If you’ve been told you need a “deep cleaning,” you might be picturing something intense—sharp tools, lots of scraping, and a sore mouth for days. That reaction is totally normal. Scaling and root planing (often shortened to SRP) sounds like a big deal because, honestly, it is more involved than a routine cleaning. But it’s also one of the most effective ways to stop gum disease from quietly causing bigger problems.
This guide walks you through what scaling and root planing actually is, why it’s recommended, whether it hurts, and what happens in the days and weeks after treatment. If you’re looking for straightforward answers (without scary hype), you’re in the right place.
Why “deep cleaning” is a different category than a regular cleaning
A regular cleaning focuses on plaque and tartar above the gumline—what hygienists can see and reach easily. Deep cleaning is different because it targets buildup and bacteria below the gumline, where gum disease lives and spreads. When plaque hardens into tartar (calculus) under the gums, your toothbrush can’t remove it, and your gums can’t heal properly while it’s there.
Scaling and root planing is usually recommended when your dentist or hygienist finds periodontal pockets—spaces between the tooth and gum that have become deeper because the gum is inflamed and pulling away. Those pockets become little “storage units” for bacteria, which continue to irritate the gums and damage the supporting bone if nothing changes.
Think of it like this: a standard cleaning is great maintenance. Deep cleaning is more like resetting the playing field so your gums can reattach and calm down.
What scaling and root planing actually does (in plain language)
Scaling: removing the hidden buildup
Scaling is the part where your dental professional removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surface—especially below the gumline. This can be done with ultrasonic instruments (which vibrate and flush with water) and/or hand instruments for detailed work. The goal is to remove the bacterial “cement” that keeps inflammation going.
It’s not just about making teeth feel smooth. Under-gum tartar is rough and porous, which makes it easy for bacteria to cling and multiply. Removing it helps reduce swelling and bleeding and makes the environment less friendly to harmful bacteria.
Scaling is often done by quadrant (one section of the mouth at a time), especially when numbing is used. That way, the clinician can work thoroughly and you can stay comfortable.
Root planing: smoothing the root so gums can heal
Root planing is the step that confuses most people. It doesn’t mean “planing down” your tooth in a dramatic way. It means smoothing the root surface after tartar and bacterial toxins have been removed. When roots are rough, gums have a harder time reattaching and pockets stay deeper.
By smoothing the root surface, your gums have a better chance to tighten up around the tooth again. That’s important because shallower pockets are easier to keep clean at home, and they reduce the chance that gum disease will keep progressing.
In many cases, SRP is paired with careful home-care coaching and sometimes antimicrobial therapy, depending on how advanced the gum inflammation is and how your tissues respond.
So… does it hurt?
What you feel during the appointment
Most people are surprised by how manageable the appointment feels. That’s because deep cleaning is typically done with local anesthesia (numbing) in the area being treated. If you’re numb, you’ll mainly feel pressure, vibration, and water—more “weird” than painful.
If your gums are very inflamed, they can be tender even with numbing, but your clinician can adjust the approach, add more anesthetic, and take breaks. The goal isn’t to “power through”—it’s to treat the disease while keeping you comfortable.
Some offices also offer additional comfort options (like topical anesthetic gels, nitrous oxide, or other sedation methods). If you’re anxious, it’s worth bringing up before the appointment so the plan fits your comfort level.
What you feel after the appointment
When the numbing wears off, it’s common to feel mild soreness, especially along the gumline. Many people describe it like the feeling after flossing for the first time in a while—tender, a bit “raw,” but not overwhelming.
Cold sensitivity is also common, particularly if your gums were swollen and are now shrinking back toward a healthier position. That can expose more of the root surface temporarily. The good news: for most people, sensitivity improves as the gums heal and as you adjust your home-care routine.
If you experience sharp pain that doesn’t improve, swelling that worsens, or a bad taste that persists, you should contact your dental office. Those symptoms don’t automatically mean something went wrong, but they do deserve a check-in.
Why your gums might be sore: what’s happening biologically
Inflamed tissue is fragile tissue
When gums are inflamed, they’re more prone to bleeding and tenderness. Deep cleaning removes the irritants causing that inflammation, but the cleaning itself can temporarily irritate already-sensitive tissue. That’s part of why you can feel sore afterward.
It’s also why you may notice bleeding when you brush or floss in the first few days. That bleeding isn’t necessarily a sign you should stop cleaning—it’s often a sign the tissue is still healing. Gentle, consistent cleaning is what helps the bleeding fade over time.
If you’ve been avoiding flossing because it bleeds, SRP plus improved home care can be a turning point. The goal is to make your gums less reactive, not more.
Healing can feel like “tightening” or itchiness
As gums heal, they often feel different—sometimes tighter, sometimes itchy, sometimes slightly swollen in a way that feels unfamiliar. That’s usually normal. The tissue is reorganizing and trying to reattach more snugly around the tooth.
You might also notice that spaces between teeth look a little larger. That can be alarming, but it’s often because swelling has gone down. Puffy gums can hide the true shape of the tooth and the spaces between them. Healthier gums are typically firmer and less “bulky.”
In other words, the goal isn’t just comfort—it’s stability. The changes you notice are often signs that the inflammation is finally backing off.
How dentists decide you need scaling and root planing
Probing depths and bleeding points
The decision usually starts with a periodontal exam. Your clinician uses a small measuring tool to check the depth of the space between the gum and tooth. Healthy gums generally measure in the 1–3 mm range with minimal bleeding. Deeper pockets, especially with bleeding, are a sign that bacteria have moved below the gumline and inflammation is active.
Bleeding on probing is a key clue. It’s not about “sensitive gums”—it’s about inflammation. If your gums bleed easily when gently measured, it suggests the tissue is irritated and more vulnerable to ongoing disease.
Numbers matter, but patterns matter too. If certain areas consistently show deeper pockets or bleeding, those spots may need more targeted treatment.
X-rays and bone levels
X-rays help show what’s happening under the surface—especially the bone that supports your teeth. Gum disease can lead to bone loss, and that loss can be horizontal (evenly across) or vertical (more severe in certain areas). Deep cleaning can’t “grow back” bone, but it can help stop the disease process that causes further loss.
Your clinician may compare current X-rays to older ones to see whether things are stable or progressing. If bone levels have changed, that’s a strong reason to treat sooner rather than later.
Sometimes, deep pockets exist without dramatic bone loss yet. That’s actually a great time to intervene—before the damage becomes harder to manage.
What the appointment is like from start to finish
Before the instruments come out
Most deep cleanings begin with a review of your medical history, any medications you’re taking, and what symptoms you’ve noticed (bleeding, bad breath, tenderness, gum recession). If you’re nervous, say so—this helps the team pace the appointment and offer comfort options.
Then the area is numbed. Some people worry about the injection more than the cleaning itself. The good news is that numbing is quick, and once it’s working, the rest is much easier.
You may also get a quick rinse or antibacterial prep, depending on the office’s protocol and your specific needs.
During scaling and root planing
The clinician works systematically along the gumline and below it, removing tartar deposits and smoothing the root. You’ll hear ultrasonic vibrations and feel water spray. Suction keeps things comfortable and helps clear debris.
If your treatment is split into multiple visits, each visit typically focuses on one side or one half of the mouth. That approach allows deeper work without rushing and keeps numbness limited to a manageable area.
Before you leave, you’ll get aftercare instructions—often including how to brush, floss, and manage sensitivity for the next few days.
The first 24–72 hours: what’s normal and what helps
Eating, drinking, and temperature sensitivity
Right after SRP, soft foods are your friend. Yogurt, eggs, soups (not too hot), smoothies, and pasta tend to be comfortable choices. If you’re numb, be careful with hot drinks and chewing—accidental cheek or tongue biting is common when you can’t feel the area well.
Cold sensitivity can pop up quickly. If cold water suddenly feels sharp, try room-temperature drinks for a day or two. Using a sensitivity toothpaste can help, but it usually works best when used consistently over time rather than as a one-off.
Avoid very crunchy foods (chips, nuts, crusty bread) in the first couple of days if your gums feel tender. Those foods can poke the gumline and make you feel more sore than necessary.
Brushing and flossing without overdoing it
It’s tempting to “take it easy” and skip cleaning because the area feels tender. But plaque doesn’t take days off. The key is gentle, thorough cleaning. Use a soft-bristled brush and light pressure along the gumline.
Flossing may feel a little uncomfortable at first, but careful flossing helps prevent bacteria from recolonizing the pockets you just treated. If you’re unsure about technique, ask your hygienist to demonstrate—small changes in angle and pressure can make a big difference.
If your clinician recommended an antimicrobial rinse, use it exactly as directed. More isn’t always better; overuse of some rinses can irritate tissues or stain teeth.
The next few weeks: what “good healing” tends to look like
Less bleeding, fresher breath, and firmer gums
One of the first improvements many people notice is less bleeding when brushing or flossing. That’s a strong sign inflammation is decreasing. Breath often improves too, since the bacterial load under the gums is reduced.
Your gums may start to feel firmer and less puffy. This can make the gumline look slightly different than you’re used to. Again, that’s often a positive sign—less swelling means healthier tissue.
Some people also notice their teeth feel cleaner “all the way around,” especially near the gumline where tartar used to cling. That smooth feeling can make home care easier and more effective.
Re-evaluation: checking pocket depths and stability
Deep cleaning isn’t a one-and-done event. A re-evaluation visit (often a few weeks after treatment) helps your clinician measure pocket depths again and see how your gums responded. The goal is reduced bleeding and shallower pockets that you can maintain with home care and professional cleanings.
If some areas don’t respond as expected, it doesn’t mean SRP “failed.” It may mean those sites need additional support—like localized antimicrobial treatment, improved home-care technique, or, in some cases, periodontal procedures for deeper pockets.
Think of SRP as the foundation. The re-check is where you see how strong that foundation is and what tweaks might help.
When deep cleaning is enough—and when it’s not
Mild to moderate gum disease often responds really well
For many people with early to moderate periodontitis, scaling and root planing plus good home care can significantly reduce inflammation and stabilize the condition. That means fewer deep pockets, less bleeding, and a lower risk of future bone loss.
It’s also common for dentists to recommend a more frequent professional cleaning schedule afterward (like every 3–4 months instead of every 6). That’s not a sales tactic—it’s because periodontal pockets can repopulate with bacteria faster, and shorter intervals help keep things under control.
Stability is the win. Once your gums are stable, maintenance becomes much simpler.
Advanced cases may need additional periodontal care
If pockets are very deep, if there’s significant bone loss, or if certain areas are hard to access, SRP may not fully resolve the problem. Some patients need periodontal surgery, regenerative procedures, or ongoing localized treatments to manage stubborn sites.
This is where working with a specialist can be helpful. If you’re searching for a Deland periodontist, you’re likely looking for someone who focuses specifically on gum health and the supporting structures of the teeth—especially when the situation is more complex than routine care.
Even in advanced cases, SRP is often still the first step. It reduces inflammation and makes any further treatment more predictable.
How to make SRP more comfortable: practical tips that actually help
Talk about anxiety early (it changes the whole experience)
Dental anxiety is extremely common, and deep cleaning can feel intimidating if you’ve never had it done. Let the office know ahead of time if you’re nervous. That gives them a chance to schedule extra time, explain each step, and offer comfort options.
Some people do better with shorter appointments. Others prefer fewer visits with more done at once. There’s no universal “best”—it’s about what keeps you calm and comfortable enough to get thorough care.
If you’ve had trouble getting numb in the past, mention that too. There are different techniques and anesthetic options that can make a big difference.
Plan your day so you can take it easy afterward
Even if you feel fine, it’s smart to plan a lighter day after SRP—especially if you’re treating multiple areas. Tenderness can sneak up once the numbing wears off, and having time to rest helps.
Stock your kitchen with a few soft foods and room-temperature drinks. It sounds small, but it makes the first day simpler and more comfortable.
If you’re prone to clenching or grinding, consider being extra mindful that night. Jaw tension can make the whole mouth feel more sore.
Medication and health considerations you should mention before treatment
Blood thinners, diabetes, and immune conditions
Always share your full medication list and health history. Blood thinners can increase bleeding, diabetes can affect healing, and immune conditions can change how your body responds to infection and inflammation. None of these automatically prevent SRP—but they do influence the plan.
If you have diabetes, stable blood sugar can support better healing. If your A1C is high, your dentist may coordinate timing and aftercare more carefully. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about reducing risk and improving outcomes.
If you’re pregnant or nursing, mention it as well. Your dental team can adjust medications and recommendations accordingly.
Sinus-related procedures and specific pre-op guidance
Some patients who are managing gum disease are also planning dental implants or sinus-related bone grafting procedures. In those situations, your dental team may give you specific pre-op instructions about medications and what to avoid. For example, some guidelines discuss pseudoephedrine before surgery in the context of sinus augmentation planning, since sinus health and pressure management can matter for certain procedures.
That doesn’t mean you should start or stop any medication on your own. It means it’s worth telling your dentist about sinus issues, allergies, and any upcoming surgeries so your care plan is coordinated.
The big takeaway: deep cleaning is often part of a larger oral health roadmap. The more your providers know, the smoother everything tends to go.
What happens if you skip deep cleaning?
Gum disease tends to progress quietly
One of the tricky things about periodontal disease is that it can be painless for a long time. You might notice bleeding or bad breath, but not much “pain,” so it’s easy to postpone treatment. Meanwhile, bacteria continue to irritate the gums, deepen pockets, and potentially contribute to bone loss.
Once bone is lost, it’s harder to rebuild. That’s why early intervention matters so much. SRP is designed to stop the cycle before the damage becomes more severe.
Skipping treatment can also make future treatment more involved. What could have been managed with deep cleaning and maintenance might later require surgical care.
It can affect more than just your mouth
Gum inflammation is still inflammation. While SRP is focused on oral health, many patients like knowing that reducing chronic inflammation and bacterial burden in the mouth is generally a good thing for overall wellness habits.
This isn’t about making big promises—gum treatment isn’t a magic cure for systemic issues. But keeping periodontal disease under control is a meaningful part of taking care of yourself, especially if you’re already managing other health conditions.
In practical terms, healthier gums often mean easier eating, less sensitivity, and fewer dental emergencies down the road.
Keeping results long-term: the maintenance phase that matters most
Why periodontal maintenance is different from a “regular cleaning”
After SRP, many patients move into periodontal maintenance visits. These appointments are typically more frequent and more targeted than standard cleanings. The clinician focuses on areas that are prone to deeper pockets and carefully removes plaque and tartar that can accumulate below the gumline again.
Maintenance is where you protect your investment. Deep cleaning creates a healthier environment, but bacteria can return if the routine slips—especially in areas that are harder to clean at home.
If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to do this again,” maintenance is the strategy that helps prevent repeat deep cleanings.
Home care that supports healthier pockets
The basics still win: brush twice a day with a soft brush, clean between teeth daily, and consider tools that match your mouth. Some people do better with floss picks, others with interdental brushes, and some with water flossers. The “best” tool is the one you’ll actually use consistently and correctly.
If you have gum recession or sensitivity, ask about toothpaste choices and technique. Brushing harder doesn’t clean better—it often makes recession and sensitivity worse. A gentle angle toward the gumline is usually more effective.
Small habits add up: rinsing after meals, staying hydrated, and not snacking constantly can all reduce how often bacteria get fed.
How to know you’re choosing the right provider for gum care
Look for clear communication and a plan you can follow
Deep cleaning goes best when you understand why it’s recommended, what areas are being treated, and what success looks like. A good provider will show you your measurements, explain what they mean, and tell you what they’ll re-check later.
You should also feel comfortable asking questions like: How deep are my pockets? Where is the bleeding? What does my bone level look like? What can I do at home that will make the biggest difference?
If you leave feeling informed rather than confused, that’s a strong sign you’re in good hands.
Specialized care can be a game-changer for persistent issues
If you’ve had recurring gum problems, persistent deep pockets, or you’re considering implants, working with a periodontal-focused team can streamline your care. Gum health and bone support are the foundation for so many other dental treatments.
Many offices that provide periodontal disease therapy also emphasize long-term maintenance and personalized home-care strategies, which can be especially helpful if you’ve struggled to keep inflammation down in the past.
Even if your case is straightforward, having a clear plan for follow-ups and maintenance can make the results feel much more predictable and less stressful.
Common questions people ask right before SRP
“Will my teeth feel loose afterward?”
It’s not unusual for teeth to feel slightly different after deep cleaning. Sometimes teeth feel a bit “looser” at first because inflammation goes down and the tissue changes. In other cases, teeth may actually feel more stable as gums tighten. If you already had bone loss, there may be some natural mobility that SRP can’t erase—but reducing inflammation is still essential for stability.
If you’re worried about mobility, ask your clinician to explain what they see and whether splinting or additional treatment is recommended. It’s better to discuss it openly than to worry in silence.
Remember: deep cleaning doesn’t cause bone loss. It treats the infection and inflammation that contribute to it.
“Will my gums grow back?”
Swollen gums can shrink back to a healthier contour after SRP, which is good. But if you have true gum recession (where the gumline has moved down over time), SRP won’t “regrow” that tissue. What it can do is stop the inflammation that makes recession more likely to continue.
If recession is a concern—especially if it affects your smile or causes sensitivity—ask about options like grafting or other periodontal procedures. Not everyone needs them, but it’s helpful to know what’s possible.
In many cases, patients feel better once inflammation is under control, even if the gumline doesn’t return to where it used to be.
What happens next is mostly in your control (and that’s good news)
Scaling and root planing is a big step, but it’s also a practical one. It removes the buildup your toothbrush can’t reach, helps calm inflammation, and gives your gums a real chance to heal. Yes, you may have some tenderness and sensitivity afterward—but for most people, it’s temporary and manageable.
The best part is that the “next chapter” after deep cleaning is usually simpler: consistent home care, maintenance visits, and periodic re-checks to make sure things stay stable. If you’re unsure what your measurements mean or what kind of timeline you should expect, ask—gum care works best when you understand the plan.
If you’re preparing for SRP, try to think of it less as something to fear and more as a reset button. Your future self (and your gums) will appreciate it.