What Happens During a Deep Cleaning Procedure (Scaling and Root Planing)?

A deep cleaning helps your teeth feel happy and healthy by removing stubborn gunk that hides below the surface.

Imagine your teeth are like cookies in a jar. Over time, crumbs (which are like plaque) get stuck around them. If you don’t clean the jar very well, those crumbs turn into hard, sticky tartar, and it’s really tough to remove.

During a deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, the dentist or hygienist uses special tools that feel a bit like tiny brushes and scrapers. They gently scrub away the plaque and tartar from your teeth and down into the little pockets where your gums meet your teeth.

Sometimes, there’s gunk so deep it’s like the crumbs that fall between the cookies and the jar. The dentist uses a tool called a curette, which is kind of like a fancy spoon, to clean those hard-to-reach spots. After that, they smooth out the rough parts of your teeth, this is called root planing, so it’s easier for your gums to stay healthy and happy.

After all that cleaning, your teeth will feel refreshed, just like cookies after a good scrubbing!