Experienced dental professionals that work around your schedule. In-network, in-house, and always here when you need us.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our experienced team provides high-quality dental care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Whether you need preventive, cosmetic, or restorative treatment, we’re here to help you smile with confidence.
Gum disease treatment, deep cleanings, and periodontal care at our South Loop office are planned and delivered by these doctors.
30+ years in Chicago, with advanced continuing education across cosmetic and restorative techniques.
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Dual DDS/DMD trained, with a focus on preventive care, gum health, and patient education.
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Chicago, IL 60605
Monday – Friday
Saturday
Sunday
8 AM – 8 PM
8 AM – 2 PM
Closed
