What to Expect During a Deep Cleaning at Buford Family Dental

A healthy smile starts with healthy gums—but sometimes, a standard dental cleaning isn’t enough to keep gum disease at bay. If your dentist at Buford Family Dental has recommended a deep cleaning, you may be wondering what that means and what to expect.

Deep cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, are one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease and prevent more serious dental problems down the road. While the term may sound intimidating, the process is straightforward, comfortable, and an essential step in protecting your oral health.

Here’s everything you need to know about deep cleanings and why they’re so important for patients in Buford, GA, and the surrounding areas.

What Is a Deep Cleaning?

A deep cleaning goes beyond a regular dental cleaning. While a standard cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar from above the gumline, a deep cleaning targets the areas below the gumline where harmful bacteria can hide and cause infection.

The procedure includes two main steps:

Scaling involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from the surfaces of your teeth and beneath the gums.

Root Planing smooths out the tooth roots to help your gums reattach to the teeth and prevent bacteria from accumulating in the future.

Deep cleanings are typically recommended when a patient shows signs of periodontal (gum)

disease, such as deep gum pockets, bleeding gums, or bone loss around the teeth.

Why Might You Need a Deep Cleaning?

Gum disease often starts silently, but if left untreated, it can progress into a serious condition that threatens your teeth and overall health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 50 percent of adults over the age of 30 in the U.S. have some form of periodontal disease.

You may need a deep cleaning if you experience:

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Gum recession
• Loose teeth
• Deep pockets between your teeth and gums
• Visible tartar buildup beneath the gumline

At Buford Family Dental, we perform a comprehensive exam and measure the depth of your gum pockets to determine whether a deep cleaning is necessary.

What Happens During a Deep Cleaning?

If you’ve never had a deep cleaning before, here’s what you can expect during your appointment:

Step 1: Dental Exam

Before beginning the procedure, your dentist or hygienist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. We will use a small instrument called a periodontal probe to measure the depth of the spaces between your teeth and gums.

Healthy gum pockets typically measure 1 to 3 millimeters deep. Pockets deeper than 4 millimeters are a sign of gum disease and may require a deep cleaning.

Step 2: Local Anesthesia

To ensure your comfort, we may numb the area being treated with a local anesthetic. While deep cleaning is not surgery, it can involve accessing sensitive areas beneath the gums, so numbing the area helps minimize any discomfort.

Step 3: Scaling

Using specialized tools, our dental team will carefully remove plaque and tartar deposits from above and below the gumline. This process is called scaling and may involve the use of ultrasonic instruments or hand scalers.

The goal is to eliminate bacteria and tartar buildup that contribute to gum inflammation and infection.

Step 4: Root Planing

Once the scaling is complete, we move on to root planing. This step involves smoothing the rough surfaces of your tooth roots to help your gums heal and reattach properly.

By removing bacteria and smoothing the roots, we reduce the risk of future plaque accumulation and allow the gums to tighten around the teeth.

Step 5: Post-Treatment Care

After your deep cleaning, you may experience some mild tenderness, swelling, or sensitivity. These side effects are normal and typically subside within a few days.

We’ll provide you with instructions for aftercare, which may include:

• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Rinsing with a prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
• Avoiding hard or crunchy foods for a day or two

You may also be scheduled for a follow-up visit to monitor your healing and measure your gum pockets again.

How Long Does a Deep Cleaning Take?

A deep cleaning is typically done in two visits, with one half of your mouth treated at each appointment. This allows us to carefully and thoroughly clean each area while minimizing discomfort.

Each appointment usually lasts between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the severity of your gum disease.

What Are the Benefits of a Deep Cleaning?

Deep cleaning your teeth offers several long-term benefits, including:

• Reducing inflammation and bleeding in the gums
• Preventing the progression of gum disease
• Decreasing the risk of tooth loss
• Freshening breath by eliminating bacteria
• Supporting better overall health

Untreated gum disease has been linked to systemic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness. By addressing gum disease early with deep cleaning, you’re not just protecting your smile—you’re protecting your overall wellness.

Keep Your Gums Healthy at Buford Family Dental

At Buford Family Dental, we’re committed to helping our patients achieve and maintain healthy gums and strong smiles. If you’ve been told you need a deep cleaning, don’t worry—you’re in experienced, compassionate hands.

Gum disease is common but preventable and treatable. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, from diagnosis to recovery and beyond.

If you’re experiencing signs of gum disease or it’s been a while since your last dental checkup, contact Buford Family Dental today to schedule an appointment. Together, we’ll keep your smile healthy, bright, and beautiful.