DEEP CLEANING (SCALING & ROOT PLANING) IN ATHERTON
Precision Care for Gum Health
When early gum disease appears, routine cleanings may not be sufficient. At Dental Center of Atherton, we provide deep teeth cleanings, also known as scaling and root planing, to remove bacterial plaque and tartar (calcified plaque) from below the gumline and restore optimal gum health. Our clinical team delivers gentle, meticulous periodontal care, combining advanced technology with patient-centered approaches designed for comfort and optimal results.
Why Bay Area Patients Choose Our Deep Cleanings
Gentle approach using ultrasonic and manual scaling
Root planing to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing
Local anesthesia available for sensitive areas
Periodontal charting to monitor gum pocket depth and progress
Personalized care from a dedicated, experienced team
Trusted by patients from Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto & the greater Bay Area
Our approach focuses on early intervention, supporting healthy gums, stable bone structure, and the longevity of your natural teeth.
What to Expect During Scaling & Root Planing
Our process is personalized and designed for comfort. Treatment may be completed in one visit or across multiple appointments, depending on your individualized care plan.
Comprehensive Evaluation
We assess gum health, measure pocket depths, and create a personalized treatment plan.
Scaling and Root Planing
We remove plaque and tartar below the gums, smooth the tooth roots to reduce inflammation, reduce pocket depth, and promote gum reattachment to help you maintain healthier teeth and gums.
Periodontal Maintenance
Post-treatment care with home guidance, follow-ups, and specialist coordination to protect gums, preserve bone, and prevent reinfection.
Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning
A standard, regular dental cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar above the gumline, providing preventive care for healthy teeth and gums. Deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a therapeutic procedure addressing gum disease. It removes bacteria and buildup below the gums, where infection can damage tissue and bone.
Early intervention with deep cleaning can prevent progression, reducing the need for more invasive treatments.
When Is Deep Cleaning Needed?
Scaling and root planing is recommended for patients showing signs of gum disease, including:
Bleeding when brushing or flossing
Swollen, red, or tender gums
Gum recession or deep pockets
Tartar buildup below the gumline
Early bone loss or loosening teeth
Persistent bad breath
Many patients seek treatment after noticing mild symptoms, often unaware that gum disease has already begun.
Atherton’s Trusted Approach to Gum Health
At Dental Center of Atherton, deep cleanings are delivered with precision, patience, and comfort. Our team leverages digital imaging, periodontal charting, and advanced tools to customize every treatment. Patients rely on us for gum care that is thorough, supportive, and focused on long-term oral health.
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Book Your Deep Cleaning in Atherton
Protect your gums and restore oral health with expert deep teeth cleaning. Schedule your visit at Dental Center of Atherton, trusted by patients from Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Redwood City, and the greater Bay Area.
FAQs About Deep Cleaning
(Scaling & Root Planing)
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Costs depend on the severity of gum disease and the number of quadrants treated. Most deep cleanings are billed per quadrant. Before treatment, we provide a transparent estimate and review insurance coverage with patients from Atherton, Palo Alto, and Redwood City.
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Signs that scaling and root planing may be needed include bleeding when brushing or flossing, swollen or tender gums, gum recession or deep pockets, tartar buildup below the gumline, early bone loss, loosening teeth, or persistent bad breath. Even mild symptoms often indicate gum disease, making a professional evaluation in at our Atherton office important.
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Most deep cleanings are performed one half of the mouth at a time, typically 1.5 to 2 hours. This allows our providers to numb the area thoroughly for comfort and perform a precise, thorough cleaning below the gumline. Treating the entire mouth in a single session is generally not recommended, as extended numbness and holding the jaw open for a long period can be uncomfortable. Most patients can return to work the same day when only one side is treated.
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Yes. In many early and moderate cases, deep cleaning alone is sufficient to halt disease progression. Our integrative approach prioritizes conservative care whenever possible. For patients from Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and beyond, timely deep cleaning often helps avoid surgical intervention.
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Absolutely. We offer a private, quiet environment and oral sedation or nitrous oxide to ensure comfort. Many patients from Palo Alto, Menlo Park, San Francisco and even East Bay choose our practice specifically for the compassionate, expert care we provide.
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Yes. We frequently see patients who had incomplete treatment or limited follow-up. Our team reassesses gum health, provides tailored home care guidance, and creates a customized periodontal maintenance plan to prevent further issues.
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Call our Atherton practice at 650-474-0551 or contact us online. Our Atherton office is just minutes from Stanford, Menlo Park, and Palo Alto, with easy access from El Camino Real or Middlefield Road and convenient parking. Many patients visit us for scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to treat early gum disease and protect their long-term oral health.
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