A deep cleaning, formally known as Scaling and Root Planing (SRP), is a non-surgical procedure used to treat periodontal disease, or gum disease, which is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. This treatment is fundamentally different from a routine dental cleaning, which is a preventive measure focused on removing plaque and tartar above the gum line. When gum disease progresses, bacteria and hardened deposits, called calculus or tartar, migrate beneath the gums. This causes the gum tissue to pull away from the tooth roots and form pockets of infection. SRP is a therapeutic measure designed to meticulously clean these infected root surfaces and allow the gums to heal and reattach.
Diagnosis and Preparation for the Procedure
The need for a deep cleaning is determined through a comprehensive periodontal examination, which involves periodontal probing. A dental professional uses a specialized instrument, a periodontal probe, to gently measure the depth of the space between the gum tissue and the tooth, known as the pocket. In a healthy mouth, this pocket depth generally measures between one and three millimeters.
Measurements of four millimeters or greater, especially when accompanied by bleeding, often indicate active periodontal disease. These deeper pockets signify that the gum attachment has been compromised and that harmful bacteria have begun to accumulate on the tooth root surface. The dental team records six measurements around every tooth to create a detailed map of the infection’s severity and location.
Because the procedure involves working beneath the gum line, local anesthesia is administered to ensure patient comfort. The dental professional will numb the area being treated using an injectable anesthetic, often targeting a specific quadrant of the mouth. This numbing allows for the thorough removal of the deeply embedded calculus and bacteria.
To manage patient comfort and the extensive nature of the cleaning, the procedure is commonly split into multiple appointments. Usually, one or two quadrants of the mouth are treated at a time. This approach prevents the patient from having the entire mouth numb at once and allows the professional to focus adequate time on cleaning each infected area.
The Steps of Scaling and Root Planing
The deep cleaning procedure is divided into two phases: scaling and root planing. Scaling is the first step and involves the methodical removal of plaque and the hardened calculus (tartar) from the tooth surface, both above and below the gum line. This process uses specialized instruments to dislodge the bacterial deposits that have adhered to the tooth structure.
Dental professionals use a combination of tools for scaling, including manual instruments like curettes and scalers, which scrape deposits away. Ultrasonic devices are also used; these instruments have a vibrating tip that uses high-frequency movements and a water spray to efficiently break up and flush away stubborn calculus deposits. The goal is to completely eliminate the source of the infection within the periodontal pockets.
Following the scaling phase, the dental professional performs root planing, which is the smoothing of the tooth root surfaces. The root surface is naturally porous and rough. Planing gently removes a minimal amount of the outer root structure, creating a smooth, clean surface that is less hospitable for future bacterial colonization.
This smoothing action encourages the gum tissue to reattach tightly to the tooth root, effectively closing the deep pockets and reducing the risk of recurring infection. In some cases, an antibiotic medication or an antiseptic rinse may be placed directly into the cleaned pockets. This localized application helps to suppress any remaining bacteria and supports the initial healing process.
Immediate Recovery and Follow-Up Care
Following the procedure, patients commonly experience temporary side effects as the numbing agent wears off. The most frequent issues include gum tenderness, aching, and increased sensitivity in the teeth, particularly to hot and cold temperatures. These discomforts are normal and typically subside within a few days to a week.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, are recommended to manage soreness or discomfort during the initial recovery period. Patients are advised to adhere to a soft diet for the first two to three days, avoiding hard, crunchy, or highly acidic foods that could irritate the healing tissues. Gentle rinsing with warm salt water several times a day can also aid in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
Gum tissue healing begins almost immediately, but full resolution and reattachment of the gums to the roots can take several weeks. A post-procedure check-up is scheduled four to six weeks after the cleaning to re-evaluate the pocket depths and confirm a positive response to the treatment. This appointment ensures the infection is under control and that the gum tissue has tightened around the teeth.
Once active gum disease has been treated with scaling and root planing, the patient’s care transitions to Periodontal Maintenance. These maintenance appointments replace the standard six-month routine cleanings and are typically scheduled every three to four months. This increased frequency is necessary because the bacteria that cause gum disease can rapidly repopulate the deep pockets, making continuous, targeted professional cleaning essential to prevent the disease from returning.