Root canal therapy
See how diagnosis, internal treatment and final restoration connect.
Read the guide →The diagnosis determines the type of care
Regular cleaning vs. deep cleaning
“Regular cleaning” and “deep cleaning” are common phrases, but they describe care with different goals. A preventive cleaning supports health when disease does not require treatment below the gumline. Scaling and root planing treats selected sites affected by periodontal disease.
What a preventive cleaning does
A preventive visit removes plaque, calculus and stain as appropriate and supports ongoing home care. It is not a substitute for periodontal therapy when examination shows attachment loss, bone loss, deeper inflamed pockets or deposits that require treatment below the gumline.
What scaling and root planing does
Scaling and root planing is non-surgical periodontal treatment. The clinician removes plaque and calculus from diseased root surfaces below the gumline and smooths those surfaces as indicated. Local anesthetic may be used, and treatment may be divided by area.
Measurements support the recommendation
The decision should be based on periodontal measurements, bleeding, inflammation, attachment and bone support, deposits, symptoms, history and risk—not a label alone. Ask the clinician to show the findings and explain which areas need treatment.
Reevaluation shows how tissues responded
After non-surgical treatment, the clinician reassesses healing, home care, pocket depths, bleeding and other findings. Some sites may need additional treatment or specialist evaluation. A temporary reduction in inflammation does not remove the need for follow-up.
Periodontal maintenance is ongoing care
For a person with a history of periodontitis, periodontal maintenance is different from routine preventive cleaning. The interval is individualized according to disease, response, home care and risk. Regular measurement helps the team detect recurrence or progression.
Teeth and supporting tissues
Explore root canal and periodontal care
Root canal vs. tooth extraction
Compare the complete plans for retaining or removing a tooth.
Read the guide →Gum disease and periodontal care
Understand evaluation, treatment and long-term periodontal maintenance.
Read the guide →Gum grafting
Review goals, materials, realistic limits and provider confirmation.
Read the guide →Use the diagnosis to choose the next step
Periodontal care continues beyond one visit
Ask how the proposed treatment, reevaluation and maintenance schedule respond to your measurements and risk factors.
Patient information →Margate · Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Choose your office
Margate
100 FL-7, Suite 300Margate, FL 33063Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
236 Commercial BoulevardLauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL 33308Your questions, answered
Can I choose a regular cleaning instead?
Ask the clinician to explain the diagnosis and alternatives. A preventive cleaning does not treat periodontal disease below the gumline.
Does “deep cleaning” mean surgery?
Usually the phrase refers to non-surgical scaling and root planing, but ask what exact procedure is being recommended.
Will I need periodontal maintenance forever?
The schedule depends on your diagnosis, response and ongoing risk. The treating clinician should reassess and explain the recommended interval.
Connected care
Explore general and urgent care
General and preventive dentistry
Build an individualized plan for exams, prevention and follow-up.
Read the guide →Dental cleanings and exams
Understand the different roles of an examination and professional cleaning.
Read the guide →Night guards for teeth grinding
Learn how an appliance may protect teeth and where its limits apply.
Read the guide →Oral cancer screening
Know what a brief oral cancer examination checks and what follows a finding.
Read the guide →Emergency dentistry
Know when to call the dental office and when to seek emergency medical care.
Read the guide →Get ready for your visit
Organize your paperwork, questions and next steps.
Independent patient resources
General education does not replace the examination, diagnosis or recommendation of the treating clinician.