A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) doesn't cure gum disease but effectively stops its progression, reduces inflammation, and allows gums to heal, especially for early/moderate stages (gingivitis/periodontitis); however, it requires excellent home care and regular follow-ups (like every 3 months) as it's a chronic condition, like diabetes, needing ongoing management to prevent recurrence.
The simple answer is no. Unfortunately, once your gum tissues have receded, they cannot grow back even after scaling and root planing. However, the reason periodontists suggest this treatment is that it can limit the progression of gum disease and prevent further recession.
Clean your teeth carefully twice a day for 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste – ask your dentist to show you a good brushing method to remove plaque. Floss once a day to remove small bits of food from between your teeth, which will help to prevent the build-up of plaque.
Deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar below the gum line, allowing the gums to heal around the teeth. It takes about seven days for the gums to heal. Complete healing and re-attachment can take up to 6 or 8 weeks.
When treated early enough, gum disease is reversible. But if you've already lost bone around your teeth due to infection, the disease is too advanced to reverse. However, you can manage it with proper treatment and consistent, diligent oral hygiene.
Yes, if you have periodontal disease, you'll have it for life, leading you to wonder how long you have left until you lose your teeth. However, you don't have to lose your teeth at all – but you do have to be consistent with your treatment and at-home care.
The "dentist 2 year rule" refers to two main concepts: the 2-2-2 oral hygiene rule (brush 2x/day for 2 mins, see dentist 2x/year) or the Australian Child Dental Benefits Schedule, a government program providing benefits for eligible children over a 2-year period. For general adults, the actual recommended checkup interval varies, but 1-2 years is common for healthy patients, while high-risk individuals need more frequent visits.
A periodontal deep cleaning is a non-surgical procedure designed to treat gum disease (periodontitis) by removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from beneath the gumline.
Signs that your gingivitis is healing include:
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is not only good for your teeth; it's an excellent vitamin for gums, too. Vitamin C helps keep the connective tissues in your gums healthy and strong, which hold your teeth in place—which means deficiencies can lead to bleeding gums and gum disease.
Gum inflammation, bleeding gums, and loose teeth indicate a vitamin C deficiency. Since vitamins are crucial in producing collagen, they keep your gums healthy and strong. Add citrus fruits like oranges and lemons to fulfill this lack, or choose peppers, spinach, berries, and broccoli.
Good oral hygiene and a healthy diet are the best defense and treatment for gingivitis, especially if you're at risk for hormonal gingivitis. Brush your teeth 2-3 times daily, and floss every day to prevent bacteria and plaque buildup.
In order to achieve this level, at least 200 mg vitamin C per day should be ingested. This should become general advice to periodontitis patients. However, some patients may require even more due to possibly reduced vitamin absorption and/or smoking.
What Are the Side Effects of Deep Cleaning Teeth?
A tooth that is free of tartar has a better chance of allowing the gum tissues to heal and reattach to it. As a result, some deep gum pockets can be reduced after a deep cleaning.
What are the causes of receding gums?
Symptoms
Avoid Sticky Foods
Sticky foods like chewy bread, caramel, dried fruit, and gummies get stuck to your teeth and gums. These items get stuck in your gums and slow down the healing. Furthermore, they are difficult to clean, increasing the chances of infection.
Laser-assisted periodontal therapy, such as LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure), selectively removes diseased tissue while sparing healthy gum. Patients benefit from less pain, minimal bleeding, and faster healing—a win-win for comfort and results.
Regular visits to our Dentists will allow them to detect the early signs of gum disease; they can refer you to the Dental Hygienist who will be able to treat and reverse the disease. Dental Hygienists have a specialist role in preventing gum disease and decay.
Generally, it is a good idea to have a standard clean every week and a deep clean every 3 months. Whereas standard cleans can be performed by anyone, it might be best to pay for a professional deep clean. Prices will vary depending on the city or region that you reside.
Is scaling better than a deep clean? They are the same procedure. “Scaling and root planing” is the clinical term for what's commonly called a “deep cleaning.” It's not about being “better” but about being the appropriate treatment when gum disease is present.
The 80/20 rule (Pareto Principle) in dentistry means 80% of results come from 20% of efforts, applying to patient outcomes (daily habits vs. treatments) and practice management (top patients generating most revenue). For patients, it means daily brushing/flossing are key; for practices, focusing on high-value, consistent patients drives profits, though some argue neglecting other patients can harm growth, suggesting all patients need excellent care.
The Bottom Line
In summary, seeing a dental hygienist is not just a luxury; it's a vital part of maintaining your oral health. Regular visits can help prevent dental issues, provide personalised care, and ensure that your smile remains bright and healthy.
When you don't go to the dentist, it can lead to several problems. Tooth decay and cavities are one of the most common dental issues. If you let a cavity go untreated, it can eventually lead to a tooth infection. In some cases, a tooth may need to be extracted if the infection is bad enough.