How Long Does Deep Cleaning Take? City of Lights Dental
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If you’ve been advised to get a deep dental cleaning, you probably have questions. One of the most common ones we hear at City of Lights Dental is:
“How long does deep cleaning take?“
To help you feel more informed and confident about your upcoming appointment, our team of experienced dentists has broken down everything you need to know.
Let’s start with the basics.
What Is a Deep Dental Cleaning?
A deep dental cleaning—clinically known as scaling and root planing—is a treatment used to manage gum disease. It goes beyond a standard dental cleaning by removing plaque and tartar that build up below the gumline and along the roots of the teeth.
At City of Lights Dental, all deep cleanings are performed or supervised by licensed dental hygienists and dentists with extensive experience in periodontal care.
How Long Does Deep Cleaning Take?
The duration of a deep cleaning appointment can vary based on several factors:
- The extent of gum disease
- The number of teeth needing treatment
- Whether treatment is done in one or multiple sessions
- The individual healing response of the patient
General Time Estimates:
- Each quadrant (one-fourth of the mouth) usually takes 45–60 minutes.
- Most full-mouth cleanings are done in two appointments, treating two quadrants per visit.
- In total, expect around 90 minutes per session, depending on complexity.
Some mild cases may be completed in a single visit, but for more advanced gum disease, your provider may schedule two to four visits spaced out over one to two weeks
What Happens During the Procedure?
Here’s a step-by-step look at what happens during your deep cleaning appointment:
- Periodontal Examination: Using a periodontal probe, your dentist will measure the depth of gum pockets around each tooth. Pockets deeper than 4mm typically indicate gum disease and may require deep cleaning.
- Local Anesthesia: To make the procedure as comfortable as possible, we administer a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. You’ll remain awake but feel no pain.
- Scaling: Plaque and tartar are removed from the surface of the teeth and beneath the gumline using ultrasonic or manual instruments.
- Root Planing: This step smooths out the root surfaces to prevent further bacterial buildup and help gums reattach to the tooth roots.
- Post-Procedure Care: An antimicrobial rinse may be used, and in some cases, localized antibiotics are placed in deeper pockets. You’ll receive personalized instructions for home care and follow-up.
Is It Safe to Do Deep Cleaning in One Visit?
Yes, deep cleaning can be done in one visit, particularly if gum disease is in its early stages. However, splitting the treatment into two or more sessions is often recommended for:
- Managing discomfort
- Better healing between appointments
- Reducing jaw fatigue
Your dentist will assess your specific situation and determine the safest, most effective approach.
Why Deep Cleaning Matters?
As dental care providers, we see firsthand how untreated gum disease can lead to:
- Gum recession
- Tooth mobility
- Bone loss
- Tooth loss
Deep cleaning is not just a hygiene service—it’s a preventive treatment that helps protect your long-term oral health. By stopping the progression of periodontal disease early, patients can often avoid more invasive treatments like gum surgery or tooth extractions.
Aftercare Tips for Smooth Healing
Mild soreness, sensitivity, and slight bleeding after a deep cleaning are completely normal. Here’s how to take care of your mouth post-treatment:
- Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Rinse with warm saltwater 2–3 times a day
- Avoid smoking, hard foods, or alcohol for 24–48 hours
- Use a desensitizing toothpaste if you experience sensitivity
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed (only as recommended)
Your dentist may schedule a follow-up visit in 4–6 weeks to assess healing and progress.
How Often Do You Need Deep Cleaning?
Unlike routine cleanings, deep cleanings are typically only needed once, unless gum disease returns. Afterward, you may be placed on a periodontal maintenance program, visiting your dentist every 3–4 months for specialized cleanings to prevent reinfection.
Regular brushing, flossing, and professional care are crucial for long-term success.
Conclusion: How Long Does Deep Cleaning Take?
To recap, how long do deep cleaning take depends on your specific oral health, but on average:
- One session takes 45–60 minutes
- A full-mouth cleaning is typically completed over 2 appointments
- Healing and follow-up care are just as important as the procedure itself
Early intervention is key. If you’ve been advised to get a deep cleaning, don’t delay—it’s a crucial step in restoring and protecting your smile.
Your comfort. Your care. Your confidence — all in one place!
If you’re in need of a deep cleaning or have questions about your gum health, our experienced team is here to help. Schedule Your Consultation Deep Cleaning at City of Lights Dental in Aurora, IL
FAQs
Most patients report little to no pain during the procedure. At City of Lights Dental, we use local anesthesia to numb the treatment area, ensuring maximum comfort.
Regular dental cleanings are for patients with healthy gums and no signs of gum disease. Deep cleanings are recommended when:
- Gum pockets measure 4mm or deeper
- There is visible tartar buildup below the gumline
- Bleeding, swollen gums, or bone loss is present (early signs of periodontitis)
Deep cleaning is highly effective at halting the progression of early to moderate gum disease. It removes harmful bacteria and smooths the roots of teeth, encouraging gums to heal and reattach. However, it is not a one-time “cure.”
Healing varies by individual, but most patients recover in a few days to one week. You may experience:
- Mild gum tenderness or sensitivity
- Slight bleeding when brushing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
Deep cleaning is a non-surgical and low-risk procedure when performed by a licensed professional. However, as with any dental treatment, there are potential (though rare) side effects, such as:
- Temporary tooth sensitivity
- Minor gum bleeding or discomfort
- Slight chance of infection, especially if aftercare is not followed
The cost of a deep cleaning can vary based on the severity of gum disease and the number of quadrants treated. Typically, treatment is charged per quadrant, and a full-mouth deep cleaning can range from $200 to $1,200 USD in most practices.
Yes — most patients feel well enough to return to work or normal activities shortly after their appointment. Because we use local anesthesia, you may feel numb for a few hours, so we recommend:
- Avoiding heavy meals
- Taking it easy if you feel any lingering tenderness
- Drinking plenty of water
To maintain healthy gums after your deep cleaning, follow these dentist-approved tips:
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Floss daily or use an interdental brush
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash
- Visit your dentist for periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months
- Avoid smoking or tobacco products
These habits help prevent re-infection and maintain gum stability.
Delaying or skipping a recommended deep cleaning can allow gum disease to worsen, leading to:
- Gum recession
- Bone loss
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Tooth loss
- Systemic health issues (gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and pregnancy complications)
Yes. Patients with diabetes, heart conditions, autoimmune diseases, or who are on blood thinners may require adjustments to the treatment plan. At City of Lights Dental, we take a full medical history and consult with your physician if necessary to ensure your safety.
Bibliography & Sources
- https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/scaling-and-root-planing
- https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/conditions/periodontal-disease.html
- https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/procedures/gum_disease/
- https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/gum-disease/more-info
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23161-dental-deep-cleaning
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
