How to Deep Clean Your Teeth

Last Updated: February 12, 2022 References

Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, allows your dentist to remove plaque below the gumline of your teeth. This procedure helps treat the pockets that form in your gums from periodontal disease. A dentist must perform this procedure for you. Talk to the dentist first about your options and risks. During the procedure, the dentist will scrape away any plaque and smooth over the roots of your teeth.^{[1]
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Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Preparing for the Appointment

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Schedule an appointment with the dentist.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Alina Lane, DDS
Board Certified Dentist
Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.} A deep cleaning is usually recommended after periodontitis has already been diagnosed. Set up an appointment with your dentist for your deep cleaning. You may want to do it soon after diagnosis to prevent deeper pockets from developing in your gums.
- If you are diagnosed with severe periodontitis, your dentist may refer you to a periodontist for the deep cleaning. This is a dentist who specializes in gum disease.^{[3]
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Talk to the dentist about laser treatment. In some cases, your dentist may able to remove the plaque using new laser techniques. These are less painful, and they cause less bleeding and swelling after the procedure. If your dentist has access to the technology, ask them if laser treatment might be a good option for you.^{[4]
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Give your dentist your medical history. Certain conditions may increase your risk of an infection after the deep cleaning. Inform your dentist of your medical history, including any family history of gum disease. If your dentist knows that you are at increased risk, they can prescribe you an antibiotic to prevent infection. Be sure to tell them if you have:
- Any heart problem that puts you at risk for endocarditis such as HIV, damaged heart valves, or a congenital heart defect
- Any disease or problems with your immune system
- Recently undergone surgery
- Implants, such as an artificial hip or heart valve ^{[5]
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- A history of smoking

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Going Through the Procedure

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Determine where the deep cleaning is needed. Before you begin, the dentist should ascertain which parts of your mouth actually need the deep cleaning. For some people, only one part of the mouth may be affected, and they may not need the procedure in other areas. Other people may be affected throughout the mouth. They will need a full scaling and root planing.^{[6]
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Ask about anesthetics. In most cases, a local anesthetic will be applied to your gums to numb them during the procedure.^{[7]
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Expert Source

Alina Lane, DDS
Board Certified Dentist
Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.} The most common type of anesthetic is injected into your gums. It will numb your gums, lips, and tongue. Alternatively, your dentist might use a gel. This will only numb your gums.^{[8]
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- If your mouth is numbed, you should not eat until the numbness wears away, as you might accidentally bite yourself.
- You do not need anesthetic, although it is typically recommended. If you are uncomfortable with the use of anesthetics, you can ask your dentist if you may skip it.
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Let the dentist do the scaling. The first part of the deep cleaning is the scaling. Your dentist will ask you to open your mouth as wide as you can. Using a hook-shaped tool, the dentist will scrape away plaque from below the gumline. Some dentists may use an ultrasonic device that will remove plaque in a similar manner. Both tools are worked around the tooth at the gumline.^{[9]
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Undergo root planing. Root planing is the second part of the deep cleaning. During planing, the gums around your teeth are smoothed down with a tool to reduce pockets that may have formed between the gum and the teeth.^{[10]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Caring for Your Gums

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Control the bleeding. If your gums are tender or bleeding, you can help treat them by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.^{[11]
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Alina Lane, DDS
Board Certified Dentist
Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.} Pressing a piece of damp gauze or a moistened tea bag to the bleeding spot can reduce or stop the bleeding.^{[12]
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- Bleeding will usually stop after a day or two, although some tenderness and soreness may last for up to a week. Call your dentist if you notice bleeding after two days.
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Take your medication. Your dentist may prescribe a pill to help prevent infection and reduce pain, or they may give you a special prescription mouthwash. No matter which treatment they provide, follow their directions carefully for using it.^{[13]
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- Sometimes, instead of prescribing you a pill, your dentist will insert medicine directly into your gums. If they do this, avoid eating for twelve hours after the procedure, and do not floss for a week. You may also need to avoid tough, hard, chewy, or sticky foods.
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Return for a check-up. At your appointment, your dentist will ask you to schedule another appointment so that they can follow up on your gum care. They will measure how deep the pockets of your gums are following the deep cleaning. If the pockets have gotten larger, they may need to take more drastic action, such as periodontal surgery.^{[14]
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American Dental Association
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- This second visit may happen a few weeks or months after the procedure.
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Practice good oral hygiene. Good mouth hygiene can prevent gum disease from getting worse, and it will reduce the problems that you have in the future. Brush your teeth twice a day, and floss at least once daily.^{[15]
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Expert Source

Alina Lane, DDS
Board Certified Dentist
Expert Interview. 21 April 2020.}
- Quitting smoking can also help reduce gum problems.
- You should visit your dentist at least once or twice a year for cleanings and check-ups. Your dentist can continue to check the depth of your gum pockets to make sure that the disease is not progressing.
Our Expert Agrees: Another aspect of good gum care is not irritating your gums by biting or chewing on things like pen caps, toothpicks, or rough foods.

Warnings

If you do not follow your dentist's aftercare instructions, your periodontitis may get worse.

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During deep cleaning, bacteria from the tooth can enter your bloodstream. For most healthy individuals, this does not pose a risk, but for people with other health conditions, it may cause an infection.^{[17]
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