Healthy Tissues Lead to Healthy Teeth

A beautiful smile is about more than just straight, white teeth—it also depends on the health of the gums and bone that support them. These surrounding tissues play a vital role in both the appearance and long-term stability of your smile.

When plaque and bacteria build up around the teeth, they can cause inflammation and damage to the gums and supporting bone. Left untreated, this can lead to gum disease, which affects not only your oral health but your overall well-being.

We specialize in diagnosing and treating all stages of gum disease, from early signs of gingivitis to more advanced periodontal issues. With expert care and personalized treatment plans, we help restore gum health and protect your teeth for the long run.

Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)

If your dentist has told you that you need a dental deep cleaning, you are not alone. Many adults reach a point where a routine cleaning simply is not enough. Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical treatment that stops gum disease from progressing and helps protect your teeth for the long term. At Jensen Periodontics, we take time before any procedure to walk you through exactly what to expect, so you can feel confident every step of the way.

What is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a dental deep cleaning that goes beneath the gumline. A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth. Periodontal scaling goes further, clearing bacteria and buildup that have settled below your gums and along the roots of your teeth. Root planing then smooths those root surfaces so your gums can reattach and heal properly. Together, these two steps treat the source of gum disease rather than just the surface.

Signs You May Need a Periodontal Cleaning

Your general dentist may refer you to a periodontist if you have:

• Bleeding or swollen gums

• Persistent bad breath that does not improve with brushing

• Gum sensitivity or tenderness

• Gum pockets deeper than 4mm

• Gum recession or teeth that appear longer than before

If any of these sound familiar, a deep gum cleaning may be the right next step.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a dental deep cleaning different from a regular cleaning? A regular cleaning focuses on the surface of your teeth and just above the gumline. It is a preventative gum disease treatment. A dental deep cleaning, also called periodontal scaling and root planing, goes further. It removes built-up tartar and bacteria from below the gumline, all the way down to the root of the tooth. If gum disease has caused your gum pockets to deepen, a standard cleaning simply can't reach what needs to be addressed. That's when periodontal scaling comes in.

What happens if I don't get a dental deep cleaning when my dentist recommends one? Gum disease will progress. Without a dental deep cleaning, the bacteria living below your gumline will continue to irritate and break down the tissue and bone that hold your teeth in place. Over time, that can mean deeper gum pockets, bone loss, and eventually loose or missing teeth. The good news is that a periodontal cleaning, done at the right time, can stop that progression in its tracks. The sooner it's addressed, the more we can protect.

Is scaling and root planing painful? That is one of the most common questions we hear, and it is completely understandable to ask. Before your periodontal scaling begins, we use local anesthetic to numb the area so you stay comfortable throughout the deep gum cleaning. Most patients feel some pressure and movement during the procedure, but not pain. After your dental deep cleaning, your gums may feel tender or sensitive for a few days. That is a normal part of the healing process and typically clears up quickly. At Jensen Periodontics, we take time before every periodontal cleaning to walk you through what to expect so you are never left guessing. Your comfort is our priority from the moment you walk in.