Periodontal Treatment
Deep Cleaning & Root Planing
Periodontal Treatment is a common oral condition mainly caused by long-term plaque build-up. Bacteria in plaque irritate the gums and cause inflammation. If it progresses, the tissues and bone supporting the teeth may also be affected.
Without timely treatment, gum disease can lead to gum recession, bone loss, loose teeth and even tooth loss. Early detection and appropriate treatment are important for protecting long-term oral health.
Main Causes of Periodontal Treatment
The main cause is long-term plaque and tartar build-up around the teeth and gumline, which encourages bacterial growth and damages the supporting tissues.
Other factors that may increase the risk include:
Irregular dental cleaning and check-ups
Smoking
Chronic conditions such as diabetes
Hormonal changes
Reduced immunity
Family history
Long-term stress or unhealthy lifestyle habits
Early gum disease may have few obvious symptoms, so regular dental checks can help detect problems sooner.
Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
Symptoms vary by stage and may include:
Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
Persistent bad breath
Red, swollen, sore or sensitive gums
Gum recession
Teeth appearing longer
Loose or shifting teeth
Discomfort when chewing
If you notice these signs, an early periodontal assessment can help prevent further progression.
Stages of Gum Disease
Mild Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease, usually caused by plaque build-up. Common signs include red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing and bad breath. At this stage, significant bone loss has not occurred and the condition can often be controlled with professional cleaning and better daily oral care.
Moderate Gum Disease
As plaque and bacteria spread below the gumline, periodontal pockets can form and early bone loss may occur. Deep cleaning or root planing is often needed to remove tartar and bacteria below the gums.
Severe Gum Disease
In advanced gum disease, the supporting tissues and bone may be significantly damaged. Teeth can become loose, shift or be at risk of loss. Your dentist will recommend further treatment based on the severity of the condition.
Periodontal Treatment | Deep Cleaning (Root Planing)
When tartar and bacteria extend below the gumline, routine cleaning may not remove them fully. Your dentist may recommend deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing.
Deep cleaning removes tartar, plaque and bacterial deposits from below the gums and along the root surfaces. This helps reduce inflammation and allows the gums to heal and fit more closely around the teeth.
Deep Cleaning & Root Planing Process
Periodontal Assessment
The dentist checks the gums, measures periodontal pocket depth and reviews X-rays to assess the stage of gum disease and plan treatment.
Local Anesthetic
Local anesthetic may be used in the treatment area to improve comfort and reduce sensitivity during the procedure.
Remove Tartar & Plaque Below the Gums
Professional instruments are used below the gumline to remove tartar, plaque and bacterial deposits from the root surfaces.
Root Planing
The root surfaces are smoothed to reduce areas where bacteria can reattach and to support gum healing around the tooth.
Follow-Up Review
After treatment, the dentist reviews gum healing and provides further periodontal care advice if needed.
Common Reactions After Root Planing
Some temporary discomfort can occur after deep cleaning or root planing and is usually part of normal recovery.
Mild gum swelling or bleeding
Temporary tooth sensitivity or soreness
More sensitivity to hot or cold foods
Gums gradually feeling tighter
Spaces between teeth appearing more noticeable
These effects usually improve over several days to a few weeks as the gums heal.
Aftercare for Deep Cleaning
Follow your dentist’s aftercare advice to support gum healing and maintain the treatment result.
For the first few days, avoid very hot, spicy or hard foods that may irritate the gums. If your teeth are sensitive, temporarily avoid very hot or cold foods and drinks.
Maintain good oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing and dental check-ups. Smokers should reduce or stop smoking where possible, as smoking can affect gum circulation, delay healing and raise the risk of gum disease returning.
Periodontal Treatment FAQs
Learn more about Periodontal Treatment and common concerns.
Can gum disease heal on its own?
Gum disease generally does not resolve on its own. Without treatment, it may progress and damage the supporting tissues, so early dental assessment is recommended.
What is the difference between deep cleaning and regular cleaning?
Regular cleaning mainly removes tartar from the tooth surfaces and gumline. Deep cleaning, or root planing, goes below the gums to remove tartar and bacteria from the root surfaces and is used to treat gum disease.
Does root planing hurt?
Local anesthetic is usually used, so discomfort during treatment is limited. Temporary sensitivity or soreness may occur afterwards but generally improves.
Is it normal for gaps to look bigger after deep cleaning?
Yes. As swollen gums heal and tartar is removed, spaces that were previously filled by inflammation or deposits may become more visible.
How often do I need follow-up after deep cleaning?
The schedule depends on the severity of gum disease. Regular periodontal reviews and professional cleaning are usually recommended to monitor gum health and reduce the risk of recurrence.