Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning: What Do You Actually Need?

Regular cleanings are for maintaining healthy gums, while deep cleanings are a medical necessity to stop gum disease from attacking your tooth roots. If you have ever visited our office on North Central Ave and heard us recommend a "deep cleaning," you might have wondered if it was really necessary or just an upsell.

At Aghbashian Dental, we believe in total transparency. A deep cleaning isn't just a "better" cleaning; it is a specific therapy for an infection called periodontitis. Understanding the difference can save your teeth and your wallet. In Glendale, a standard deep cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing) generally costs between $200 and $300 per quadrant, depending on the severity of the buildup.

This guide will explain exactly why we prescribe these treatments, breaking down the costs, the procedure, and the signs that your gums are crying out for help.

What is a Regular Dental Cleaning? (Prophylaxis)

A regular cleaning, clinically known as prophylaxis, is a preventive maintenance procedure designed for patients with generally healthy gums. It focuses on removing plaque and tartar that sits above the gumline.

Think of this like a car wash, it keeps the exterior looking great and prevents rust, but it doesn't fix engine trouble. During a regular visit at our Glendale office, the appointment usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes.

What happens during a regular cleaning?

• Ultrasonic Scaler: We use a vibrating tool to knock loose large pieces of tartar (calcified plaque).
• Hand Scaling: We use fine hand tools to scrape away remaining debris from the enamel.
• Polishing: A gritty paste is used to remove surface stains from coffee or tea, leaving teeth smooth.
• Flossing & Fluoride: We finish by flossing to check contact points and often apply fluoride to strengthen enamel.

Who is this for?

This is for patients with "pocket depths" of 1mm to 3mm (the space between your tooth and gum). If your gums are firm, pink, and don't bleed, this is all you need every six months to prevent cavities and freshen your breath.

What is a Deep Cleaning? (Scaling and Root Planing)

A deep cleaning is a therapeutic procedure that removes bacteria and hardened tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to help gums reattach to the tooth.

This isn't about prevention anymore; it is about stopping an active infection. When plaque travels down the root of the tooth, it releases toxins that eat away at the bone holding your teeth in place.

The Procedure Breakdown:

• Scaling: We remove tartar from below the gumline, all the way down to the bottom of the pocket.
• Root Planing: We smooth out the rough spots on the tooth root. Bacteria love hiding in rough spots, so smoothing them out makes it harder for plaque to stick.
• Anesthetic: Because we are working under the gums, we almost always use local anesthetic to numb the area so you feel zero pain.
• Antibiotics: We may apply localized antibiotic fibers (like Arestin) into the pockets to kill remaining bacteria.

Time and Scheduling:

Unlike regular cleaning, deep cleaning is intense. We usually split the mouth into halves (right side and left side) over two separate visits. Each appointment takes about 45 to 60 minutes.

Key Differences: Side-by-Side Breakdown

The main difference is that a regular cleaning is preventive (keeping you healthy), while a deep cleaning is curative (treating a disease).

Aspect	Regular Cleaning (Prophylaxis)	Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)
Goal	Prevent gum disease	Stop/Reverse active gum disease
Depth	Above the gumline only	Below the gumline (roots)
Anesthetic	Not usually needed	Yes (Local numbing)
Time	30-45 minutes total	45-60 minutes per quadrant
Cost (Glendale Est)	$100 - $200	$200 - $300 per quadrant ($800-$1200 full mouth)
When Needed	Healthy gums (pockets 1-3mm)	Pockets >4mm, bleeding, bone loss

 

Addressing the "Upsell" Myth:

We understand that no one wants to pay more than they expected. However, performing a regular cleaning on a patient with deep gum pockets is actually malpractice. It would just polish the surface while leaving the infection to rot the bone underneath. If we recommend periodontal therapy in Glendale, it is because we are trying to save your teeth from falling out later.

Signs You Need Deep Cleaning in Glendale

You usually need a deep cleaning when your gum pockets measure 4mm or deeper, often accompanied by bleeding, bad breath, or visible gum recession.

Living in Glendale, the dry, warm climate can sometimes contribute to mouth breathing or dehydration, which reduces saliva flow. Saliva is your mouth's natural defense against plaque. When your mouth is dry, plaque hardens into tartar faster, accelerating gum disease.

Common Warning Signs:

• Bleeding when flossing: Healthy gums do not bleed. If your sink looks pink after brushing, you have active inflammation (gingivitis or periodontitis).
• Chronic Bad Breath: If mouthwash doesn't fix it, the smell is likely coming from rotting bacteria trapped deep under the gums where a toothbrush can't reach.
• Receding Gums: If your teeth look "longer" than they used to, your gums are pulling away from the infection.
• Loose Teeth: This is a late-stage sign that bone loss has occurred.
• Visible Tartar: Brown or yellow buildup near the gumline that doesn't brush off.

Pinterest Tip: Check out our "Healthy Gums" board for infographics on what healthy vs. infected gums look like!

Costs and Insurance in Glendale

In the Glendale, CA area, the cost of Scaling and Root Planing typically ranges from $200 to $300 per quadrant (a quarter of your mouth), often totaling $800 to $1,200 for a full mouth treatment without insurance.

Does Insurance Cover It?

Most dental insurance plans (like Delta Dental, Cigna, or MetLife) consider this a basic or major procedure and typically cover 50% to 80% of the cost if the X-rays and probing charts prove it is medically necessary.

At Aghbashian Dental, we offer Worry-Free Financing to make sure you can afford this critical treatment. Remember: A deep cleaning is significantly cheaper than the cost of replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant later ($3,000+).

Aftercare and Prevention Tips

Recovery from a deep cleaning is usually quick, with minor sensitivity lasting a few days. The goal of aftercare is to let the gums heal tight against the teeth again.

Your Recovery Checklist:

• Salt Water Rinses: Rinse with warm salt water 3 times a day to reduce inflammation and soothe the gums.
• Soft Diet: Stick to soft foods (yogurt, eggs, mashed potatoes) for 24 hours to avoid irritating the gums.
• Gentle Brushing: Use an ultra-soft toothbrush. Do not floss the treated area for the first 24 hours if antibiotics were placed.
• Product Recommendations: We highly recommend investing in a Waterpik (water flosser). It is excellent for flushing out deep pockets that traditional floss can't reach. You can find great options on Amazon or at the Glendale Galleria.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is deep cleaning painful?

No, because we use local anesthetic to numb your gums completely. You might feel some pressure and scraping vibrations, but you should not feel sharp pain. You may have some soreness for a day or two afterward.

2. How often do I need a deep cleaning?

Ideally, only once! If you maintain your oral hygiene and stick to "periodontal maintenance" cleanings (usually every 3-4 months) afterward, you shouldn't need a full deep cleaning again.

3. Can I just do a regular cleaning instead?

If you have deep pockets (4mm+), a regular cleaning is legally and clinically insufficient. It would be like painting over a rusty car door - it hides the problem but doesn't stop the damage.

4. How much does deep cleaning teeth in Glendale cost without insurance?

For a full mouth, expect to pay between $800 and $1,200 depending on the severity of the case and if antibiotics are used. We offer payment plans to help manage this.

5. Can gum disease be reversed?

Gingivitis (stage 1) is reversible. Periodontitis (stage 2+) results in permanent bone loss, which cannot grow back. However, a deep cleaning stops the disease from getting worse and stabilizes your oral health.

6. Do I need antibiotics with my deep cleaning?

Not always. We may use Arestin (a localized antibiotic powder) if specific pockets are very deep or inflamed to ensure all bacteria are eliminated.

7. Why do I need to come back every 3 months after a deep cleaning?

Bacteria regrow in deep pockets faster than in healthy gums. A 3-month schedule (Periodontal Maintenance) catches the bacteria before they can harden into tartar and damage the bone again.

Don't let gum disease steal your smile. If you have noticed bleeding gums or haven't had a checkup in over a year, you may be due for more than just a polish.

Schedule your Glendale deep cleaning consultation at aghbashian.com or call us today to restore your oral health with our worry-free care.