[Dental Health] Can deep cleaning solve periodontal disease? Learn about the process and risks of deep cleaning in this article!
Deep Cleaning – 2025 – Free Q&A with Hong Kong Dentists via WhatsApp – Dr. Chan Ho-yin, Qi Ren Dental Clinic – Two Branches in Tsuen Wan – Open on Saturdays and Sundays
Regular teeth cleaning primarily removes stains and tartar to prevent affecting the appearance of teeth and maintain dental and oral health. However, patients with periodontal disease may not be able to remove bacteria through regular teeth cleaning alone, and may need to undergo "deep root scaling" (i.e., deep cleaning) to remove periodontal bacteria.
What is deep teeth cleaning? How does it differ from regular teeth cleaning?
Deep cleaning is a non-surgical treatment. Unlike regular cleaning, which uses ultrasonic waves to remove tartar from the tooth surface, deep cleaning primarily cleans the periodontal pockets, removing accumulated bacteria and tartar. The cleaning is more thorough and deep, and therefore more complex and time-consuming than regular cleaning. Deep cleaning helps periodontal tissues heal and is mainly suitable for patients with existing periodontal disease.
What are the steps involved in deep teeth cleaning?
Deep cleaning includes teeth cleaning and root planing.
During the procedure, the dentist will first administer a local anesthetic to the patient before performing root planing. The dentist will first clean the teeth below the gum line to remove tartar from the surface. Then, using periodontal scaling instruments, they will delve into the inflamed area to thoroughly clean the areas deep within the periodontal pockets that are contaminated with plaque, tartar, and other debris.
Is it suitable for all patients with periodontal disease? Can surgical treatment be avoided?
Deep cleaning is the first step in treating all patients with periodontal disease. If a patient's periodontal condition improves after deep cleaning, surgery may be unnecessary. For example, even patients with severe periodontal disease whose periodontal pockets are 6-7 mm in size may have their pockets reduced to 3 mm after deep cleaning, eliminating the need for surgery. However, if infection or other complications persist after deep cleaning, further surgical treatment is required.
Some patients who require surgery but do not wish to undergo the procedure can prevent further deterioration through active maintenance. Deep cleaning cannot completely resolve periodontal disease in one session; some patients may require multiple treatments. Even after successful treatment, patients need regular follow-up appointments and to maintain good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of periodontal disease recurrence.
Are there any side effects after deep teeth cleaning?
Deep cleaning is a painless process, and there is virtually no pain after the anesthesia wears off.
After a deep cleaning, gum swelling will subside, which may widen the gaps between teeth and make them feel tighter. Studies have also shown that patients with 50% teeth may experience sensitivity to hot and cold after a deep cleaning, which may last for weeks or up to six months. If you experience persistent, unexplained severe pain, bleeding, or loosening of teeth after treatment, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Author: Dr. Chen Haoxian
