WatchScaling & Root Planing
What is a deep cleaning? Scaling and root planing explained at Brammeier Dental of Naperville
A "deep cleaning" — known clinically as scaling and root planing — is not the same as your regular hygiene visit. It's a specific treatment for early-to-moderate gum disease, performed when bacteria and tartar have built up below the gumline where a standard cleaning can't reach. This video shows exactly what happens during the procedure and why it matters for your long-term oral health.
During scaling and root planing, your hygienist uses specialized instruments to remove hardened plaque (tartar) from below the gum tissue, and then smooths the root surfaces so gums can reattach. Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable throughout — it's a much gentler experience than the name suggests.
Without treatment, the bacteria causing gum disease continue to attack the bone supporting your teeth, eventually leading to mobility and tooth loss. Catching it at the scaling-and-root-planing stage is a major win — it stops the progression and often allows the gum tissue to heal back to a healthy state.
If your hygienist has recommended a deep cleaning, watch this video so you know what to expect. At Brammeier Dental of Naperville, we typically schedule deep cleanings over one or two visits, followed by more frequent maintenance visits to keep gum disease from returning.
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