A deep cleaning is performed to reduce gum disease. As gum disease progresses, gums become inflamed, pull away from your teeth and form spaces called pockets. Plaque then gets trapped in these pockets and cannot be removed with regular brushing. If left untreated, gum disease could lead to bone and tooth loss.

• If gum disease is caught early and the structures below the gum line have not been damaged, a regular cleaning may be sufficient. This will be determined by your dentist or hygienist.
• However if the pockets between your gums and teeth are too deep, your dentist or hygienist will recommend a deep cleaning.

• An instrument called a periodontal probe is used to measure your gums.
• If your gums are inflamed, the process of measuring your gums may be slightly uncomfortable.
• If your gums are healthy and do not have any inflammation, this process should not cause any discomfort.