Your regular dental cleaning keeps teeth looking bright and feeling fresh, but sometimes your teeth and gums need more than a standard cleaning can provide. When plaque and tartar accumulate below the gum line, they create pockets where bacteria thrive, leading to gum inflammation and potential bone loss. Deep cleaning addresses these hidden deposits, stopping gum disease progression and helping you preserve your natural teeth.
Periodontal care includes deep cleaning procedures designed to treat early to moderate gum disease and prevent more serious complications. At Dental Group of Chicago, we provide thorough deep cleaning treatments with the flexibility of extended hours, making it easier for busy professionals and families to prioritize their gum health.
What Is Deep Cleaning?
Deep cleaning, professionally known as scaling and root planing, goes beyond the surface cleaning you receive during routine dental visits. This treatment specifically targets bacterial deposits and hardened tartar below the gum line, areas your toothbrush cannot reach. Scaling removes plaque from the tooth roots, while root planing smooths the root so it can reattach to the gums.
The procedure addresses the root cause of gum disease rather than just treating symptoms. When bacteria accumulate below the gum line, they trigger an inflammatory response, causing gums to pull away from teeth. These pockets deepen over time, providing more space for bacteria to colonize. Without intervention, this process leads to bone loss, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss.
Deep cleaning differs significantly from regular prophylaxis cleaning. A standard cleaning removes plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces above the gum line. Deep cleaning extends well below the gum line, removing deposits from root surfaces and smoothing rough areas where bacteria tend to collect. Most patients require local anesthesia during deep cleaning to ensure comfort, as the procedure involves working in sensitive areas below the gum tissue.
Signs You May Need Deep Cleaning
Several indicators suggest you might benefit from deep cleaning rather than routine maintenance care. Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing is one of the most common warning signs. While many people dismiss occasional bleeding as normal, healthy gums should not bleed during routine oral care. Persistent bleeding indicates inflammation caused by bacterial buildup below the gum line.
Gum recession makes teeth appear longer than they once did. As gums pull away from teeth, more of the tooth structure becomes visible. This recession creates pockets where bacteria accumulate, and exposed root surfaces are more vulnerable to decay. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t improve with brushing often signals bacterial infection in gum pockets.
During your dental examination, we measure the depth of spaces between your teeth and gums. Healthy gums have shallow pockets measuring 1-3 millimeters. Measurements of 4 millimeters or greater indicate gum disease requiring treatment beyond standard cleaning. These measurements, combined with visible signs of inflammation and X-rays showing bone loss, help us determine whether deep cleaning is necessary.
The Deep Cleaning Process
Deep cleaning typically occurs over one or more appointments, depending on the extent of gum disease and the number of affected areas. We begin by numbing the treatment areas with local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Once you’re comfortable, we use specialized instruments to carefully remove plaque and tartar deposits from below the gum line.
Scaling
The scaling phase removes all bacterial deposits, plaque, and hardened tartar from tooth roots. We work systematically through each affected area, accessing the deepest portions of gum pockets to eliminate bacterial colonies. Modern ultrasonic scaling instruments use vibrations to break up stubborn deposits, making removal more efficient and comfortable. Hand instruments provide precision for reaching challenging areas and completing thorough removal.
Root Planing
After removing all deposits, we smooth the root surfaces through root planing. This process eliminates rough spots and bacterial toxins embedded in the root surface. Smooth roots discourage bacterial recolonization and make it easier for gum tissue to reattach to teeth. The smoothed surface creates a clean environment where healthy tissue can heal and pockets can reduce in depth.
Recovery and Aftercare
Following deep cleaning, you may experience some tenderness and sensitivity for several days. Over-the-counter pain medication typically manages any discomfort effectively. Your gums might feel slightly swollen or appear darker in color initially, but these symptoms should improve within a week. Some bleeding when brushing is normal for the first few days as your gums heal.
We provide detailed instructions for care after your deep cleaning. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle technique for the first week. Saltwater rinses several times daily help soothe tissues and promote healing. Avoid very hot foods and beverages for the first 24 hours, as your mouth may remain numb from anesthesia. Continue your regular brushing and flossing routine, though you may need to be gentler around treated areas initially.
Benefits of Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning stops gum disease progression before it causes irreversible damage. By removing bacterial deposits and creating an environment where gums can heal, this treatment prevents the bone loss that leads to tooth mobility and loss. Most patients see significant improvement in gum health within a few weeks of treatment, with reduced inflammation, decreased pocket depths, and less bleeding.
The procedure also improves your oral health foundation for other dental treatments. If you need restorative work like crowns or dental implants, healthy gums and adequate bone support are essential for successful outcomes. Deep cleaning addresses gum disease that could otherwise compromise these treatments.
Beyond oral health, treating gum disease through deep cleaning may benefit your overall health. Research links periodontal disease to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic conditions. While deep cleaning doesn’t cure these conditions, maintaining healthy gums contributes to your overall wellness.
Maintaining Results After Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning provides a fresh start for your gum health, but maintaining those results requires ongoing commitment. Most patients need more frequent cleanings after deep cleaning treatment, typically every three to four months, rather than the standard six-month interval. These periodontal maintenance appointments help prevent bacteria from recolonizing below the gum line.
Your daily oral care routine plays a critical role in long-term success. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying particular attention to the gum line. Floss once daily to remove plaque between teeth where your brush cannot reach. Consider adding an antimicrobial mouthrinse to your routine to help control bacteria between professional cleanings.
Certain factors increase your risk of gum disease recurrence. Smoking significantly impairs healing and increases disease risk, so quitting provides substantial benefits for your gum health. Managing systemic conditions like diabetes helps control inflammation throughout your body, including your gums. Stress reduction and a balanced diet support immune function, helping your body fight bacterial infections more effectively.
Deep Cleaning at Dental Group of Chicago
We understand gum disease treatment fits into busy schedules, which is why we’re open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 8 PM and Saturdays from 8 AM to 2 PM. Our extended hours make it convenient to schedule appointments around work, family commitments, and other obligations. Located in Chicago’s South Loop, we serve patients throughout the greater Chicagoland area with accessible, quality periodontal care.
If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, gum recession, or persistent bad breath, don’t wait for these symptoms to worsen. Early intervention with deep cleaning can stop gum disease progression and help you avoid more extensive treatments later. We accept most major insurance plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Cigna, BlueCross BlueShield, Guardian, and United Healthcare. Our dental team brings extensive training in periodontal care and uses gentle techniques to ensure your comfort during treatment. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and learn whether deep cleaning is right for you.
