What is a deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning is more than a regular dental cleaning. It’s a two-step procedure:
- Scaling — removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline.
- Root planing — smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth so your gums can reattach more easily and heal.
Think of it like this: a regular cleaning washes the surface, but a deep cleaning clears what’s hidden underneath.
When plaque builds up below the gums, it hardens into tartar that toothbrushes and floss can’t reach. That buildup irritates the gums, causing inflammation (gingivitis) that can progress into periodontitis — a more advanced form of gum disease that eats away at bone.
Scaling and root planing interrupts that process before serious damage happens.
Who needs a deep cleaning?
At Anchor Dental, we often recommend scaling and root planing if:
- Your gums bleed when brushing or flossing.
- You have bad breath that doesn’t go away after brushing.
- Your dentist finds pockets between your teeth and gums (usually deeper than 3 mm).
- Your gums are receding or look puffy and tender.
- You haven’t had a cleaning in several years.
We often see this among busy professionals in San Francisco — people who brush twice a day but skip flossing or delay cleanings because of hectic schedules. By the time they come in, bacteria have set up shop under the gumline.
How we perform deep cleaning at Anchor Dental
Each case is slightly different, but here’s what usually happens in our West Portal office:
1. Exam and measurements
We measure the pockets around your teeth using a tiny probe. Anything beyond 3 mm usually signals inflammation or early bone loss.
2. Local anesthesia
To keep you comfortable, we numb the area being treated. Most patients say it feels like a standard filling appointment — no pain, just pressure.
3. Scaling
Using specialized ultrasonic and hand instruments, we remove hardened plaque and bacteria from below the gumline. You might hear a gentle vibration — that’s the ultrasonic scaler working.
4. Root planing
We then smooth the root surfaces. Bacteria stick less to smooth roots, and your gums can reattach as they heal.
5. Rinse and polish
We flush the area with an antimicrobial rinse to reduce bacterial load, and polish the visible tooth surfaces.
6. Follow-up
Depending on the condition of your gums, we may schedule a second visit to complete the other half of your mouth or check healing progress after a few weeks.
Does it hurt?
Most patients say no — especially with anesthesia. Some experience mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days afterward, which can be managed with warm saltwater rinses or over-the-counter pain relievers.
Our hygienists often hear: “That wasn’t bad at all — I should’ve done this sooner.”
Why scaling and root planing matters
Stops gum disease early
Gum disease is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss, but it starts quietly. A deep cleaning removes the bacteria before they cause irreversible bone loss.
Improves breath
Persistent bad breath usually starts below the gums, where bacteria thrive. Removing the source freshens your breath more effectively than mints ever could.
Reduces inflammation
Many patients notice their gums look less red and swollen within weeks. Healthy gums hug your teeth tighter, making them more stable.
May benefit overall health
Research links gum inflammation to other conditions like diabetes and heart disease. While deep cleaning isn’t a medical cure, healthier gums reduce overall body inflammation. (American Academy of Periodontology).
What happens if you skip it?
Ignoring gum inflammation doesn’t make it go away — it just moves deeper. Bacteria can destroy the bone supporting your teeth, leading to loose teeth or tooth loss. Once bone is lost, it’s much harder to rebuild.
We’ve seen patients who delayed deep cleaning for years and eventually needed gum surgery or implants. On the other hand, patients who follow through early usually keep their natural teeth for decades.
Aftercare and maintenance
After your deep cleaning at Anchor Dental, you’ll want to:
- Brush gently twice daily with a soft-bristled brush.
- Floss or use interdental brushes daily.
- Use an antibacterial mouth rinse as directed.
- Avoid tobacco — it slows healing.
- Eat soft foods for a day or two if gums feel sore.
- Keep up with your periodontal maintenance visits (usually every 3–4 months).
Think of these follow-up cleanings as “tune-ups.” They prevent bacteria from recolonizing under your gums.
How often do you need deep cleaning?
For most patients, one round of scaling and root planing is enough to restore gum health — as long as maintenance visits and home care continue. Some high-risk patients (for example, smokers or diabetics) may need touch-ups once a year.
During your follow-up exams, we measure your gum pockets again. If they’ve shrunk and stayed stable, it means the treatment worked.
Cost and insurance
Most dental insurance plans cover deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), at least partially, when diagnosed as necessary by your dentist. We’ll check your benefits and provide an upfront estimate before starting.
Even without insurance, it’s an investment that prevents far more expensive procedures later, such as gum surgery or tooth replacement.
Local awareness: gum health in the Bay Area
According to data from the California Department of Public Health, over 50% of adults show signs of mild to moderate gum disease. In San Francisco, where coffee culture and stress are part of daily life, gum inflammation is even more common. (CDPH Oral Health Program).
We’ve seen an increase in younger adults — even those in their 20s and 30s — needing deep cleanings because of fast food habits, frequent lattes, and missed cleanings during the pandemic years.
At Anchor Dental, we’re helping reverse that trend, one mouth at a time.
Why choose Anchor Dental for deep cleaning in San Francisco
Our office at 345 W Portal Ave #210, San Francisco, CA 94127 has built a loyal patient base across West Portal, Inner Sunset, Noe Valley, and the Peninsula.
Patients choose us because:
- We use advanced ultrasonic instruments that make cleaning efficient and gentle.
- Our hygienists are experienced, calm, and thorough.
- Dr. Esra Salihoglu Yener personally reviews every periodontal case to track healing.
- We make follow-up care easy to schedule — before work, after school, or on weekends twice a month.
