No matter how often you brush and floss, plaque and tartar still build up on your teeth. A professional cleaning is the most effective way to prevent these deposits from causing more serious problems in the future. Both traditional hand dental instruments and ultrasonic scalers are used to remove deposits, kill harmful microbes, and eliminate bacteria around the teeth and gums. Gingivitis, also known as inflammation of the gums, is a result of these deposits. Bleeding gums is a common sign of gingivitis. Healthy gums don’t bleed!

A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, may be recommended if excessive plaque and tartar deposits have developed below the gumline. In this two-part process, these stubborn deposits are removed and the root surfaces are smoothed. Scaling and root planing helps manage periodontal disease and restores gum tissues to a healthy state. Red, bleeding gums and loss of bone around your teeth are signs of periodontal disease. Without treatment, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. Following scaling and root planing, regularly scheduled cleanings are performed at periodontal maintenance appointments to maintain the health of your gums.