Gum disease can develop silently, often without pain, until significant damage is done. At Valley Dental Care, we offer deep cleaning for gums — a treatment that removes bacteria below the gumline and helps prevent further damage to your teeth and gums. This procedure, clinically known as scaling and root planing, is often paired with laser bacterial reduction (LBR), which uses safe, low-level laser energy to eliminate harmful bacteria in infected areas. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, deep cleaning is an effective first-line treatment for chronic periodontitis.

What Is Deep Cleaning for Gums?

Also Known as Scaling and Root Planing

Deep cleaning for gums is a non-surgical treatment used to manage moderate to advanced gum disease (periodontitis). It involves two main steps:

Scaling: Removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from the surface of the teeth and beneath the gums
Root planing: Smoothing the root surfaces of the teeth to discourage further bacterial buildup and help gums reattach

This process helps reduce inflammation, shrink periodontal pockets, and slow or stop the progression of gum disease.

When Is Deep Cleaning for Gums Needed?

Recognizing the Signs of Gum Disease

This treatment is typically recommended for patients with gum pockets deeper than 4mm, bleeding during brushing, or visible tartar buildup beneath the gums. You may benefit from deep cleaning if you experience:

Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth
Gums pulling away from your teeth
Loose teeth or shifting bite

If left untreated, gum disease can lead to irreversible bone loss and eventual tooth loss. Early treatment with a deep cleaning can help preserve your smile and overall oral health.

What Is Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR)?

Adding Precision to Gum Disease Treatment

Laser bacterial reduction is a non-invasive therapy we often use alongside deep cleanings. Using a low-level diode laser, we target and destroy harmful bacteria contributing to gum inflammation and infection. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research found that pairing LBR with deep cleaning significantly reduced periodontal pathogens and improved clinical outcomes.

Benefits of LBR include:

Up to 90% reduction in harmful bacteria
Less bleeding and inflammation after treatment
Reduced risk of reinfection
No discomfort or downtime

LBR supports faster healing and improved results between visits, especially for patients with chronic gum disease.

The Treatment Process

What to Expect During Your Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning for gums is typically performed under local anesthesia for your comfort. Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may be done in one or more visits. During your appointment, we will:

Measure your gum pockets and assess bone levels
Thoroughly remove plaque and tartar below the gumline
Use root planing techniques to smooth root surfaces
Apply laser bacterial reduction if appropriate

Some mild sensitivity or soreness after the procedure is normal and usually resolves within a few days.

Aftercare and Maintenance

How to Keep Your Gums Healthy After Deep Cleaning

After your deep cleaning is complete, we’ll schedule regular gum disease maintenance appointments every 3–4 months to control bacteria and prevent reinfection. Ongoing home care is also crucial for long-term success:

Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush
Floss or use interdental brushes to remove debris between teeth
Use an antimicrobial rinse as recommended

Why Choose Valley Dental Care?

Advanced Gum Disease Care in Aurora and Oswego

At Valley Dental Care, we use modern tools — including ultrasonic scalers and soft-tissue lasers — to make your deep cleaning for gums as effective and comfortable as possible. Whether you’re managing early signs of gum disease or stabilizing a more advanced case, we’re here to help you preserve your smile and protect your oral health.