If you’ve ever been told you “need a deep cleaning,” you might wonder why and what makes it different from your usual dental cleaning. Understanding the difference between a regular cleaning and scaling and root planing (SRP) helps you make informed decisions about your gum health.

At StarImage Dentistry, our Wichita Falls dentists use advanced technology and a gentle, evidence-based approach to restore gum health comfortably. Whether you’re due for a routine visit or need more advanced care, this guide explains what each cleaning does—and how we make both experiences as comfortable and effective as possible.

What a Regular Cleaning Includes (Prophylaxis)

A regular cleaning, also known as prophylaxis, is a preventive procedure designed to maintain healthy gums and teeth. It focuses on removing soft plaque and light tartar that builds up above the gumline.

During a routine cleaning, your hygienist will:

  • Review your medical history and current medications
  • Examine your gums, teeth, and existing restorations
  • Remove plaque and tartar from the teeth and along the gumline
  • Polish and floss your teeth to remove surface stains

This visit is recommended every six months for patients with healthy gums and no active infection. It helps prevent gum disease and keeps your smile feeling fresh and clean.

What a Deep Cleaning Treats (Scaling and Root Planing)

A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a therapeutic procedure for patients exhibiting signs of gum infection (periodontitis). Unlike a routine cleaning, it removes bacteria and hardened buildup (calculus) below the gumline.

The goal is to stop inflammation, promote healing, and help gums reattach to clean tooth surfaces.

Here’s what the process involves:

  • Scaling: Removing plaque and tartar from beneath the gumline and around tooth roots
  • Root planing: Smoothing rough root surfaces so bacteria cannot easily reattach
  • Antimicrobial rinses or localized medication, if needed, for healing

Deep cleanings are typically performed by sectioning the mouth into quadrants, allowing for thorough and comfortable care over one or more visits.

Signs You May Need a Deep Cleaning

Sometimes gum disease develops quietly, with subtle symptoms that worsen over time. Knowing the signs helps you act early and prevent more serious problems, such as bone loss or tooth mobility.

You may need a deep cleaning if you notice:

  • Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing
  • Red, tender, or swollen gum tissue
  • Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
  • Gum recession or longer-looking teeth
  • Teeth that feel loose or shifting
  • Spaces forming between teeth that didn’t exist before

If you’re unsure, our team can perform a gentle examination to assess your gum health and determine if scaling and root planing are necessary.

How We Diagnose Gum Health at StarImage Dentistry

At StarImage Dentistry, your exam is more than just a visual check—it’s a comprehensive health assessment. Using modern diagnostic tools, we can pinpoint early signs of gum disease and create a customized plan for prevention or treatment.

Our evaluation includes:

  • Periodontal charting: Measuring gum pocket depths, recording bleeding points, and tracking changes over time
  • Digital X-rays: Assessing bone levels and detecting tartar below the gums
  • Risk factor review: Identifying lifestyle or medical contributors like dry mouth, smoking, or diabetes
  • Bite assessment: Checking for heavy bite forces that can contribute to gum inflammation

Advanced diagnostics enable Dr. Green and Dr. Van Tassell to plan treatment with precision and address the root causes—not just the symptoms.

What Happens During Scaling and Root Planing

Scaling and root planing may sound intimidating, but it’s a routine and comfortable procedure when done with care. The goal is to restore gum health while minimizing discomfort.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Numbing the area to ensure a pain-free experience
  • Using ultrasonic and hand instruments to remove plaque and calculus beneath the gums
  • Smoothing tooth roots so gums can reattach securely
  • Applying localized antibiotics or antimicrobial rinses if necessary

The procedure is typically completed in one or two visits, depending on the extent of buildup. You’ll leave with a cleaner, healthier foundation for your gums to heal naturally.

Comfort Options and Anxiety Relief

Many patients feel nervous before their first deep cleaning. That’s why we prioritize comfort and communication during every step.

At StarImage Dentistry, you can expect:

  • Gentle numbing techniques for a completely comfortable procedure
  • Calming amenities and a soothing environment
  • Slow-paced care with explanations before each step
  • Optional desensitizing or topical products for post-care comfort

Our team’s compassionate approach ensures that even anxious patients can receive care confidently.

Aftercare, Healing, and Short-Term Sensitivity

It’s normal to experience mild tenderness or sensitivity as your gums heal. These sensations typically subside within a few days, leaving you with cleaner, firmer, and healthier tissue.

Tips for smooth healing include:

  • Brush gently with a soft toothbrush and use saltwater rinses as recommended
  • Expect minor bleeding or swelling for 1–2 days as inflammation subsides
  • Use desensitizing toothpaste if needed for root sensitivity
  • Avoid tobacco and stick to softer foods for the first 24 hours

Your hygienist will review home-care instructions and schedule a follow-up to monitor progress.

Periodontal Maintenance vs. Regular Cleanings After SRP

After your deep cleaning, ongoing maintenance is crucial to prevent gum disease from returning. Periodontal maintenance visits are more frequent than standard cleanings and focus on maintaining healthy gum pockets.

Typically, patients visit every 3–4 months for:

  • Removal of any new plaque or tartar below the gums
  • Assessment of pocket depth and gum attachment
  • Monitoring of home-care effectiveness
  • Adjustment of oral hygiene routines as needed

Once the gums remain healthy for several cycles, you may transition back to standard six-month cleanings. This personalized schedule helps protect your investment in your oral health.

How Bite Forces Can Impact Gum Health

Many people are surprised to learn that their bite can affect gum health. Excessive pressure or an uneven bite can damage the bone and connective tissue surrounding the teeth, making gum disease more difficult to control.

At StarImage Dentistry, our digital T-Scan technology measures bite forces with precision, allowing us to:

  • Identify areas of heavy contact that irritate gums or bone
  • Adjust restorations or contour teeth to reduce pressure
  • Create custom night guards if clenching or grinding is an issue

Addressing bite imbalances helps gums heal faster and remain stable after treatment.

Prevention at Home: Daily Habits That Make the Difference

Good oral hygiene habits are your best defense against future gum disease. Small, consistent routines make a big difference between cleanings.

At home, you can maintain gum health by:

  • Brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and gentle, circular strokes
  • Cleaning between teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes
  • Rinsing after meals to reduce bacteria buildup
  • Avoiding tobacco and limiting sugary snacks or drinks
  • Staying on schedule with your professional visits

These steps complement professional care and help you maintain a healthy smile for life.

Cost, Insurance, and Phased Care Options

Scaling and root planing is a cost-effective way to save natural teeth and prevent future complications. Our office provides transparent estimates and flexible scheduling to make care accessible.

  • Insurance coverage is often available for periodontal therapy
  • Costs depend on the number of quadrants treated and follow-up visits
  • Care can be phased to fit your timeline or benefit cycle
  • Long-term savings come from avoiding advanced treatments later

Our administrative team is happy to explain your options and maximize available benefits.

FAQs: Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning

Patients often have practical questions about deep cleaning, comfort, and outcomes. Here are some common answers from our team.

Your comfort is our priority. We use local anesthesia to thoroughly numb the area, so you’ll feel vibration and pressure rather than pain. Mild tenderness afterward resolves within a few days.

Most patients complete their cleaning in one or two appointments, each lasting approximately 60–90 minutes, depending on the number of areas requiring treatment.

Yes, but regular maintenance and good home care make relapse much less likely. Staying consistent with regular checkups helps keep your gums healthy in the long term.

After treatment, most patients benefit from periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months until the gums are stable. Dr. Green or Dr. Van Tassell will tailor your schedule to your specific needs.

Some patients benefit from localized antimicrobial treatments, while others heal well with scaling and good hygiene alone. We only recommend antibiotics when necessary.

Find Out Which Cleaning Is Right for You

If you’ve been told you need a deep cleaning—or you’re just due for your next dental visit—our team at StarImage Dentistry can help. We’ll assess your gums, clearly explain your options, and create a plan that aligns with your comfort and health goals.

Call 940-322-2252 to discover whether a regular or deep cleaning is right for you.