Deep Cleaning Teeth: What Scaling and Root Planing Involves

If your dentist has mentioned a "deep clean" and you're not quite sure what that means, you're not alone. Many of our patients at North Beach Dental ask the same question after a check-up. This post walks through what deep cleaning teeth actually involves, how it's different from your usual scale and clean, and what you can expect in the days afterwards.

Deep cleaning teeth is also known as scaling and root planing. It's a treatment used when gum disease has moved past the early stage and started to affect the tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place. It's more thorough than a standard clean, and it's done for a specific reason.

What is deep cleaning teeth and gums?

A regular scale and clean focuses on the parts of your teeth you can see, and just under the gum line. It removes plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the tooth surface, and keeps your mouth healthy between visits.

Deep cleaning teeth and gums goes further. It's sort of like a regular dental cleaning, except it reaches deeper beneath your gums. The aim is to clean the root surfaces themselves, not just the visible crown of the tooth.

This treatment has two parts, which is why you'll often hear it called scale and root planing:

• Scaling: removes plaque and tartar above the gumline, while root planing smooths your teeth roots and removes plaque and tartar below your gumline.
• Root planing: this smooths out the root surface, which makes it harder for bacteria to stick and gives your gum tissue a better chance to settle back against the tooth.

Together, these two steps target the bacteria sitting below the gum that a regular clean simply can't reach.

Deep cleaning teeth for gum disease: why it's recommended

Gum disease starts quietly. Plaque builds up along the gum line, and if it isn't cleaned away, the gums become inflamed and start to pull away from the tooth, forming small gaps called pockets. Once those pockets reach a certain depth, a regular scale and clean can't fully reach the bacteria hiding inside them.

Your gums will pull away from your teeth and form spaces called pockets, and plaque then gets trapped in these pockets and cannot be removed with regular brushing. That's the point where a dentist may suggest deep cleaning teeth rather than continuing with routine hygiene visits alone.

At North Beach Dental, gum health is checked as part of every regular visit, which is why staying on top of your scale and clean appointments matters. If our dentist does notice signs of gum disease, we'll talk you through what's happening and what the options are, with no pressure and no surprises on cost.

How deep cleaning differs from a regular scale and clean

A regular scale and clean

This is the appointment most people have about every six months, though your dentist will set the timing that suits you. It covers the tooth surfaces above and just below the gum line, removes everyday plaque and tartar, and helps prevent gum problems before they start.

Deep cleaning teeth (scaling and root planing)

This treatment is used once gum disease has already taken hold. It reaches further below the gum line, along the root surface, to clear out the bacteria and tartar that a regular clean can't access. It's usually a more involved appointment, and your dentist will explain how many visits it's likely to take for your situation.

The key difference is really about purpose. A regular clean maintains healthy gums. Deep cleaning treats gum disease that's already developed. If you'd like to understand more about how we manage this over time, our gum disease control page covers it in more detail.

Deep cleaning teeth how long does it take?

This varies from person to person, depending on how much of the mouth needs treatment and how deep the pockets are. Some people only need treatment in one or two areas, while others need the full mouth addressed. Your dentist will explain the likely number of visits and roughly how long each one will take before starting, along with the costs involved, so there are no surprises.

It's worth asking for the item numbers used for your treatment so you can check them against your health fund. North Beach Dental is a preferred provider for HBF, Medibank, HCF and nib, which usually means a smaller gap for eligible treatment. If you're with another fund, you can still claim, just check your policy for the details.

Deep cleaning teeth aftercare

Your gums need a little time and care after a deep clean. Most people find the following helpful in the days afterwards:

• Expect some tenderness and mild sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days. Sensitivity typically fades within one to two weeks.
• Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and keep flossing, just be gentle around the treated areas.
• Stick to softer foods for a day or two if your gums feel sore, then return to your normal diet as things settle.
• A warm salt water rinse can be soothing in the first few days.
• For any discomfort, follow the directions on the pack for over-the-counter pain relief, or ask your pharmacist what's suitable for you.

Your teeth might feel a little wiggly right after your deep cleaning, and this should go away once your gums tighten back up. That's a normal part of the healing process as the swelling settles and the gum reattaches more firmly.

If you notice heavy bleeding that won't stop, spreading swelling in your face, fever, or any trouble breathing or swallowing, these need urgent attention. Please go to a hospital emergency department if that happens, rather than waiting for your next appointment.

Your dentist will usually want to see you again after a deep clean to check how your gums are healing and measure any change in pocket depth. Our team often follows up after treatment too, just to see how you're getting on.

Looking after your gums going forward

Once your gums have settled, the best thing you can do is keep up good habits at home and keep your regular check-ups. That usually means an exam and scale and clean about every six months, and bitewing X-rays about every two years, though your dentist will set the schedule that's right for you.

If you take an OPG (a panoramic X-ray that shows your whole jaw), we take that here at the practice, so there's no need for a separate trip elsewhere. This helps our dentist keep a full picture of your gum and bone health over time.

If you're new to North Beach Dental, our new patients page has everything you need to get started, including what to expect at your first visit.

Frequently asked questions

Does deep cleaning teeth hurt?

Your dentist will usually numb the area first, so you shouldn't feel sharp pain during the treatment. Afterwards it's common to have some tenderness or sensitivity for a few days, which settles down as your gums heal.

How do I know if I need a deep clean instead of a regular clean?

Only your dentist can tell you this, after checking your gums and measuring any pockets around your teeth. Bleeding when you brush, puffy gums or bad breath that doesn't go away are worth mentioning at your next check-up.

Will I need more than one appointment?

Often yes. Many people have deep cleaning done over two visits, one side of the mouth at a time, though this depends on how much treatment is needed. Your dentist will explain the plan before you start.

Can deep cleaning reverse gum disease completely?

Results vary from person to person. Deep cleaning aims to stop the disease progressing and help your gums settle, but ongoing home care and regular check-ups are what keep your gums healthy over the long run.

Is deep cleaning covered by health funds?

Many extras policies include some cover for gum treatment, but this depends on your fund and your level of cover. North Beach Dental is a preferred provider for HBF, Medibank, HCF and nib, and we're happy to give you the item numbers so you can check with your fund directly. If you're reviewing your cover before the end of the year, remember most extras limits reset on 31 December, but check your fund's reset date.

If you've noticed bleeding gums, or your dentist has mentioned a deep clean at your last visit, it's worth getting it looked at sooner rather than later. At North Beach Dental, we'll explain exactly what we find, talk you through your options and the costs involved, and answer any questions before any treatment goes ahead. Call us on (08) 9447 1514 or book a time online at our North Beach practice on Lawley Street, and we'll take it from there.