A deep cleaning is needed when there is a deeper space between the teeth and gums, called a “pocket ”, where large amounts of tartar and bacteria collect under the gums.

Pockets can develop when a person has not had their teeth professionally cleaned for a long time or when they do not brush and floss on a regular basis. Other health issues can also put a person at risk for developing pockets.

The treatment, also known as scaling and root planing, removes plaque and bacteria below the gums to prevent bone loss that can loosen teeth, become chronic gum disease, complicating medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.

When a dental deep cleaning is needed
The American Academy of Periodontology recommends deep cleanings when X-rays show bone loss and a full-mouth exam reveals one or more gum pockets greater than 4 millimeters deep.

For the American Academy of Periodontology, treatments should be limited to the affected teeth or mouth quadrant. “Treat only areas that are sick”. To prevent gum disease, we recommend flossing and brushing daily, particularly after eating sugary foods, and please avoid smoking.

The treatment is done by quadrants and precisely only in areas that are sick. We may need to use a local anesthetic to numb the gums and the roots of your teeth to more effectively do the deep cleaning.