What is deep gum cleaning?
Deep gum cleaning is a step in periodontal treatment aimed at removing plaque and tartar deposits under the gumline. Clinically this is often described as scaling and root planing: cleaning deposits on the tooth and root surfaces inside a gum pocket. Soft-tissue curettage that targets the pocket lining is not the same procedure as cleaning deposits from the tooth or root.
Periodontal care brings together examination, home cleaning advice, discussion of risk factors, the professional cleaning you need, and later reassessment. A routine Dental Scaling visit can be part of that pathway; deep cleaning may be planned after examination when deposits under the gum need to be removed.
Assessment
People often seek care because of bleeding when brushing, swollen or sore gums, or bad breath. Examination may include measuring gum pockets and checking for bleeding; imaging is used when it helps the plan. Whether deep cleaning is needed, how much is done, and how follow-up is arranged are decided at that visit.
What the treatment aims to do
The main aim is controlled removal of deposits. Removing healthy root tissue for its own sake is not the goal. The purpose is to bring the disease under control; cleaning alone is not expected to regrow bone or gum that has already been lost.
During and after the visit
Local anaesthetic may be used for cleaning under the gum, and work may be arranged by areas of the mouth over one or more visits. How many visits you need depends on your findings.
Short-term sensitivity, mild bleeding or temperature sensitivity can follow. As inflammation and swelling settle, roots or the spaces between teeth may become more visible. New, marked or worrying changes should be checked at review.
Care, follow-up and when to get in touch
Keep brushing and cleaning between the teeth as set out in your written advice. After healing, the gums are rechecked; further cleaning or other options are discussed if findings still need them.
Unlike short-lived sensitivity that often settles, contact the team if pain or swelling is clearly getting worse, or if serious symptoms continue.
Appointments: Contact. Department: Periodontology and Gum Aesthetics.