Deep Cleaning in Houston, TX
If you’ve been told you have early gum disease, a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) removes plaque and tartar below the gumline before it progresses further.
Most PPO Plans
Medicare Advantage
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What a Deep Cleaning Is and Who Needs It
This two-part treatment first removes (scales) plaque and tartar buildup from tooth surfaces and below the gumline, then smooths (planes) the tooth root so gums can reattach and heal. It’s typically recommended when a routine cleaning isn’t enough to treat gingivitis or early periodontal disease.
You may need a deep cleaning if your exam shows bleeding gums, tartar below the gumline, or gum pockets deeper than a routine cleaning can reach. Your dentist measures these pockets and checks your X-rays before recommending it.
Why Treat It Early
Stopping gum disease before it progresses.
Stops Gum Disease Early
Treats the cause, not just symptoms.
Comfortable Treatment
Performed with local anesthesia as needed.
Protects Your Teeth Long-Term
Helps prevent bone and tooth loss.
What to Expect at Your Deep Cleaning
- Exam first. We measure your gum pockets and take X-rays so we know exactly which areas need treatment.
- Numbing as needed. The area being treated is numbed so you stay comfortable.
- Scaling. Plaque and tartar are removed from the teeth and from below the gumline.
- Root planing. The root surfaces are smoothed so your gums can heal and tighten back around the teeth.
- Often two visits. Many patients have one side of the mouth treated per visit.
Your gums may feel tender and your teeth a little sensitive for a few days. Brushing gently and rinsing with warm salt water usually helps. We check how your gums are healing at a follow-up visit.
After Treatment: Cleanings Every 3 Months
Gum disease can come back if bacteria build up in the pockets again. That is why most patients move to periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3 months after a deep cleaning, instead of the usual 6. At each visit we clean below the gumline, re-measure your gum pockets, and let you know if anything has changed.
Deep Cleaning FAQ
Does a deep cleaning hurt?
The area is numbed first, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Some tenderness for a few days afterward is normal.
How is a deep cleaning different from a regular cleaning?
A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar above the gumline. A deep cleaning also cleans below the gumline and smooths the roots, which is needed once gum pockets have formed.
Will my insurance cover it?
Many PPO plans cover part of a deep cleaning. Our front desk checks your benefits before treatment so you know what to expect.
Why do I need cleanings every 3 months afterward?
Bacteria can settle back into gum pockets within a few months. More frequent maintenance cleanings help keep gum disease from returning.
Helpful Guides
Notice Bleeding or Sore Gums?
Call our office at (713) 952-0522 or book online for an evaluation.