Deep Cleaning in Huntington Beach
Scaling & Root Planing
Stopping Gum Disease Before It Progresses
A routine cleaning keeps healthy teeth healthy. A deep cleaning is a different procedure, designed for patients who have early to moderate gum disease and need treatment below the gumline. At SeaGate Family Dental in Huntington Beach, we perform deep cleanings to stop gum disease in its tracks before it leads to more serious damage.
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The Procedure
What Is a Deep Cleaning?
A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, goes further than your standard preventive cleaning. While a routine cleaning addresses the surfaces of your teeth, a deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces of your teeth. This gives the gums a cleaner surface to reattach to and makes it harder for bacteria to build up again.
The procedure is typically done in two appointments, treating one side of the mouth at a time, and is performed under local anesthesia so you stay comfortable throughout.
Signs to Watch For
When Is a Deep Cleaning Recommended?
Your dentist or hygienist may recommend a deep cleaning if:
The pockets between your gums and teeth have deepened beyond what a standard cleaning can address
There is visible tartar buildup below the gumline
Your gums bleed regularly or show signs of inflammation
You have been diagnosed with gingivitis or early periodontitis
It has been a long time since your last professional cleaning
What to Expect
What Happens During Your Visit
Evaluation
We measure the depth of the pockets around your teeth and take any necessary X-rays to understand the extent of the buildup.
Anesthesia
The area is numbed before we begin. Most patients find the procedure very manageable once the anesthetic takes effect.
Scaling
We carefully remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline using specialized instruments.
Root Planing
The surfaces of the roots are smoothed to reduce areas where bacteria can reattach.
Follow-up
We schedule a follow-up visit to check how your gums have responded and determine whether ongoing periodontal maintenance is recommended.
Recovery
After Your Deep Cleaning
Some tenderness and mild sensitivity in the days following the procedure is normal. Your gums may look slightly different as swelling goes down and they begin to reattach to the cleaned root surfaces. We will give you specific aftercare instructions and let you know what to watch for.
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Got Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Signs of Gum Disease?
If you have been told you need a deep cleaning or have noticed signs of gum disease, schedule an appointment at SeaGate Family Dental in Huntington Beach and we will take a closer look.
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