Do You Need a Deep Dental Cleaning? 5 Signs & What to Expect (Franklin, WI)

Most people know about regular dental cleanings every six months — but sometimes your dental health requires something more advanced. A deep dental cleaning (also called scaling and root planing) goes beneath the gumline to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that routine cleanings can’t reach.

This guide breaks down the most common signs that a deep cleaning might be necessary, what the procedure involves, and why it matters — especially if you’re trying to protect your smile long-term in Franklin, WI.

What Is a Deep Dental Cleaning?

A deep dental cleaning is a therapeutic procedure your dentist may recommend when signs of gum disease are present. It goes below the gumline to remove hardened plaque and tartar and smooth the tooth roots so gums can reattach. Source

Unlike routine cleanings that focus on the visible surface of your teeth, deep cleanings are targeted at areas affected by gingivitis or periodontitis — stages of gum disease that won’t improve without professional intervention.

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Signs You Might Need a Deep Cleaning

Here are the most common indicators that a deep cleaning might be the right next step for your oral health:

1. Your Gums Bleed When You Brush or Floss

Bleeding gums aren’t “normal,” even if it happens when you brush or floss lightly. This is one of the earliest signs of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to more serious periodontal disease if untreated.

Routine cleanings may not reach the bacteria causing this inflammation — a deep cleaning does.

2. Persistent Bad Breath That Won’t Go Away

Occasional bad breath is common, but if it persists despite brushing, flossing, and mouthwash, it could signal bacteria trapped under the gumline. These bacteria release odors that basic hygiene routines can’t fully eliminate.

A deep cleaning removes these odor-causing bacteria at the source.

3. Your Gums Look Red, Swollen, or Tender

Healthy gums are typically pale pink and firm. If your gums appear bright red, swollen, or feel sore when you touch them, that’s a sign of chronic inflammation.

Inflammation that doesn’t respond to home care often means the problem is beneath the surface — exactly where deep cleanings are effective.

4. Your Gums Have Receded or Pulled Away

If your teeth appear longer than they used to, your gums may be receding — a sign that plaque and tartar have pushed the gums away from the tooth surface.

This recession can form deep pockets around your teeth that harbor bacteria your toothbrush can’t reach. A deep cleaning aims to remove buildup and allow gums to reattach properly.

5. Loose or Shifting Teeth

Loose teeth or changes in how your bite feels can be alarming, and for good reason. Gum disease weakens the structures that hold teeth in place.

If you’re noticing movement or gaps where there weren’t any before, it’s essential to have a dental exam — and deep cleaning is often the first step in stabilizing bone and gum health.

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(Bonus Dental Tips!)

6. Deep Gum Pockets Identified During Exams

During a dental exam, your hygienist may measure the space between your tooth and gum. If these “pockets” measure deeper than about 4 millimeters, bacteria can thrive there and routine cleaning won’t be enough to reach them.

Deep periodontal pockets are a hallmark of early periodontal disease and typically require deep cleaning.

7. You’re Not Responding to Standard Cleaning Alone

Some patients find that routine cleanings and home hygiene aren’t keeping symptoms under control. If inflammation, bleeding, or bad breath returns soon after a standard cleaning, that can be a sign the issue is below the gumline.

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What Happens During a Deep Dental Cleaning?

A deep cleaning typically involves scaling and root planing over one or two appointments:

• Scaling: Removing plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
• Root Planing: Smoothing the roots so gums can reattach
• Local anesthesia is often used for comfort

Your dentist may also apply antimicrobial rinses or recommend localized antibiotic treatments to assist healing.

Why It Matters

Left untreated, gum disease can cause gum recession, bone loss, tooth mobility, and even tooth loss. It’s not just a cosmetic issue — advanced gum disease is linked to systemic health concerns, too.

A deep cleaning stops disease progression, reduces inflammation, and gives your gums a chance to heal. The earlier you act on signs, the better the long-term outcome.

FAQ — Deep Dental Cleaning

Is a deep cleaning painful?
With modern anesthesia and gentle technique, most patients are comfortable during the procedure. Some soreness afterward is normal but manageable.

Is a deep cleaning the same as a routine cleaning?
No — routine cleanings remove buildup above the gumline. Deep cleanings reach below the gumline where periodontal disease starts.

How often might I need a deep cleaning?
Deep cleanings are done as needed based on disease activity, not on a set schedule like routine cleanings.

Schedule Your Evaluation With Franklin’s Family Dental Team

If you’re noticing any of the signs above or just want a professional evaluation, our team at The Opal Dental Co. in Franklin, WI is here to help. Early detection and intervention make all the difference in preserving your smile and long-term health.

If you suspect you might need a deep cleaning, don’t wait. Early action can save your smile and prevent more serious issues down the road.

Call 414-425-0500 or schedule an appointment online with our friendly Franklin dental team today!

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