When regular scaling isn't enough, deep cleaning (root planing) reaches below the gumline to treat gum disease at its source. Thorough, effective, and performed with local anaesthesia for your comfort.
They may sound similar, but they treat very different conditions.
Regular scaling is a preventive procedure that removes plaque and tartar from the visible tooth surfaces and just below the gumline. It is suitable for patients with healthy gums or mild gingivitis.
Deep cleaning (also called scaling and root planing, or SRP) is a therapeutic treatment for gum disease. It goes much deeper — into periodontal pockets that have formed as gum disease has pulled the gums away from the teeth. It also involves smoothing the rough root surfaces (root planing) to help the gums heal and reattach.
| Feature | Regular Scaling | Deep Cleaning (Root Planing) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Prevention | Treatment of gum disease |
| Depth | Above gumline + slightly below | Deep into periodontal pockets (4mm+) |
| Anaesthesia | Usually not needed | Local anaesthesia used |
| Duration | 30-45 minutes (one visit) | 45-60 min per quadrant (2-4 visits) |
| Root planing | No | Yes — smooths root surfaces |
| Frequency | Every 6 months | As needed when pockets are deep |
| Cost | From $85 | From $150 per quadrant |
| CHAS subsidised | Yes | Limited |
Due for a deep clean? Book now and keep your gums healthy.
Book via WhatsAppYour dentist determines this through a thorough periodontal examination.
During a periodontal examination, your dentist uses a small measuring instrument (periodontal probe) to check the depth of the space between your gums and teeth. This space is called a periodontal pocket.
Your dentist may recommend deep cleaning if you experience:
Gums that bleed regularly despite good brushing habits may have deep pockets harbouring bacteria.
Gums pulling away from teeth, exposing root surfaces, is a sign of underlying bone loss.
Bacteria in deep pockets produce odour that brushing and mouthwash cannot eliminate.
Teeth that feel mobile indicate bone loss from advanced gum disease requiring immediate attention.
Discomfort during meals can result from inflamed gums or weakened support structures.
If bleeding and inflammation persist after regular scaling, deeper pockets need to be addressed.
Deep cleaning can prevent gum disease from progressing. CHAS subsidies available.
Book a ConsultationWhat happens during your deep cleaning appointment at Trust Dental.
Your dentist measures pocket depths around each tooth, takes X-rays to assess bone levels, and creates a detailed map of your gum health. This determines which areas require deep cleaning and how severe the disease is.
The treatment area is numbed with local anaesthesia so you are comfortable throughout the procedure. Your dentist will ensure the area is fully numb before beginning. You will feel pressure but should not feel pain.
Using ultrasonic instruments and specialised hand curettes, your dentist carefully removes tartar, plaque, and bacterial deposits from deep within the periodontal pockets — areas that regular scaling cannot reach.
The root surfaces of the teeth are smoothed (planed) to remove rough areas where bacteria tend to gather. This smooth surface encourages the gum tissue to heal and reattach more firmly to the tooth, reducing pocket depth over time.
The pockets are irrigated (flushed) with an antiseptic solution to remove loosened debris and bacteria. In some cases, a localised antimicrobial agent may be placed inside the pockets to aid healing.
A review appointment is scheduled 4-6 weeks after treatment to measure pocket depths again and assess healing. Your dentist will create a maintenance plan — typically professional cleaning every 3-4 months — to keep your gums stable.
Important: Some patients notice that their teeth appear slightly longer after deep cleaning. This is because the swollen gum tissue has healed and tightened, revealing more of the tooth. This is a sign of healing, not a side effect.
Not sure if you need deep cleaning? We'll assess and advise — no obligation.
WhatsApp UsTreatment is priced per quadrant. Your dentist will provide a full breakdown after assessment.
All prices shown are before GST (9%). Final fees vary based on severity and number of teeth involved. Your dentist will provide an exact quote after assessment.
Upfront pricing. Medisave and CHAS accepted at both clinics.
Deep cleaning is recommended for patients who have been diagnosed with:
Your dentist will determine whether deep cleaning is the right treatment for you based on your periodontal examination, X-rays, and medical history.
Deep cleaning is performed under local anaesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. You may feel pressure and vibration as the instruments work below the gumline. After the anaesthesia wears off, some tenderness and sensitivity is normal for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief and a desensitising toothpaste can help manage any discomfort.
At Trust Dental Surgery, deep cleaning (root planing) starts from $150 per quadrant. The mouth is divided into four quadrants, so a full-mouth deep cleaning ranges from $600 to $1,200 depending on the severity of gum disease. Your dentist will provide an exact quote after your periodontal assessment.
Regular scaling removes plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of teeth and just below the gumline. Deep cleaning goes further — it cleans deep into periodontal pockets (4mm or deeper), removes bacteria and infected tissue, and smooths the root surfaces to help gums heal and reattach. Deep cleaning requires local anaesthesia and is a treatment for gum disease, while regular scaling is preventive.
Deep cleaning is typically done over 2 to 4 visits, treating one or two quadrants per session. This allows for adequate anaesthesia and gives each area time to heal before the next. A full-mouth deep cleaning is usually completed within 2 to 4 weeks. A review appointment is scheduled 4 to 6 weeks after the final session to assess healing.
Most patients experience mild tenderness, sensitivity to hot and cold, and slight bleeding for 3 to 7 days after each session. The gums may feel sore as they heal and tighten around the teeth. Avoid hard, crunchy, or very hot foods for the first 24-48 hours. Most people can return to normal activities immediately. Full gum healing takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Yes. Deep cleaning is the standard first-line treatment for moderate gum disease (periodontitis). Without treatment, gum disease progresses — leading to increased bone loss, receding gums, loose teeth, and eventual tooth loss. Studies show that deep cleaning effectively reduces pocket depth, removes bacteria, and allows gums to heal. It can prevent the need for gum surgery in many cases.
CHAS subsidies primarily cover routine scaling and polishing, consultations, and simple extractions. Deep cleaning (root planing) is a specialised periodontal treatment and is generally not covered under standard CHAS dental subsidies. However, CHAS subsidies may apply to the initial consultation and assessment. Our team will explain all applicable subsidies during your visit.
Deep cleaning (root planing) alone is generally not Medisave claimable as it is classified as a non-surgical periodontal treatment. However, if your gum disease requires surgical intervention (such as flap surgery) following deep cleaning, that surgical component is Medisave claimable. Your dentist will advise if surgery is needed after reviewing your response to deep cleaning.
If deep cleaning is recommended but not done, gum disease will continue to progress. Periodontal pockets will deepen, more bone will be lost around the teeth, gums will recede further, and teeth may become loose. Eventually, teeth may need to be extracted. Advanced gum disease may also require surgery, which is more invasive and costly than deep cleaning.
Deep cleaning helps gums heal and reattach to the tooth roots, which reduces pocket depth. However, gum tissue that has receded due to bone loss will not grow back on its own. The goal of deep cleaning is to stop further gum and bone loss, reduce inflammation, and stabilise your gum health. In cases of significant recession, gum grafting may be recommended as a separate procedure.
Your dentist determines this through a periodontal examination, which includes measuring pocket depths around each tooth with a small probe. Healthy gums have pockets of 1-3mm. If pockets measure 4mm or deeper, with bleeding and signs of bone loss on X-rays, deep cleaning is usually recommended. Regular scaling alone cannot reach and clean these deep pockets effectively.
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Deep cleaning can stop gum disease in its tracks and prevent the need for surgery. Book a periodontal assessment at Trust Dental — we'll examine your gums, explain your options clearly, and create a treatment plan that works for you.