Your Gums Are Telling You Something
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is one of the most common dental conditions in the US, and it's often sneaky. You might not feel pain right away, but your gums are quietly pulling away from your teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can thrive and multiply.
A standard cleaning cleans above the gumline. A dental deep cleaning technically called scaling and root planing (SRP) goes below it. It's the gold standard non-surgical treatment for gum disease, and in the right hands, it works remarkably well.
At Bethelview Family Dentistry in Cumming, GA, we perform scaling and root planing with precision and care because we know that for most patients, this procedure is the turning point that gets their oral health back on track.
47% Adults have gum disease
90% Patients improve after treatment
2x Risk Higher heart risk
70% Seniors affected
What Is Deep Cleaning?
Scaling
Removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria below the gumline.
Root Planing
Smooths root surfaces and helps gums reattach.
Comfortable Care
Local anesthesia keeps treatment comfortable.
Signs You May Need Deep Cleaning
Bleeding gums
Loose teeth
Puffy or receding gums
Bad breath
Deep gum pockets
Missed cleanings
What to Expect at Your Appointment
1️⃣ Evaluation & X-rays
4️⃣ Root planing
2️⃣ Local anesthesia
3️⃣ Ultrasonic cleaning
5️⃣ Antimicrobial rinse
6️⃣ Follow-up care
Regular Cleaning Vs Deep Cleaning
Regular Cleaning
✅ Healthy gums
✅ Preventive care
✅ One visit
✅ No anesthesia
Deep Cleaning
✅ Gum disease treatment
✅ Cleans below gums
✅ Root smoothing
✅ Usually 2 visits
✅ Local anesthesia
Why Choose Bethelview Family Dentistry?
Experienced team
Anxiety-friendly care
Convenient for nearby families
Modern ultrasonic tools
Insurance assistance
Testimonials
See why patients trust Bethelview Family Dentistry for comfortable, compassionate care.
“Great dental practice, professional, state of the art equipment, bright sunny office, extremely friendly staff and very caring! I had to have a lot of dental work done and Dr. Sharma walked me through exactly what she was going to be doing. Sammy the office manager explains to you what the cost will be up front after she has ran it through your insurance. Myself, husband and daughter all go to them now and we were all 3 impressed. Highly recommend”
Stephanie Elvington
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful answers for new and returning patients.
Q: Is a dental deep cleaning painful?
Not during the procedure. We use local anesthetic, so you'll feel pressure but no pain. Afterward, some tenderness and sensitivity for a day or two is normal and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Q: How is deep cleaning different from regular cleaning?
A regular cleaning works above the gumline. A deep cleaning goes below it into the gum pockets and smooths the root surfaces to help gums heal. They're completely different procedures with different purposes.
Q: Does insurance cover scaling and root planing?
Usually yes most plans cover 50–80% as a periodontal benefit. We verify your coverage before your appointment so you know exactly what to expect.
Q: How many visits will I need?
Two visits for most patients, one per side of the mouth. After that, a follow-up check at 4–6 weeks, then periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months going forward
Q: How long does a deep cleaning take?
Each appointment is about 60–90 minutes. We treat half the mouth per visit, so most patients are done in two appointments, usually 1–2 weeks apart.
Q: Do I need a referral to a periodontist?
Not for most cases. Our team can perform scaling and root planing in-house. If your case is more advanced, we'll refer you to a specialist and we'll always be honest about which is the right call for you.
Q: What is recovery like after a deep cleaning?
Mild soreness and sensitivity for 1–2 days is typical. Soft foods, warm salt water rinses, and an OTC pain reliever are usually all you need. Most patients are back to normal the next day.
Q: What happens if I skip the deep cleaning?
Gum disease won't go away on its own. It keeps progressing, eventually causing bone loss, loose teeth, and tooth loss. Treating it now is far easier and less costly than the alternative.
