Deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is an important dental procedure for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. If you have gum disease, known as periodontal disease, you may require deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing. In a mild form, this is called gingivitis, which may cause swollen, red, and bleeding gums.
For some people, genetic predisposition causes gingivitis to develop into periodontitis, a severe infection that can lead to tooth loss. Gum disease causes a pocket to open between your teeth and gums, where tartar can collect, separating your gums from your teeth. A deep clean involves cleaning your teeth down to the root to allow your gums to reconnect with your teeth.
