Keeping your smile healthy goes far beyond brushing and flossing. When plaque and tartar sneak below the gumline, routine cleanings might not be enough to stop the damage. That’s where deep cleaning teeth—a treatment also known as scaling and root planing—comes in.
It’s a crucial step in preventing and managing gum disease, protecting your overall oral health. In Tukwila, WA, Dr. Addie Chang provides compassionate, personalized dental care tailored to your unique needs.
Whether you’re seeking preventative care or managing gum disease, this article will guide you through everything you need to know about deep cleaning teeth—what it involves, when it’s necessary, and how it supports long-term oral wellness.
Let’s break it down: deep cleaning teeth, clinically known as scaling and root planing, goes beneath the surface—literally.
Unlike your regular dental cleaning, which polishes teeth and removes surface-level plaque, deep cleaning dives deep below the gumline to tackle hardened tartar and bacteria that cause inflammation and gum disease.
Regular dental cleanings and deep cleanings might sound similar, but they serve distinct purposes. Regular cleanings (prophylaxis) are the preventive six-month checkups focused on removing surface plaque, tartar, and stains for healthy gums. You get polished teeth and fresh breath.
Deep cleanings (scaling and root planing), however, go below the gumline to treat gum disease. They remove bacteria from deep pockets and smooth root surfaces. Regular cleanings are quick and usually don't need numbing, while deep cleanings often require anesthesia or sedation and multiple visits.
Essentially, regular cleaning maintains health, while deep cleaning restores gum health and fights periodontal disease.
This isn’t just jargon—“scaling” removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, and “root planing” smooths the root surfaces to help gums reattach and prevent bacteria buildup.
Ever notice bleeding when you brush? Or perhaps persistent bad breath that mouthwash just can’t beat? These might be more than annoyances—they could be your mouth’s cry for help.
Signs include:
Only a dental professional can definitively say whether you need a deep cleaning. Using a periodontal probe, your dentist measures the depth of pockets around each tooth—anything over 3mm may warrant treatment.
Before anything begins, your dentist will review your dental history, take X-rays, and check for infection or bone loss.
Typically, your mouth is divided into quadrants. You might have two appointments—one for each side—or four, depending on severity.
Dr. Addie Chang will use numbing agents to keep discomfort to a minimum. You won’t feel a thing during the treatment, though some post-treatment tenderness is expected.
Some describe a dull ache or gum soreness for a day or two. Mild sensitivity is normal—especially when drinking hot or cold beverages.
Healing begins immediately. You might experience minor swelling or bleeding, but these symptoms subside in a few days.
| Eat This | Avoid This |
| Soft fruits (bananas, melons) | Nuts, popcorn, seeds |
| Mashed potatoes, yogurt | Spicy or acidic foods |
| Scrambled eggs | Crunchy chips, toast |
It’s normal for gums to feel sensitive or even bleed lightly after the cleaning. This should fade within a week.
Slight swelling is common, especially in deeper pockets. Ice packs and warm salt rinses can help alleviate discomfort.
Most dental insurance plans cover deep cleaning if medically necessary—usually 50–80%, depending on your plan.
Many dental offices offer payment plans or financing through providers like CareCredit to ease the financial load.
For some, a single session followed by regular cleanings suffices. Others—especially those with chronic periodontal disease—require ongoing maintenance.
Your dentist might recommend a 3-month recall program for those with ongoing periodontal concerns.
By removing deep-seated bacteria and tartar, it halts the progression of periodontitis—which, left untreated, causes bone and tooth loss.
Caught early, deep cleaning can reverse inflammation and shrink gum pockets, allowing gums to heal.
Healthy gums support healthy bones. Deep cleaning protects your jawbone by reducing bacterial load and stabilizing teeth.
A root canal treats infected pulp inside a tooth. Deep cleaning treats infection around the tooth in the gums and bone.
A gingivectomy involves surgically removing gum tissue. Deep cleaning is non-surgical and less invasive.
If deep cleaning can’t access severely infected pockets or if bone loss is extensive, flap surgery or grafting may be necessary.
Healthier gums mean fewer infections, less bleeding, and better overall oral health.
Goodbye, bad breath! Removing bacteria and tartar leads to a cleaner, fresher mouth.
A firm foundation ensures your teeth stay where they belong—right in your smile.
A clean and healthy foundation is crucial before receiving cosmetic work. Deep cleaning ensures your gums are ready for the spotlight.
Think of it as a deep exfoliation—removing the gunk so your whitening treatment works even better.
Cosmetic treatments are an investment—deep cleaning protects that investment with a strong, healthy gum base.
Looking for exceptional care in Tukwila, WA? Dr. Addie Chang offers personalized, compassionate treatment in a warm, welcoming environment.
Our friendly team prioritizes your comfort, provides a wide range of services (excluding root canals), and works with numerous insurance providers to make top-tier care accessible.
Contact us today and schedule an appointment.
Deep cleaning teeth isn’t just a treatment—it’s a proactive step toward lasting oral health. Whether you're dealing with early gum disease or prepping for cosmetic treatments, understanding the process (and trusting the right provider) makes all the difference.
Let professionals like Dr. Addie Chang guide you back to a confident, healthier smile.
