Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning

As dental professionals, we often hear the question: “Do I really need a deep cleaning, or will a regular cleaning be enough?” The answer depends on your gum health and what we find during your exam.

A regular cleaning—what we call prophylaxis—is preventive care. During this visit, we remove plaque, tartar, and stains from above your gumline to help prevent cavities, gum disease, and keep your smile fresh. For most patients, we recommend this every six months, though your schedule may vary depending on your oral health.

A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is different. We recommend a deep cleaning when you have gum disease and there’s buildup below the gumline. Gum disease creates “pockets” between your gums and teeth where bacteria thrive. Left untreated, it can damage bone and tissue, and even lead to tooth loss.

During a deep cleaning, we remove plaque and tartar from under the gums (scaling) and smooth the root surfaces (root planing) so your gums can heal and reattach to your teeth. We usually numb the area for comfort, and sometimes the process takes more than one appointment.

We recommend a deep cleaning if:

• Your gum pockets measure deeper than 4 mm.

• Your gums bleed, are swollen, or tender.

• Your teeth feel loose or your gums are receding.

• X-rays show bone loss.

We recommend a regular cleaning if:

• Your gums are healthy and pocket depths are 1–3 mm.

• There’s no bone loss.

• Plaque and tartar are limited to above the gumline.

Deep cleaning isn’t just a “more thorough cleaning”—it’s a treatment for active gum disease. If we recommend one, it’s because it’s the best step to protect your teeth and gums. Never overlook the need for a deep cleaning—it can make the difference between keeping and losing your teeth.