Deep teeth cleaning - also called scaling and root planing - removes plaque and tartar buildup from below the gumline to treat early gum disease. It typically costs more than a routine cleaning because it takes longer and often requires local anesthetic, and most patients need one to two visits with a short recovery period of mild gum soreness for a few days.
What Is Deep Teeth Cleaning?
A routine cleaning polishes the surface of your teeth above the gumline. A deep cleaning goes further: it removes plaque and hardened tartar that has built up below the gumline, along the tooth root, where a regular toothbrush and routine cleaning can't reach. It's made up of two parts:
- Scaling - removing plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and root
- Root planing - smoothing the root surface so gum tissue can reattach and heal
This isn't a treatment anyone jumps to for cosmetic reasons - it's recommended specifically when there's evidence of gum disease that a standard cleaning can't address.
How Do I Know If I Need One?
You can't tell just by looking in the mirror - that's what your dental exam is for. During a routine visit, we measure the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums. Healthy pockets measure 1-3mm. Anything deeper is a sign that plaque and bacteria have moved below the gumline, which is when a standard cleaning is no longer enough. Common warning signs that prompt this measurement in the first place include:
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Gums that look red, swollen, or pulled back from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Teeth that feel loose or a change in your bite
What Does a Deep Cleaning Cost?
Cost depends on how many areas of your mouth need treatment and whether anesthetic is required, and your dental insurance may cover some or all of it if it's classified as a necessary periodontal treatment rather than a cosmetic one. See our guide to insurance and financing options for a full breakdown of what we accept. We'll always give you a clear cost estimate, tied to your specific treatment area, before starting - not after.
What Happens During the Appointment?
Because deep cleaning reaches below the gumline, we typically numb the area first so the procedure is comfortable. Depending on how much of your mouth needs treatment, this is often split across two visits - one side of the mouth at a time - rather than done all at once.
What Does Recovery Look Like?
Most patients experience mild gum soreness and sensitivity to hot or cold for a few days afterward, similar to how gums feel after a particularly thorough flossing session, just longer-lasting. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough. If you notice ongoing bleeding, swelling, or pain beyond a few days, don't wait for your follow-up - contact our office so we can take a look sooner.
Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning: What's the Difference?
| Regular Cleaning | Deep Cleaning |
| Cleans above the gumline | Cleans above and below the gumline |
| No anesthetic needed | Local anesthetic often used |
| One short visit | Often split across two visits |
| Maintains healthy gums | Treats early gum disease |
If your gums bleed, feel tender, or you haven't had a checkup in a while, the best next step is simply to get in for an exam so we can tell you which one you actually need, rather than guessing from home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is deep teeth cleaning painful?
Most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure itself, since the area is numbed first. Some mild soreness afterward for a few days is normal and typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long does a deep cleaning take?
A full deep cleaning is often split into two appointments, each covering half of your mouth, so your gums aren't numbed and sore everywhere at once. Each visit typically takes longer than a routine cleaning.
Will my insurance cover a deep cleaning?
Many dental insurance plans, and Virginia Medicaid, cover scaling and root planing as a necessary periodontal treatment, though coverage varies by plan. Our team can check your specific benefits before your appointment.
How often do I need a deep cleaning?
Unlike routine cleanings, which are typically every six months, deep cleanings aren't done on a fixed schedule - they're recommended based on what your exam shows. Many patients need periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months afterward to keep gum disease from returning.
Can I just get a regular cleaning instead?
If your exam shows signs of gum disease below the gumline, a regular cleaning won't reach the problem. Skipping the deep cleaning when it's recommended allows the underlying issue to progress, which can eventually put your teeth at risk.
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Priyanka Dutt, DDS, is the Founder and Clinical Leader of Opulent Dental, overseeing clinical standards and patient care across all Opulent Dental offices, including Mill Mountain Dentistry By Opulent Dental in Roanoke.