What to Expect During a Deep Cleaning in Canada
If your dentist has recommended a deep cleaning, you might be wondering what actually happens and how it helps your gums heal. This guide explains each step in simple terms, what you may feel, and how a personalized plan keeps your gums healthy for the long run.
What happens during a dental deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning treats gum infection below the gumline. Your dental team numbs the area, removes hardened buildup (tartar), and smooths the roots so gums can reattach. It’s often done over one to two visits, followed by a tailored home-care and follow-up plan.
Deep cleaning vs regular cleaning: what’s the difference?
A regular cleaning removes soft plaque and tartar from above the gums. It’s preventive. A deep cleaning targets infection below the gumline, where harmful bacteria hide. Your provider measures gum pocket depths (the tiny spaces between teeth and gums) to decide if deep cleaning is needed. Deeper pockets usually mean the gums are inflamed and need treatment.
Want a clear comparison? Read the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning so you can feel confident about your next visit.
How your appointment starts
First, your hygienist or dentist charts your gums. They gently check pocket depths around each tooth and note bleeding points. This tells them where infection is active. Your medical history matters too. Conditions like diabetes, dry mouth (reduced saliva), or smoking can raise gum disease risk. The team uses this information to tailor your plan.
Numbing for comfort
Most deep cleanings are done with local anesthesia (numbing medicine) so you stay comfortable. You may feel pressure and vibration, but sharp pain is uncommon once you’re numb.
Step 1: Scaling below the gumline
Using fine instruments and/or an ultrasonic scaler (a tool that vibrates and sprays water), your hygienist removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline. Clearing this buildup reduces bacteria and gives your gums a chance to calm down.
Step 2: Root planing
Next, the root surfaces are smoothed. This makes it harder for bacteria to stick and helps irritated gums reattach to the teeth. If you’d like a simple, step-by-step overview, see what scaling and root planing actually involves.
Why a personalized periodontal care plan matters
Deep cleaning is only one part of getting gums healthy again. Your mouth, habits, and health are unique. A one-size-fits-all plan often falls short. A personalized plan can include:
- Targeted gum charting and photos so you can see where trouble spots are.
- Risk assessment (e.g., diabetes, smoking, oral hygiene, dry mouth, stress).
- Tailored home care (electric brush with a soft head, interdental brushes, or a water flosser). Your team will show you exactly how to use them.
- Product guidance (fluoride or sensitive-tooth toothpaste, alcohol-free mouthwash).
- Customized recall intervals (often every 3–4 months at first) for maintenance and rechecks.
- Reminders and friendly check-ins to keep you on track.
“Periodontal disease is the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth.” — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
How many visits will I need?
Many people complete a deep cleaning in one or two appointments. If several areas are very inflamed or you have deeper pockets, your dentist may split care into multiple short visits for comfort and precision. Spreading visits can also reduce post-appointment soreness.
What you may feel after
Numbness wears off in a few hours. Mild tenderness, gum sensitivity, or a feeling that teeth are slightly “looser” is common for a short time as swelling drops. Over-the-counter pain relievers (as your dentist recommends) and saltwater rinses the next day can help.
Do’s and don’ts for smoother healing
- Do choose soft foods the first day. Warm (not hot) soups, yogurt, or eggs are good choices.
- Do brush gently with a soft brush and follow the hygiene instructions you were given.
- Do use any prescribed rinse or gel exactly as directed.
- Don’t smoke while healing; it slows blood flow and can delay recovery.
- Don’t skip your follow-up. Rechecks show how well your gums are responding and where to fine-tune home care.
Signs your gums are getting healthier
Most people notice less bleeding when brushing within a couple of weeks. Breath often improves too. At your recheck, your provider will look for:
- Lower pocket depths (shallower readings mean tighter, healthier gums).
- Less bleeding on probing (a key sign of reduced inflammation).
- Cleaner roots and easier home care at tricky spots.
If you’re also working on prevention at home, you’ll protect these gains. For clear steps you can use daily, here’s a helpful primer on how to prevent periodontal disease.
Your tailored maintenance plan
After the deep cleaning, gum health depends on what happens next. Your plan may include:
- Periodontal maintenance every 3–4 months for the first year, then reassessment.
- Coaching on brushing around problem areas and under the gumline safely.
- Interdental tools sized to your spaces (your hygienist can fit them to you).
- Diet tweaks to lower sticky sugar and acid exposure, especially between meals.
- Support for dry mouth (hydration, sugar-free xylitol gum, and gentle rinses).
- If you grind at night, a custom night guard to protect gums and teeth.
Comfort and safety
Deep cleaning is a common, safe procedure. Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable. If dental anxiety is a barrier, talk to your team about relaxation options or mild sedation suited to your health. Most Canadian dental plans cover deep cleaning when gum disease is diagnosed. Your clinic can help you check your benefits beforehand.
A quick story: Maria’s turning point
Maria’s gums bled every time she brushed. At her visit, pocket depths were 5–6 mm in several areas (healthy is usually 1–3 mm). After a deep cleaning and a plan matched to her habits and diabetes, she switched to a soft electric brush, used small interdental brushes nightly, and came back every 3 months. By her six‑month check, bleeding points and pocket depths were down, and she felt in control.
Your questions, answered during the visit
Don’t hesitate to ask: Which areas are deepest? Which tool should I use there? How should my brushing change? When should I return? The clearer the plan, the easier it is to stick with it—and the better your gums will feel.
Conclusion
A deep cleaning is more than “a big cleaning.” It’s targeted therapy for infected gums, followed by a simple, personalized routine you can actually keep up with. With the right plan, you can calm inflammation, protect your smile, and keep results going for years.
FAQ
Will a deep cleaning hurt?
With local anesthesia, you should feel pressure and vibration but not sharp pain. Afterward, mild tenderness is common for a day or two and is usually easy to manage with gentle care and over‑the‑counter pain relief as advised.
How long does a deep cleaning take?
Often 60–90 minutes per visit. Some people complete everything in one appointment; others split treatment into two visits for comfort and precision.
Why do I need follow-up visits?
Gums heal in stages. Follow-ups show how the pockets change, where to adjust your home routine, and when to move from 3–4 month maintenance back to your usual recall schedule.
Can deep cleaning reverse gum disease?
Deep cleaning can reduce infection, shrink pocket depths, and help gums reattach. If bone loss is advanced, your dentist may add other therapies. The sooner you start, the better the healing potential.
What can I eat after my appointment?
Choose soft, cool or room‑temperature foods the first day. Avoid very hot, spicy, or crunchy foods until tenderness fades. Drink water and follow your team’s product instructions.
How do I keep gums healthy long-term?
Be consistent with the home plan your hygienist sets, including the right brush and interdental tool size. Keep maintenance visits. For a deeper dive, review the deep vs regular cleaning guide and use it as a reminder to stay on track.
