What to Expect During a Deep Dental Cleaning: Your Guide to Scaling and Root Planing

You go to the dentist for regular cleanings, brush daily, and try to floss more often than not. But what happens when your dentist tells you that a deep cleaning is necessary? It might sound intense, but don’t worry—deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a standard, effective treatment that can save your teeth and restore your gum health.

At Family Smiles Dental in Dallas, Georgia, we perform deep cleanings to treat gum disease and prevent more serious dental problems. If you’ve been told you need one—or just want to understand what’s involved—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Why Would I Need a Deep Cleaning?

A routine dental cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the surface of your teeth. But when periodontal disease (gum disease) develops, it affects not just your teeth, but also the tissues and bone that support them.

In these cases, a deeper cleaning is needed because:

• Plaque and tartar have built up below the gumline
• You may have pockets between your gums and teeth that harbor bacteria
• Your gums may be red, swollen, or bleeding
• Bone loss may have begun, putting your teeth at risk

Gum disease is more common than you think—studies estimate that nearly 50% of adults over 30 in the U.S. have some form of periodontitis. Without treatment, it can lead to loose teeth, tooth loss, and even impact your overall health.

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling involves removing plaque, tartar, and bacterial buildup from both above and below the gumline using specialized dental tools or ultrasonic instruments. This is deeper than a typical cleaning and targets areas where toothbrushes and floss can’t reach.

Root planing smooths the root surfaces of the teeth. Why? Because rough areas on the roots make it easier for bacteria to reattach. By smoothing the roots, we encourage the gums to reattach to the teeth and reduce the depth of periodontal pockets.

The goal is to eliminate infection, promote healing, and prevent further damage to your gums and bone.

What to Expect During the Appointment

At Family Smiles Dental in Dallas, your comfort is always a top priority. Here’s what typically happens during your deep cleaning appointment:

1. Evaluation: We measure the depth of your gum pockets using a periodontal probe and examine your x-rays to determine the extent of bone loss.
2. Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is often used to numb the treatment area. This ensures you’re comfortable during the procedure.
3. Scaling: Our dental hygienist or periodontist will carefully remove plaque and tartar from all surfaces of the teeth, including under the gums.
4. Root Planing: The root surfaces are smoothed to promote healing and reduce the likelihood of bacteria collecting in the future.
5. Antibiotics or Antimicrobial Rinse: In some cases, we may apply a topical antibiotic or recommend a special rinse to help reduce bacterial growth during healing.

Deep cleanings are often done in two appointments, especially if multiple areas of your mouth are affected. This allows for better focus and recovery.

Are Deep Teeth Cleanings Painful?

With proper numbing, most patients in our Dallas dental office report little to no discomfort during the procedure. You may feel slight pressure or vibration but not pain. Afterward, some mild tenderness or gum sensitivity is normal and usually subsides within a few days.

Aftercare: Healing Your Smile at Home

After a deep cleaning, your gums may feel sore, swollen, or sensitive. Here’s how to take care of your mouth while it heals:

• Stick to soft foods for the first 24–48 hours (think yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies)
• Avoid spicy or acidic foods that may irritate the gums
• Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and use a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth
• Rinse with warm salt water (1 tsp of salt in 8 oz of warm water) a few times a day to soothe your gums
• Take over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen if needed
• Avoid smoking, which can delay healing and increase risk of infection
• Use any prescribed mouth rinse or antibiotics exactly as directed

Healing usually occurs over the course of one to two weeks, and improvements like reduced bleeding, better breath, and less inflammation are often noticeable early on.

What Happens After the Deep Cleaning?

After a few weeks, we’ll bring you back for a follow-up visit to check your healing and reassess your gum pockets. If they’ve shrunk and your gums look healthier, you’re likely back on track.

However, patients who’ve had gum disease in the past are more susceptible to recurrence. To prevent this, we may recommend more frequent cleanings—known as periodontal maintenance—every 3 to 4 months instead of the usual 6-month routine.

Gum Health = Whole-Body Health

Treating gum disease with scaling and root planing doesn’t just protect your teeth—it supports your entire body. Research has linked periodontal disease to serious conditions like:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes complications
• Respiratory issues
• Adverse pregnancy outcomes

By restoring gum health, you’re also reducing inflammation in the body and supporting overall wellness.

Why Choose Family Smiles Dental in Dallas for Your Deep Cleaning?

Our experienced dental team takes a compassionate, patient-first approach to periodontal care. When you visit Family Smiles Dental in Dallas, GA, you’re not just another chart number—we take time to explain your options, keep you comfortable, and create a plan that fits your needs.

We also use modern tools and techniques to make scaling and root planing more precise and comfortable than ever before.

Whether you’re due for your first deep cleaning or returning for maintenance care, we’re here to make sure your smile stays strong and healthy for years to come.

Book Your Deep Cleaning Appointment Today

If you’ve been told you need a deep cleaning—or you’re noticing signs like bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or tooth sensitivity—don’t wait. Early action can prevent more complex problems later.

Contact Family Smiles Dental in Dallas today to schedule your exam and take the first step toward better gum health. Your mouth (and body) will thank you.