Deep Cleaning and Root Planing

Treating your gums is as important as treating your teeth. So you should maintain your regular hygiene appointments so your dentist can check whether your gums need extra care.  For example, you might need scaling – deep cleaning – and root planing treatment if you have gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease.Gum disease can occur when plaque or bacteria builds up on or between the teeth, causing inflamed and irritated gums. Gingivitis can then turn into periodontitis if left untreated, which is where the gums pull away from the teeth and form gaps or pockets that get infected.
So it’s essential to see a dentist if you experience swollen gums, bleeding, inflammation, shrinking gums or loose teeth.

What is deep cleaning and root planing?

Scaling is a deep clean to remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline, and clean out the bottom of the pocket.

Root planing involves smoothing out the teeth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth.

Two-phase deep cleans

Deep cleaning treatments are longer than a typical appointment and may require a local anaesthetic if your symptoms are more intense and need more work.

They may even take more than one visit to complete. For example, our dentist may recommend a second appointment if you have:

• extensive tartar build-up
• puffy and inflamed gums
• bleeding or heavy staining
• bone loss
• loose teeth.

If you have heavily stained teeth, the dentist will do a polishing treatment to remove or reduce tough stains.

Are deep cleans painful?

Usually our Scaling & root planing treatments aren’t painful. However, exposed dentine or sore gum tissue can sometimes cause some pain.
If any part of our procedure causes you pain or discomfort, let us know immediately.
You can read more about the importance of protecting your teeth in our article on what happens when you neglect your teeth.