Dental Services / Deep Cleaning
Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing) in Irvine
When gum disease leaves tartar and bacteria below the gumline, a deep cleaning clears it away so your gums can heal and hold your teeth firmly again.
Deep cleaning at a glance
- Also called: scaling and root planing (SRP)
- Treats: gum disease with pockets and tartar below the gumline
- Comfort: the area is numbed first
- Visits: often two, one for each side of the mouth
- After: maintenance cleanings, often every 3 to 4 months
- Most PPO planscover part of deep cleanings, including Delta Dental
- Numbed firstso you feel pressure, not pain
- Open until 7 PMon Mondays and Thursdays
- Four languagesEnglish, Farsi, Tagalog, and Arabic
Signs you may need a deep cleaning
Gum disease often doesn't hurt, so many people don't know they have it until their dentist measures their gums.
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Red, puffy or tender gums
Bad breath or a bad taste that doesn't go away
Gums pulling away from your teeth, or teeth that look longer
Teeth that feel loose or a bite that feels different
At your exam, your dentist or hygienist gently measures the space between each tooth and the gum. Healthy gums usually measure 1 to 3 millimeters. Deeper pockets, along with tartar below the gumline and signs of bone loss on X-rays, are the usual reasons a deep cleaning is recommended.
Regular cleaning vs. deep cleaning
A regular cleaning keeps healthy gums healthy. A deep cleaning treats gums that are already infected.
| Regular cleaning | Deep cleaning | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Healthy gums | Gum disease (periodontitis) |
| Where it cleans | Above and just under the gumline | Deep below the gumline, down the roots |
| Numbing | Not needed | Yes, the area is numbed |
| Visits | One | Often two |
| Follow-up | Usually every 6 months | Maintenance cleanings, often every 3 to 4 months |
Learn more about routine visits on our cleanings and exams page.
What happens during treatment
Most patients are surprised by how manageable it is.
Numbing
We numb the part of your mouth being treated, so you feel pressure and vibration but not pain.
Scaling
Plaque and hardened tartar are removed from the tooth surfaces and from the roots below the gumline.
Root planing
The root surfaces are smoothed so bacteria have a harder time sticking and the gums can reattach to the teeth.
Re-check
A few weeks later we measure your gums again to see how they have healed and plan your maintenance schedule.
After your deep cleaning
Your gums need a little time to settle. Here is what to expect and how to help them heal.
Mild soreness
Gums may be tender for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers and warm salt-water rinses usually help.
Some sensitivity
Teeth may be sensitive to cold for a while. A sensitivity toothpaste can help.
Eat soft foods
Choose soft foods for the rest of the day, and wait for the numbness to wear off before eating.
Keep brushing and flossing
Gentle, daily care is the most important part of healing. See our home care tips.
Maintenance visits
Gum disease can come back, so regular maintenance cleanings, often every 3 to 4 months, help keep it under control.
Extra help at home
Some patients add Perio Protect trays between visits to help control bacteria below the gumline.
Cost and insurance
Deep cleanings are usually priced per quarter of the mouth (a quadrant), so the cost depends on how many areas need treatment. Maintenance cleanings afterward are billed separately.
Most PPO dental plans, including Delta Dental, cover part of scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance. We check your benefits and give you an estimate before treatment, and we offer an in-house plan and payment options for patients without insurance. Insurance and payment options
Treating gum disease early usually costs less than treating the problems it causes later, such as loose or lost teeth.
Deep cleaning questions
What is a deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so the gums can heal and reattach to the teeth. It is the standard first treatment for gum disease.
Does a deep cleaning hurt?
The area is numbed first, so most people feel pressure and vibration rather than pain. Gums can be tender for a few days afterward.
How long does a deep cleaning take?
It is often done in two visits, one for each side of the mouth, with each visit taking about an hour. Some patients have the whole mouth done in one longer visit.
How do I know if I need a deep cleaning?
Your dentist measures the pockets around your teeth and checks your X-rays. Pockets deeper than about 4 millimeters, tartar below the gumline and bone loss are common reasons a deep cleaning is recommended.
Is a deep cleaning covered by insurance?
Most PPO plans, including Delta Dental, cover part of scaling and root planing. Sand Canyon Dental in Irvine checks your benefits and gives you an estimate before treatment.
What happens if I don't get a deep cleaning?
Gum disease usually keeps getting worse. Over time it can destroy the bone that holds your teeth, leading to loose teeth and tooth loss.
Healthier gums start with a checkup
If your gums bleed or feel tender, book a visit. We will measure your gums and explain your options.
Sand Canyon Dental
16100 Sand Canyon Ave, Suite 270
Irvine, CA 92618
Mon and Thu 8 AM to 7 PM
Tue, Wed, and Fri 8 AM to 5 PM