If your gums feel tender, bleed when you brush, or your dentist has recommended a more thorough cleaning, your instinct to act on it is exactly right. Bacteria that builds up below the gum line is out of reach for a toothbrush, and it doesn't just sit there quietly. Over time, it causes inflammation, gum recession, and even bone loss.
Deep teeth cleaning is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments available to stop that cycle before it becomes a bigger problem. At Newark Periodontics & Dental Implant Specialists, we offer deep teeth cleaning in Newark, OH with a level of specialized care you won't find at a general dental office.
What Exactly Is Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Deep teeth cleaning, clinically known as scaling and root planing, is a two-stage periodontal treatment. Scaling removes plaque and hardened tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing follows by smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth, which reduces the chance of bacteria reattaching and doing further damage. Together, these two steps tackle the underlying cause of gum disease at the source.
This is not the same as a routine cleaning. Standard prophylaxis stays at the surface. Deep teeth cleaning goes deeper, into the pockets between your gums and the roots of your teeth, where everyday oral hygiene simply cannot reach. For patients dealing with early to moderate gum disease, it can stop disease progression entirely and give the gum tissue a real chance to heal.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Treatment
Before Your Appointment
Your periodontist starts with a thorough evaluation of your gum health. This includes measuring the depth of the pockets around each tooth using a small probe. Those measurements tell us exactly which areas need attention and how we should approach your personalized treatment plan.
During Treatment
Using precision instruments and ultrasonic scalers, your provider carefully removes tartar deposits from below the gum line, then works to smooth each root surface. Local anesthesia ensures the process is comfortable throughout. Depending on the amount of buildup, some patients complete treatment in a single visit, while others benefit from splitting it into two appointments for a more thorough result.
After Your Visit
Some mild tenderness or sensitivity is completely normal for a day or two. Your care team will review aftercare instructions with you and schedule a follow-up visit to monitor your healing. Understanding the benefits of a deep clean can also help you know what signs of healthy recovery to look for as your gums respond to treatment.
5 Reasons Patients Choose Newark Periodontics for Deep Teeth Cleaning
Here is why patients across the Newark area trust our team with their periodontal health:
- Specialist-only practice - We focus exclusively on periodontics and dental implants. Every patient who walks through our door receives specialist-level attention, every time.
- Personalized treatment plans - No two mouths are the same, and your care reflects that. We build a plan around your specific needs and gum health goals.
- Comfort as a priority - From local anesthesia to a calm, unhurried environment, we do everything we can to help you feel at ease.
- Advanced technology - Our modern instruments improve accuracy and reduce treatment time without cutting corners on results.
- Dedicated follow-up care - Healing matters just as much as the procedure itself. We track your progress at every stage and adjust your plan as needed.
Meet the Specialists Behind Your Care
Dr. Basali and Dr. Swedlow bring years of specialized periodontal training and real clinical depth to every patient they treat. They know that coming in for a procedure like this takes some courage, and they take that seriously. You will always feel informed, respected, and genuinely cared for in our office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Teeth Cleaning
Is deep teeth cleaning painful?
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience is. Local anesthesia is used throughout the procedure, so you should not feel pain while it is happening. Some mild sensitivity or soreness in the days following is normal and typically fades within a short time.
How long does the appointment take?
It depends on the extent of buildup and how many teeth are involved. Some patients finish in a single visit. Others benefit from two appointments for a more comprehensive result. Your periodontist will give you a clear timeline during your evaluation.
Do you accept dental insurance?
Yes. We work with many insurance providers and our team is happy to verify your benefits before your first appointment so you know exactly what to expect. Just call our office or reach out through our website and we will handle the details.
Ready to Protect Your Gums and Your Smile?
Your gum health is the foundation everything else is built on. If you have been putting off treatment, now is a great time to shift from worrying about it to doing something about it. Our team at Newark Periodontics & Dental Implant Specialists is ready to help you get ahead of gum disease with expert, compassionate care.
Call our office today or book your appointment online. We welcome questions about insurance, what to expect at your first visit, and anything else that is on your mind. Taking the first step is always the hardest part. We make everything after that as smooth as possible.
Start Your Journey With Newark Periodontics & Dental Implant Specialists Today!
Deep Teeth Cleaning and Scaling and Root Planing Process
At your regular checkups, we will perform an evaluation of the overall health of your mouth to determine if deep teeth cleaning and scaling and root planing is necessary. If it is determined that this is necessary, the procedure will typically begin with administration of a local anesthetic (and dental sedation if necessary) to ensure that any pain or discomfort is minimized or eliminated.
Once you are sufficiently numbed, the scaling process is performed using specialized dental instruments to remove plaque and tartar build-up. This may be done using a scalpel or ultrasonic scaling tool. Next, the root planing process is performed to decrease the dentin and cementum that have formed on the surface, which are dense with calculus, toxins, and microorganisms. Finally, the root of the tooth is smoothed out, making it more difficult for bacteria to thrive.
Once this is done, your procedure will be complete, although a follow-up appointment will be necessary to monitor the progress of your pockets and ensure that the deep teeth cleaning and scaling and root planing procedure was successful.
Aftercare Following Deep Teeth Cleaning and Scaling and Root Planing
Fortunately, you will not typically have to follow any special aftercare modifications following your deep cleaning and scaling and root planing, although it is important to continue scheduling regular checkups at least every six months. These regular appointments allow us to conduct a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that cannot be removed using traditional methods, and provides us with an opportunity to survey your current oral health and identity and address issues before they develop.
It is also important to continue practicing good oral hygiene habits. In addition to brushing twice daily (minimum) and flossing on a regular basis, it is equally important to brush and floss properly. Every time you brush, do so for at least two minutes. Once you are done, clean your toothbrush. It is also important to replace your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles become irregular or flay. If you follow these best practices, you will enjoy a bright, healthy smile for many years to come!
Cost of Scale & Root Planing
The cost of your deep teeth cleaning and scaling and root planing will be determined by a variety of factors, including what (if any) type of dental sedation is used, the severity of your case, and how much (if any) of the cost is covered by your dental insurance plan. We are happy to help you file your claim and ensure that you maximize your insurance reimbursement, but any remaining balance will be your responsibility.
If you are not able to pay the full amount due at the time services are rendered, the following financial options may be available:
- Care Credit: 0% interest for (maximum) three months (Our office pays a fee to keep this interest loan free for three months, provided the bill is paid on time)
- 0% interest for pre-authorized debit/credit card for (maximum) four months (Agreement must be signed beforehand)
- Most credit card companies provide interest-free credit for one year to new cardholders.
We accept cash, check, and all major credit cards.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
At Newark Periodontics & Dental Implant Specialists, our patients are our most important asset. We are committed to providing you with high-quality care and developing a trusting, long-lasting relationship to ensure you receive continuity of care tailored to your unique needs.
To schedule an appointment for deep teeth cleaning and scaling and root planing, or to learn more about other services we offer, contact our staff at (740) 366-3559.
We look forward to providing you with the care and support you deserve!
