Advanced Gum Health

Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing) in Glendale, CA

Gentle, targeted treatment to halt gum disease and restore a healthier foundation for your smile.

Deep cleaning at Pacific Dental Care in Glendale, CA treats gum disease at its source by removing bacteria below the gumline. Scaling and root planing smooth the tooth roots, reduce inflammation, and help your gums reattach—protecting long-term oral health and preventing further damage.

Deep Cleaning in Glendale, CA

Deep Cleaning to Treat and Prevent Gum Disease

When plaque and tartar collect beneath the gums, pockets form and allow bacteria to thrive. Deep cleaning is a non-surgical treatment that removes this buildup and creates a clean environment for healing. At Pacific Dental Care, we use a gentle, patient-centered approach to stop gum disease before it progresses.

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Why Deep Cleaning Is Needed →,
How Scaling & Root Planing Works →,
Aftercare & Healing →

Why Deep Cleaning Is Recommended

Scaling and root planing is prescribed when signs of gum disease appear—often before symptoms become severe. Early treatment prevents progression to periodontitis, a condition that can lead to bone loss and tooth loss.

  • Red, Swollen, or Bleeding Gums Removing bacteria reduces inflammation and supports healing.
  • Deep Periodontal Pockets Treatment helps reduce pocket depth. Protects long-term gum stability
  • Tartar Below the Gumline Removes buildup that brushing and regular cleanings cannot reach.

How Scaling & Root Planing Works

Deep cleaning is typically completed over one or more appointments depending on the extent of gum inflammation. Local anesthesia may be used to ensure comfort throughout the procedure.

  • Scaling removes hardened plaque and bacteria from root surfaces.
  • Root planing smooths the roots to help gums reattach more securely.
  • Improved gum attachment reduces pocket depth and future infection.
  • Ultrasonic instruments may be used for enhanced comfort and precision.

This gentle, non-surgical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for early to moderate gum disease.


Aftercare & Healing

Most patients experience noticeable improvement within days. Mild tenderness or sensitivity is normal and temporary, and the gums often become firmer and less inflamed quickly.

  • Resume Normal Brushing Clean gently along the gumline to prevent future buildup.
  • Use Warm Salt Water Rinses Helps soothe the gums and promote healing.
  • Schedule Periodontal Maintenance Follow-up cleanings every 3–4 months help maintain results.

If you’re experiencing bleeding gums, tenderness, or signs of gum disease, call our office or contact our team to schedule a periodontal evaluation.

The short answer

Deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease that removes plaque, tartar and bacteria from below the gumline. Scaling clears hardened buildup from the root surfaces and root planing smooths the roots so the gums can reattach, often with local anesthesia and over one or more appointments. It reduces inflammation and pocket depth and helps stop early to moderate gum disease before it progresses to bone loss and tooth loss.

Deep Cleaning FAQs

Is scaling and root planing painful?
Scaling and root planing is not usually painful, because it is typically done with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Ultrasonic instruments may also be used for added comfort and precision. Mild tenderness or sensitivity afterward is normal. That tenderness is temporary, and the gums often become firmer and less inflamed quickly.
How do I know if I need a deep cleaning?
You may need a deep cleaning if you have gum inflammation, bleeding gums, tartar under the gums or deep periodontal pockets. These are signs that bacteria have collected below the gumline, where brushing and regular cleanings cannot reach. A deep cleaning is recommended after an exam confirms what is happening. Treating it early helps prevent the disease from progressing.
How long does it take for gums to heal?
Most patients notice their gums improving within a few days of a deep cleaning. Full healing and reattachment of the gums may continue for several weeks. Gentle brushing along the gumline and warm salt water rinses help the gums settle. Follow-up visits let us check that the pockets are shrinking as expected.
Will gum disease come back after treatment?
Gum disease can return, but good home care and regular periodontal maintenance visits can significantly slow or stop it. A deep cleaning removes the buildup and bacteria that drive the disease. Keeping that buildup from returning is what protects your results. Follow-up cleanings every 3–4 months help maintain them.
Is deep cleaning the same as a regular cleaning?
No, a deep cleaning is not the same as a regular cleaning. A regular cleaning removes plaque above the gumline as preventive care. A deep cleaning removes bacteria and calculus below the gums and treats an active infection. It also smooths the roots so the gums can reattach more securely.
Do I still need deep cleaning if my gums don’t hurt?
Yes, you may still need a deep cleaning even if your gums do not hurt. Gum disease is often painless in its early stages, so a lack of discomfort does not mean the gums are healthy. Bleeding, inflammation or deep pockets are important warning signs on their own. Treating the disease at that stage helps prevent bone loss and tooth loss.
How do I schedule a deep cleaning?
Scheduling a deep cleaning starts with an exam. During that visit we check your gums and measure pocket depth to see whether deep cleaning is right for you. If it is, we explain how many appointments your treatment will need. To schedule, simply call our office or contact our team.
meet your dentist

Dr. Marine Martirosyan

Real Smiles. Real Results

Affordable Care

We accept all major credit cards, debit cards, cash and checks. We also accept many dental insurance plans and for those who qualify, we partner with CareCredit for affordable monthly payments.

Schedule Appointment

Call us now at (818) 547-4949 or visit at 532 W Glenoaks Blvd , Glendale, CA 91202

Office Hours

Monday8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tuesday8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Wednesday8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Thursday8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Friday9:00 am – 3:00 pm
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed