Gum treatment (deep cleaning)
deep cleaning · scaling and root planing · periodontal treatment · gum disease treatment · gum pocket cleaning
With numbing, the dentist cleans the spaces between the teeth and gums, called pockets. Tartar and plaque that cause gum inflammation are removed from there.
For gum disease, called periodontitis: gums bleed, pull away from the teeth, form pockets, there is bad breath, and teeth start to get loose.
⏱ Duration: one visit usually takes 40 to 90 minutes; often the mouth is treated in parts over several visits
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Before the visit. Usually a professional teeth cleaning is done first.
- Food. Eat beforehand. After the procedure, your mouth will be numb for a few hours.
- Smoking. If you smoke, try not to smoke on the day and after. Gums heal worse.
What to bring
- Your ID
- Dental X-rays, if you have them
How it goes
- The dentist measures the depth of the pockets
- A numbing injection is given
- The tooth roots under the gum are cleaned with special instruments
- The pockets are rinsed
- Sometimes a healing dressing is put on the gums
- You are shown how to care for your gums at home
What you'll feel
- With numbing: pressure and scraping, but no pain
- Afterward, the gums ache for 1 to 3 days
- Teeth may become more sensitive to cold
Afterwards
- Rinse your mouth as your dentist prescribed
- Use a soft toothbrush and brush gently
- For a few days, avoid very hot, spicy, and hard food
- A follow-up in a few weeks. The dentist will measure the pockets again
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Strong swelling or a fever
- Bleeding that does not stop
Common questions
Why do my teeth look longer after the cleaning?
The inflammation and swelling went down, so the gum settled to its real level.
Can gum disease be cured completely?
The inflammation can be stopped. But you need good care at home and regular dental visits.