Does Deep Cleaning Hurt?

We use local anesthesia to numb the areas being treated, so you won't feel pain during the procedure. You may feel pressure or vibrations, but not discomfort. After the anesthesia wears off, you might experience mild tenderness for a day or two, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.

How Long Does Deep Cleaning Take?

The length of treatment depends on the extent of your gum disease. A full-mouth deep cleaning can take 1-2 hours if done in one appointment, or we may divide it into 2-4 shorter appointments (treating one quadrant at a time). Dr. Grady will recommend the best approach based on your specific situation.

How Often Do I Need Deep Cleaning?

Deep cleaning is typically a one-time treatment to address existing gum disease. However, once you've had deep cleaning, you'll need periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months instead of the standard 6-month schedule. These more frequent cleanings help prevent gum disease from returning.

Will My Insurance Cover Deep Cleaning?

Most dental insurance plans cover deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) when it's medically necessary to treat gum disease. Coverage is typically 50-80% after your deductible. We'll verify your benefits and provide a cost estimate before treatment. If you don't have insurance, we offer payment plans to make treatment affordable.

Can I Go Back To Regular Cleanings After Deep Cleaning?

Not right away. After deep cleaning, you'll need periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months for at least a year to monitor your gum health and prevent disease from returning. If your gums remain healthy over time, Dr. Grady may gradually extend the time between appointments—but most patients with a history of gum disease benefit from more frequent cleanings long-term.

What Happens If I Don't Get Deep Cleaning?

Without treatment, gum disease will continue to progress. This leads to:Deeper periodontal pocketsBone loss around teethLoose teeth that may eventually fall outIncreased risk of infection spreading to other parts of your bodyDeep cleaning is the most effective non-surgical way to stop gum disease and save your teeth.

Is Deep Cleaning The Same As A Regular Cleaning?

No. A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces above the gumline and is done every 6 months for healthy gums. Deep cleaning goes below the gumline to remove tartar from periodontal pockets and smooth tooth roots. It's a therapeutic treatment for gum disease, not routine maintenance.

Deep Cleaning In Yuma - Scaling & Root Planing

Remove Tartar Below The Gumline And Restore Your Health

Worried about gum disease taking hold? Deep cleaning goes beyond your regular dental cleaning to target tartar buildup and bacteria hiding below the gumline where brushing can't reach.

At Arizona Avenue Dentistry in Yuma, we use scaling and root planing to stop gum disease progression, reduce pocket depth and give your gums a chance to heal.

Dr. Grady brings over 20 years of experience to every deep cleaning procedure. We'll walk you through what to expect, make sure you're comfortable throughout the process and create a follow-up plan to protect your gums long-term.

Ready to stop gum disease in its tracks? Call (928) 782-3685 or request an appointment online today.

What Is Deep Cleaning?

Deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease. It's more thorough than a regular dental cleaning because it treats areas below the gumline where gum disease starts.

While a routine cleaning removes plaque and tartar from visible tooth surfaces, deep cleaning addresses:

Tartar buildup below the gumline (in periodontal pockets)
Bacteria that cause inflammation and bone loss
Rough spots on tooth roots where bacteria collect

The goal is to remove infection, smooth the tooth roots, and allow your gums to reattach to your teeth, stopping disease progression and preventing tooth loss.

When Is Deep Cleaning Needed?

Dr. Grady may recommend deep cleaning if you show signs of gum disease during your dental exam. Common indicators include:

Periodontal pockets measuring 4mm or deeper
Tartar buildup below the gumline (visible on X-rays)
Gum inflammation, redness or bleeding
Gum recession exposing tooth roots
Bone loss visible on dental X-rays

Regular cleanings can't reach tartar in deep pockets. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to bone loss, loose teeth and eventual tooth loss. Deep cleaning is often the first line of defense to stop the disease before it progresses.

What's The Difference Between Regular Cleaning And Deep Cleaning?

Regular Cleaning (Prophylaxis): Removes plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces above the gumline. Typically done every 6 months for healthy gums.

Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing): Removes tartar from below the gumline and smooths tooth roots. Done when gum disease is diagnosed to treat infection and promote healing.

The Deep Cleaning Procedure

Deep cleaning is typically done in one or two appointments, depending on the extent of gum disease. Here's what happens during the procedure:

Step 1: Scaling

Dr. Grady uses specialized instruments to carefully remove tartar and bacteria from below the gumline and within periodontal pockets. This clears out the infection causing your gum disease.

Step 2: Root Planing

Next, the tooth roots are smoothed to remove rough spots where bacteria like to collect. Smooth roots make it harder for bacteria to reattach and help your gums heal and reattach to your teeth.

Local Anesthesia For Comfort

We use local anesthesia to numb the areas being treated so you stay comfortable throughout the procedure. You'll feel pressure but no pain during the cleaning.

Treatment By Quadrants

If you have gum disease in multiple areas, we may divide treatment into quadrants (upper right, upper left, lower right, lower left). This allows us to numb smaller sections and reduces the time you spend in the chair per appointment. We'll discuss the best approach for your situation.

What To Expect After Deep Cleaning

After your deep cleaning, your gums will begin the healing process. Here's what to expect in the days following treatment:

Mild soreness: Your gums may feel tender for a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help.
Sensitivity: Teeth may be sensitive to hot or cold for a few days, especially if roots were exposed. This usually resolves quickly.
Slight bleeding: You might notice light bleeding when brushing or flossing. This should decrease as your gums heal.
Healing timeline: Gums typically heal within 1-2 weeks. We'll schedule a follow-up visit to check your progress.

At-home care: Continue brushing twice daily and flossing once daily. We may recommend an antimicrobial mouthwash to support healing and reduce bacteria.

Follow-Up Care: Periodontal Maintenance

Deep cleaning stops gum disease, but maintaining healthy gums requires ongoing care. After your initial treatment, we'll recommend periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months instead of the standard 6-month schedule.

These more frequent cleanings help:

Prevent tartar buildup from returning
Monitor pocket depth to catch early signs of disease
Keep gum tissue healthy and inflammation-free
Protect the progress you've made

Periodontal maintenance is different from regular cleanings. We'll focus on areas where gum disease was present and check for any new pockets or inflammation. Dr. Grady will work with you to create a long-term plan that keeps your gums healthy for life.

Learn more about our preventive cleaning options and gum disease treatment.

Why Choose Arizona Avenue Dentistry For Deep Cleaning?

Experienced Care: Dr. Grady has over 20 years of experience treating gum disease with scaling and root planing
Judgment-Free Environment: We understand gum disease happens, and we're here to get you back on track
Comfort-Focused: Local anesthesia and gentle techniques keep you comfortable throughout treatment
Bilingual Team: Spanish-speaking staff available to answer your questions
Follow-Up Plans: We create personalized maintenance schedules to protect your gums long-term

Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Cleaning

Stop Gum Disease Before It Progresses

Deep cleaning can save your teeth and restore gum health. Dr. Grady and our team in Yuma are ready to help you get back on track with expert, judgment-free care.

Call (928) 782-3685 or request an appointment online today.