Gums & surgery
Deep Cleaning & Gum Treatment
Explore treatment below the gumline and why maintenance continues afterward.
Teeth.com · Before you decide
Do I Really Need a Deep Cleaning?
See how gum measurements, inflammation and loss of support guide the decision, and what scaling and root planing involves.
2 min 42 sec · Patient educationAI-assisted presenter and visuals · General education, not a personal treatment recommendation. Open video · Read the transcript
What it does
Scaling and root planing treats plaque and calculus on root surfaces below the gumline. The plan depends on the condition of the gums and supporting tissues.
See the scaling illustration
Still from the illustrated treatment video above. Anatomy and instruments are enlarged for explanation.
Another explanation of deep cleaning
Watch the explanation
See the procedure in motion
See cleaning below the gumline
Colgate Professional
Connects to YouTube when you choose to load.See cleaning below the gumline
A root-planing demonstration shows treatment around the roots beneath the gums.
Commercial publisher’s educational demonstration; individual treatment and follow-up vary.
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After treatment, inflammation can settle and pockets can become shallower. This does not mean previously lost bone or supporting attachment automatically grows back. Your dentist rechecks healing and decides what maintenance or further treatment is needed.
What usually happens
The sequence and number of visits depend on the individual case.
Measure
The clinician assesses gum pockets and supporting tissues.
Clean
Deposits are removed from affected root surfaces.
Reassess
Healing and remaining pockets are checked.
Maintain
Ongoing periodontal care helps sustain the result.
Benefits, limits & trade-offs
A routine cleaning and periodontal treatment have different purposes. Care at home and continuing professional maintenance are important.
Watch & explore further
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Questions for your dentist
- What measurements support this diagnosis?
- What improvement will you check after treatment?
- What would a laser add in my case compared with conventional treatment?
Take the next step
Look for offices offering this care
Search for deep cleaning & gum treatment in your area, then confirm the service with the office.
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Before you book
- Confirm that the office offers the specific procedure or technology you want to discuss.
- Ask who performs the treatment and about their relevant training and experience.
- Discuss whether it suits your situation, alternatives, the total fee and follow-up care.