Deep cleaning for teeth, also known as scaling and root planing, is a dental procedure that involves special techniques to get rid of plaque, tartar, and bacteria below the gum line down to the tooth roots. It is different from a regular cleaning, which focuses on teeth at and above the gum line. Deep cleaning is recommended for patients with gingivitis (the first stage of gum disease) or a more serious case of gum disease. The procedure involves three steps: preparation, scaling/root planing, and final treatments. The length of the procedure depends on the number of periodontal pockets you have. Deep cleaning is usually completed over two appointments, which allows the dentist to treat half of your mouth at each visit. The goal of a regular cleaning is preventative maintenance, while the goal of a deep teeth cleaning is to stop the progression of gum disease. After a deep cleaning, you will be given home care instructions, which may include avoiding certain foods, not brushing the affected areas, and waiting one week to floss so you do not agitate the gums. You may experience slight soreness of the gums, bleeding when you brush, and swelling, which are normal and should not be a concern.