If your dentist has recommended a “deep cleaning,” you might be wondering how it differs from the standard cleanings you’ve had before—and whether you truly need it. For Ottawa residents, understanding the distinction between a prophylactic (regular) cleaning and scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) can help you make informed decisions about your oral health and budget.
What Is a Regular Dental Cleaning?
A regular cleaning, formally called a prophylaxis, is a preventive procedure designed for patients with generally healthy gums. During a regular cleaning, your dental hygienist removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and along the visible gumline, polishes teeth to remove surface stains, applies fluoride to strengthen enamel, and performs a basic gum assessment.
This type of cleaning is recommended every six months for most adults and is the foundation of our cleanings and prevention program. It’s typically completed in 30 to 60 minutes and is a comfortable, straightforward experience.
What Is a Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)?
A deep cleaning goes further—literally beneath the gumline. It’s a therapeutic procedure prescribed when a patient shows signs of periodontal (gum) disease, such as inflamed gums, bleeding during brushing, receding gums, or pockets deeper than three millimetres between the gums and teeth.
During scaling and root planing, your hygienist removes tartar and bacteria from deep below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to help gums reattach to the teeth. This procedure may be performed in two or more visits and local anaesthetic is often used for comfort. It is a critical step in our periodontal disease treatment protocol.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Purpose: Regular cleaning prevents disease; deep cleaning treats existing disease.
- Area treated: Regular cleaning targets above and at the gumline; deep cleaning extends below the gumline to the tooth roots.
- Frequency: Regular cleaning every 6 months; deep cleaning as needed, followed by periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months.
- Duration: Regular cleaning takes 30–60 minutes; deep cleaning may require multiple visits.
- Cost: In Ontario, a regular cleaning typically ranges from $150 to $300, while a deep cleaning can cost $400 to $800 or more depending on severity.
- Anaesthetic: Rarely needed for regular cleaning; commonly used for deep cleaning.
How Your Dentist Decides Which You Need
The decision comes down to your gum health. During every dental exam, your dentist or hygienist measures the depth of the pockets between your gums and teeth. Healthy pockets measure one to three millimetres. When pockets deepen to four millimetres or more, bacteria and tartar accumulate in areas a regular cleaning cannot reach, and a deep cleaning becomes necessary.
Your dentist will also evaluate bone loss on x-rays, check for gum recession, and assess bleeding. Accurate periodontal diagnosis is the first step toward the right treatment plan.
What Happens After a Deep Cleaning?
Following a deep cleaning, your gums may be slightly tender for a few days. Sensitivity to hot and cold is normal and typically resolves within a week. Your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing and pocket depth improvement.
Most patients who undergo deep cleaning are placed on a periodontal maintenance schedule—typically every three to four months rather than the standard six. This ongoing care is essential to preventing recurrence and is a core component of our periodontal maintenance program.
Can You Avoid Needing a Deep Cleaning?
In many cases, yes. The best way to prevent gum disease and the need for deep cleaning is to maintain a consistent preventive care routine. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once a day, schedule regular cleanings every six months, avoid tobacco products, and eat a balanced diet low in sugar.
Our team at Orleans Dental Centre is passionate about helping patients avoid advanced treatments through education and regular care. Explore our guide on how to properly brush and floss for daily prevention strategies.
Which Cleaning Is Right for You?
If you’re unsure which type of cleaning you need, the answer is simple: schedule an exam. Our team will evaluate your gum health, explain our findings clearly, and recommend the most appropriate and cost-effective treatment. Whether it’s a straightforward preventive cleaning or a more targeted deep cleaning, we’ll ensure your comfort every step of the way.
Contact Orleans Dental Centre at (613) 824-3888 to book your appointment. Ottawa residents deserve clear answers and gentle, expert care and that’s exactly what we deliver.