantly increases gum disease risk.
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Diabetes - Makes patients more susceptible to infections.
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Genetic Predisposition - Family history of periodontal disease.
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Hormonal Changes - Pregnancy or menopause can affect gum health. |
Even patients who brush and floss regularly may develop periodontal disease due to genetic or medical factors. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical to preserving natural teeth.
Long-Term Maintenance After Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning is the first step in controlling gum disease, but long-term maintenance is equally important. Periodontal disease is a chronic condition, meaning ongoing care is necessary to prevent recurrence.
After treatment, patients typically transition to a periodontal maintenance schedule. These visits are more frequent than standard cleanings and focus on keeping bacteria under control.
Consistent at-home oral hygiene, routine evaluations, and professional cleanings at Mission Hills Periodontics work together to maintain gum health and prevent further complications.
FAQs
Is deep cleaning painful?
Deep cleaning is typically performed with local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort. While mild soreness or sensitivity may occur after the procedure, most patients find the treatment manageable and notice improvement as inflammation decreases.
How long does a deep cleaning take?
The length of a deep cleaning appointment depends on the severity of gum disease. Treatment is often completed over one or two visits, with each session focusing on a portion of the mouth to ensure thorough care.
Will my gums grow back after deep cleaning?
While gums do not regenerate in the same way as other tissues, deep cleaning can reduce inflammation and allow the gums to reattach more securely to the teeth. This helps shrink periodontal pockets and improves overall gum health.
How often do I need deep cleaning?
Deep cleaning is not a routine procedure and is only recommended when gum disease is present. After treatment, patients typically follow a periodontal maintenance schedule to prevent the need for additional deep cleanings in the future.
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