Question 1

What Is the Difference Between a Regular Cleaning and a Deep Cleaning?

Accepted Answer

A regular dental cleaning is a preventive treatment designed to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains from the teeth above the gumline. It is typically recommended for patients with healthy gums and little to no evidence of periodontal disease.

A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a more advanced periodontal treatment used when gum disease has begun affecting the supporting structures around the teeth. During a periodontal evaluation, the dentist or hygienist measures the depth of the spaces between the teeth and gums. Healthy gum measurements are typically between 1 and 3 millimeters. Measurements of 5 millimeters or greater may indicate periodontal disease and the need for a deep cleaning.

Unlike a regular cleaning, a deep cleaning removes bacteria, plaque, and hardened deposits from below the gumline. The goal is to reduce infection, promote healing, and help prevent further bone loss.

Question 2

Why Are My Gums Bleeding?

Accepted Answer

Bleeding gums are one of the most common early signs of gum disease. When plaque and bacteria accumulate along and below the gumline, the gum tissue becomes inflamed and bleeds more easily during brushing, flossing, or professional cleanings. Occasional bleeding is not always cause for alarm, but persistent or frequent bleeding should be evaluated by your dentist. In many cases, a professional cleaning and improved home care can reduce or eliminate bleeding. If gum disease is present, periodontal treatment may be recommended.

Question 3

What's the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?

Accepted Answer

Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. It involves inflammation of the gum tissue caused by plaque and bacteria along the gumline. At this stage, the bone and connective tissue supporting the teeth have not yet been affected. Gingivitis is often reversible with professional care and improved home hygiene.

Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease in which the infection has spread below the gumline and begun affecting the bone and supporting structures around the teeth. Periodontitis cannot be fully reversed, but it can be managed and stabilized with periodontal treatment and consistent maintenance care. Left untreated, it can lead to bone loss, gum recession, loose teeth, and tooth loss.

Question 4

Do I Really Need a Deep Cleaning?

Accepted Answer

If your dentist recommends a deep cleaning, it is usually because signs of periodontal disease have been detected. This may include deeper gum pockets, bone loss visible on X-rays, bleeding gums, or the presence of bacterial buildup beneath the gums.

Once bone loss has occurred, it cannot typically be reversed. However, a deep cleaning can help stop or significantly slow the progression of periodontal disease. By removing harmful bacteria and deposits beneath the gums, scaling and root planing helps reduce inflammation and supports healthier gum tissue.

Delaying treatment can allow the disease to progress, potentially leading to additional bone loss, gum recession, loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss.

Question 5

Can I Get a Regular Cleaning Instead of a Deep Cleaning?

Accepted Answer

If your dentist has recommended a deep cleaning, a regular cleaning is not a substitute. A routine cleaning only addresses the surfaces above the gumline and will not treat the bacterial infection that has developed below it. Performing a regular cleaning when periodontal disease is present does not address the underlying problem and may allow the condition to worsen.

We understand that a deep cleaning recommendation can feel unexpected. Our team will always explain why treatment is recommended, what it involves, and what to expect — so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Question 6

Is a Deep Cleaning Painful?

Accepted Answer

Most patients tolerate a deep cleaning very well. To ensure comfort throughout the procedure, local anesthetic is typically used to numb the treatment area before scaling and root planing begins.

Some patients may experience mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days after treatment, especially if significant inflammation was present before the procedure. These symptoms are usually temporary and improve as the gums begin to heal.

The goal of a deep cleaning is not only to treat infection but also to improve your long-term oral health and comfort.

Question 7

How Long Does a Deep Cleaning Take?

Accepted Answer

The length of a deep cleaning depends on the severity of periodontal disease and the amount of treatment required. In many cases, the procedure is divided into two separate appointments, with one side of the mouth treated during each visit.

Appointments typically last between one hour and one and a half hours, although treatment time may vary depending on the complexity of the case. Splitting treatment into multiple visits allows the dental team to thoroughly clean below the gumline while keeping patients comfortable throughout the process.

Question 8

How Often Do I Need Periodontal Maintenance?

Accepted Answer

After completing periodontal treatment, most patients are placed on a periodontal maintenance schedule of every 3 to 4 months. The exact frequency is determined by your overall gum health and how well it responds to treatment over time. Some patients may eventually return to a standard 6-month schedule if their gum health stabilizes significantly, while others benefit from ongoing 3–4 month visits long-term.

These maintenance visits are not the same as repeating a deep cleaning. They are monitoring and maintenance appointments designed to keep bacteria levels controlled and catch any signs of disease activity early.

Question 9

Can Gum Disease Come Back?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gum disease can return or worsen if bacteria are not consistently controlled. This is why periodontal maintenance visits are so important after treatment. The bacteria responsible for gum disease are always present in the mouth — the goal of maintenance is to keep them at levels that do not cause further damage.

Consistent home care (brushing twice daily, flossing, and using any recommended products), combined with regular periodontal maintenance visits, gives you the best chance of keeping gum disease stable.

Question 10

Can Gum Disease Cause Tooth Loss?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. As the disease progresses, it destroys the bone and connective tissue that support the teeth. Without adequate support, teeth can become loose and may eventually need to be extracted.

The good news is that when gum disease is detected and treated early, the progression can often be slowed or stopped. Periodontal treatment and consistent maintenance care are designed to help preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible.

Question 11

How Much Does Periodontal Treatment Cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a deep cleaning varies depending on the severity of periodontal disease, the amount of treatment required, your insurance coverage, and other individual factors. Because every patient's oral health needs are different, an examination and periodontal evaluation are necessary before an accurate estimate can be provided.

At Merchants Walk Dental in East Cobb, we always present your estimated costs upfront before beginning any treatment so there are no surprises. Our team is happy to review your benefits and explain your options.

Question 12

Does Insurance Cover Deep Cleanings?

Accepted Answer

Dental insurance coverage varies by plan. Deep cleanings are often considered periodontal treatment rather than preventive care, so coverage may differ from a routine cleaning. Because periodontal maintenance is classified as a restorative treatment — restoring and maintaining your gum health — patients typically have a small co-pay rather than full coverage.

Our team can help verify your benefits and explain your estimated costs before treatment begins. We want you to feel informed and comfortable before any care is provided.

Question 13

Can a deep cleaning fix gum disease?

Accepted Answer

A deep cleaning can help control periodontal disease by removing bacterial deposits from below the gumline. It is not a permanent cure by itself, which is why good home care and periodontal maintenance are important after treatment.

Question 14

What happens if I skip a deep cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Untreated periodontal disease can continue to damage the gums and supporting structures around your teeth. The extent and speed of progression vary, so your dentist can help you understand the risks based on your individual examination.

Question 15

How should I care for my gums after a deep cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Your dentist will give you specific instructions based on your treatment. Good daily brushing and cleaning between the teeth, along with recommended periodontal maintenance visits, are important parts of keeping gum disease under control.

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Deep Cleaning & Periodontal FAQs — Marietta & East Cobb

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