Reviewed by a licensed dentistTreatment: Deep cleaningCode: D4341 · D4342Question: Trade-offs
Deep cleaning: risks and benefits
The short answer
A deep cleaning is the standard first treatment for gum disease, and it's low-risk. The main downsides are a few days of soreness, some sensitivity, and the commitment to more frequent cleanings afterward.
Side by side
Benefits
- Removes bacteria and tartar from pockets you can't reach at home
- Gums usually bleed less and pockets get shallower
- Slows or stops bone loss, helping you keep your teeth
- The ADA's recommended first step for treating gum disease
Risks and downsides
- Soreness for a day or two, and tooth sensitivity that can last about a week
- As swelling goes down, gums may shrink back a little, so teeth can look longer or small gaps can appear between them
- Usually takes more than one visit, often with numbing
- It isn't a one-time fix: you'll usually need more frequent cleanings afterward. See Why are my cleanings now called “maintenance”?
Questions to ask
- How many visits will this take, and will I be numb?
- What should I expect afterward?
- How often will I need cleanings after this?
- If some pockets are still deep afterward, what would the next step be?
- Before we schedule, can I get my cost in writing? (A predetermination if I'm using insurance, or a good faith estimate if I'm paying myself.)
When a second opinion makes sense
Reasonable if you're unsure the pockets and bone loss are really there, or if surgery is suggested right away without trying a deep cleaning first.