When a Regular Cleaning Isn’t Enough to Save Your Smile
If you’ve skipped a few dental visits or struggle to keep up with brushing and flossing, your dentist might recommend a deep cleaning—also known as scaling and root planing.
We get it. It sounds a little intense. But this treatment isn’t scary—it’s one of the most effective ways to stop gum disease in its tracks and protect your teeth from future damage.
At Artistic Dentistry in Houston, we offer gentle, thorough care that removes harmful bacteria before they cause bone or tooth loss.
Let’s walk through what it is, why it matters, and what you can expect.
Why Deep Cleaning Might Be Exactly What You Need
Gum disease is a silent threat. You may not feel it creeping in—but it affects nearly half of American adults over age 30. Bleeding gums, bad breath, or even loose teeth can all show something more serious happening below the surface.
Common causes include:
- Inconsistent brushing and flossing
- Smoking or vaping
- Stress and hormone changes
- Dry mouth from medications
- Missed dental cleanings
- Mouth-breathing or even pregnancy
When plaque builds up along and below the gum line, it hardens into tartar, creating deep pockets between your gums and teeth. That’s where bacteria thrive—leading to infection, inflammation, and, over time, tooth and bone loss.
Once these pockets form, you can’t clean them at home. Only a professional with specialized tools can remove the buildup and stop the damage.
What Happens During Scaling and Root Planing?
We usually break treatment into 2–4 visits, depending on how many areas need deep cleaning.
Here’s how it works:
- We numb the area to keep you comfortable (often one side or one-quarter of the mouth at a time)
- Your hygienist or dentist gently uses ultrasonic or hand instruments to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line.
- The root surfaces are smoothed (“planed”) to help the gums reattach and heal.
- We may use a disinfecting rinse or laser therapy to target hidden bacteria and promote healing.
This isn’t a quick polish—it’s a deep, precise process that gives your mouth a clean slate.
Aftercare and Keeping Your Gums Healthy
After each appointment, you may feel slightly sore or sensitive in the treated areas for a day or two. That’s normal.
We might send you home with the following:
- A prescription rinse or antibiotic to support healing
- A soft-bristle brush and tips to protect the healing tissue
- A custom care plan to help you stay on top of your oral health
Once your gums heal, we’ll likely place you on a periodontal maintenance schedule, where you come in every 3–4 months for cleanings. This helps us avoid the disease and closely monitor your gum health.
Why It Matters: Gum Disease Isn’t Just About Your Teeth
If left untreated, gum disease becomes a chronic, irreversible condition—but it’s also linked to much more than tooth loss. Studies show connections between gum disease and:
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Stroke
- Pregnancy complications
- And even Alzheimer’s
The good news? It’s preventable and manageable—especially if we catch it early.
You Deserve a Fresh Start
Scaling and root planing is more than a cleaning—it’s a reset for your smile. It’s a way to stop silent damage before it becomes something serious.
If your gums bleed when you brush, your breath won’t stay fresh, or it’s been more than a year since your last cleaning, let’s talk. We’re here to make it easy, comfortable, and judgment-free.
Book your deep cleaning consultation at Artistic Dentistry in Houston today.
Your gums—and your whole body—will thank you.
