When gum disease advances beyond early gingivitis, a standard cleaning is no longer enough. In these cases, we recommend a deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, to stop infection, protect the bone, and help restore gum health.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
This non-surgical gum treatment goes below the gumline to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from periodontal pockets:
- Scaling removes plaque and hardened tartar from the surface of the teeth and roots.
- Root Planing smooths out rough areas on the roots to prevent bacteria from reattaching and to encourage the gums to heal and reattach.
Gum Lasering with the Diode Laser (Picasso)
In certain cases, we may also recommend using our Picasso diode laser as part of your deep cleaning. This laser-assisted gum therapy is used to:
- Decontaminate the gums by killing bacteria in infected pockets
- Reduce inflammation and bleeding
- Stimulate healing and tissue regeneration
The laser targets only diseased tissue and bacteria, leaving healthy areas untouched. It’s minimally invasive, comfortable, and often reduces the need for antibiotics or surgery.
Why It’s Sometimes Necessary
If you have symptoms like bleeding gums, gum recession, bad breath, or deep pockets around your teeth, laser-assisted deep cleaning can:
- Prevent gum disease from progressing to advanced stages
- Avoid or delay the need for surgical treatment
- Help maintain bone and gum health around your natural teeth
What to Expect
Deep cleaning with optional laser therapy is typically done in two visits, under local anesthetic for your comfort. We’ll also discuss home care, and in some cases, schedule follow-up periodontal maintenance visits every 3–4 months to keep everything stable.
Ready to take the next step toward a healthier, more confident smile?Call or text us today at 949-837-7112 to schedule your consultation with Dr. H.We’re here to help you smile with comfort, function, and confidence.
