What Is a Dental Deep Cleaning?
A dental deep cleaning, known clinically as scaling and root planing, removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots so the gums can reattach. It is used to treat gum disease, not for routine maintenance. A deep cleaning typically costs $300 to $1,000 depending on how many areas of the mouth need treatment.
What is a dental deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning is a non-surgical periodontal treatment that goes below the gumline, where a regular cleaning cannot reach. It has two parts: scaling, which removes hardened plaque (tartar) and bacteria from the tooth and root surfaces, and root planing, which smooths the roots so the gums can heal and reattach to the tooth.
It is typically recommended when an exam reveals gum disease — signs include deep pockets between the teeth and gums, bleeding, and bone loss on X-rays.
How is a deep cleaning different from a regular cleaning?
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) maintains healthy teeth by removing plaque and tartar above the gumline. A deep cleaning treats active disease by removing buildup below the gumline and along the roots. A regular cleaning takes about 30–45 minutes; a deep cleaning is usually done over one or two longer visits, often with local anesthetic to keep you comfortable.
How much does a dental deep cleaning cost?
A deep cleaning typically costs $300 to $1,000 in total. Dentists usually price it per quadrant (one of the four sections of the mouth), often $100 to $300 per quadrant, so the final cost depends on how many areas need treatment. Many dental insurance plans cover deep cleanings when gum disease is documented, though a copay is common.
Is a dental deep cleaning really necessary?
When a dentist diagnoses gum disease, a deep cleaning is necessary to stop it from progressing. Untreated periodontal disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss and is linked to other health problems. A deep cleaning is recommended based on measurable signs — pocket depths, bleeding, and bone loss — not just a hunch, so it is reasonable to ask your dentist to show you those measurements.
If your gums are healthy, you do not need a deep cleaning; a routine cleaning every six months is enough.
What happens after a deep cleaning?
Your gums may be tender for a few days, and teeth can be temporarily sensitive to hot and cold. Most people return to normal eating within a day, favoring softer foods at first. After a deep cleaning, your dentist will usually place you on a periodontal maintenance schedule — cleanings every three to four months — to keep the disease from returning.
Frequently Asked Questions
A deep cleaning is usually done with local anesthetic, so the procedure itself is comfortable. Some tenderness and sensitivity for a few days afterward is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Morad Masour Rad, DDS · Last reviewed