Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum swelling or deeper spaces developing around the teeth can indicate that plaque and hardened tartar have accumulated below the gumline. When routine dental cleaning is no longer sufficient, deeper cleaning may be recommended to help manage gum disease.
Laomai Medical Centre provides professional deep cleaning and scaling in Pretoria for patients with gum inflammation, periodontal pockets and deposits extending beneath the gums.
Our dentist will examine your teeth and gums, assess the extent of the problem and determine whether you need routine cleaning or deeper periodontal cleaning.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
What Is Deep Cleaning and Scaling?
Deep dental cleaning is a treatment used when plaque and hardened tartar have accumulated below the gumline where normal brushing and routine surface cleaning cannot adequately reach.
The treatment may involve scaling and root planing. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of the teeth and from beneath the gums. Root planing involves carefully cleaning the root surfaces of affected teeth where periodontal pockets have developed.
The purpose is to reduce the bacterial deposits contributing to gum inflammation and create healthier conditions around the teeth and gums.
Deep cleaning is therefore different from having your teeth cleaned simply to remove everyday surface deposits and staining.
When Might You Need Deep Cleaning in Pretoria?
Not everybody who has tartar needs deep periodontal cleaning.
A routine professional cleaning may be sufficient when deposits are mainly above the gumline and there is no significant periodontal disease. Deep cleaning becomes more relevant when gum disease has created spaces around the teeth where plaque and tartar extend beneath the gumline.
Our Pretoria dentist may consider deep cleaning when you have signs such as:
- Persistent bleeding from the gums
- Swollen, red or tender gums
- Deeper gum pockets around certain teeth
- Hardened tartar below the gumline
- Gum recession associated with periodontal disease
- Persistent bad breath linked to gum problems
- Changes in the tissues supporting the teeth
- Gum disease that requires more than routine dental cleaning
The appropriate treatment depends on what is found during your gum assessment.
Routine Dental Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning in Pretoria
Routine dental cleaning and deep cleaning are not interchangeable treatments.
A routine scale and polish focuses primarily on removing plaque, tartar and some surface staining from accessible areas of the teeth. It can form part of regular preventive dental care for patients whose gums are generally healthy.
Deep cleaning is used when gum disease has affected areas below the gumline.
Instead of concentrating mainly on the visible surfaces of the teeth, treatment extends into periodontal pockets and around affected root surfaces.
You therefore do not need to request deep cleaning simply because you want your teeth to feel cleaner. Our dentist will assess your gums and determine which level of cleaning is clinically appropriate.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
What Causes Tartar Below the Gumline?
Plaque is a soft bacterial film that continuously develops on teeth.
When plaque is not removed effectively, it can harden into tartar, also known as calculus. Once hardened, tartar cannot usually be removed properly with ordinary brushing at home.
Deposits can accumulate around the gumline and, where gum disease has caused periodontal pockets, beneath the gums as well.
These deeper areas become increasingly difficult for a toothbrush to reach.
Removing the deposits professionally is an important part of controlling the local factors contributing to periodontal inflammation.
What Happens Before Deep Cleaning at Our Pretoria Dental Practice?
Deep cleaning begins with an assessment of your gum health.
Our dentist will examine the teeth and gums and look for signs such as bleeding, inflammation, recession, plaque and tartar accumulation.
The spaces between the teeth and gums may also be assessed to determine whether periodontal pockets are present and how deeply they extend.
Dental X-rays may be recommended when information about the bone supporting the teeth is needed.
Once the extent of the gum problem has been established, our dentist can explain which areas require treatment and whether deep cleaning is appropriate.
What Happens During Deep Cleaning and Scaling in Pretoria?
During treatment, plaque and hardened tartar are carefully removed from affected tooth surfaces, including areas extending beneath the gumline.
Where necessary, the root surfaces of affected teeth are also cleaned.
Local anaesthetic may be used when deeper areas are being treated to help keep the procedure comfortable.
The amount of treatment required depends on how many teeth are affected and the extent of the periodontal deposits. Some patients may have treatment completed in one appointment, while others may require the mouth to be treated in sections over more than one visit.
Our dentist will explain the treatment required for your individual gums before proceeding.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
Does Deep Cleaning Hurt?
The experience varies according to how inflamed the gums are and how deeply the affected areas need to be cleaned.
When significant cleaning is required below the gumline, local anaesthetic can be used to numb the treatment area.
Afterwards, the gums may feel tender for a short period, and some patients experience temporary tooth sensitivity as the tissues settle.
This is different from severe or progressively worsening pain.
If you experience symptoms after treatment that concern you, contact Laomai Medical Centre so the area can be assessed.
Will My Gums Bleed During Deep Cleaning?
Inflamed gums can bleed relatively easily, particularly when plaque and tartar have been present around the gumline for some time.
Some bleeding during periodontal cleaning can therefore occur.
As inflammation improves and daily plaque control becomes more effective, healthy gums should generally become less prone to bleeding.
Persistent bleeding after treatment should still be discussed with your dentist, particularly if it is accompanied by swelling, discomfort or another change around the teeth.
Does Scaling Make Teeth Loose?
Some patients worry that removing tartar will make their teeth loose.
Tartar does not provide healthy support for a tooth. The true support comes from the surrounding bone, gums and periodontal tissues.
In advanced gum disease, substantial tartar deposits can sometimes hide how much supporting tissue has already been lost. Once the deposits are removed, an affected tooth may feel different or its existing mobility may become more noticeable.
The cleaning itself is not intended to loosen healthy teeth.
If a tooth is already mobile, our dentist can assess how much support remains and explain what this means for its treatment.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
Can Deep Cleaning Help Bleeding Gums?
When bleeding is caused by periodontal inflammation associated with plaque and tartar, professional cleaning can form an important part of treatment.
Removing the deposits beneath the gumline reduces a major source of irritation and allows you to maintain the area more effectively at home.
However, treatment does not end when the dental appointment finishes.
Plaque begins forming again continuously, so careful brushing and cleaning between the teeth are necessary to maintain healthier gums after professional treatment.
Deep Cleaning for Gum Disease in Pretoria
Deep cleaning is commonly used as a non-surgical treatment for periodontitis.
Periodontitis is a more advanced form of gum disease in which inflammation affects the tissues and bone supporting the teeth.
Periodontal pockets can develop as the gums separate from the teeth, creating deeper spaces where bacterial deposits accumulate.
Cleaning these areas helps reduce deposits that cannot be reached adequately through normal home care.
Depending on the severity of the disease, deep cleaning may be one part of a wider periodontal treatment and maintenance plan.
What Happens to Gum Pockets After Treatment?
After deep cleaning, the gums need time to respond to treatment and improved plaque control.
As inflammation reduces, some periodontal pockets may become shallower and easier to maintain.
The response is not identical for every patient. More advanced periodontal damage may require additional management.
Your gums may therefore be reassessed after treatment to determine how well they have responded and whether further periodontal care is required.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
Will Deep Cleaning Restore Receding Gums?
Deep cleaning treats bacterial deposits and inflammation associated with gum disease, but it does not automatically cause lost gum tissue to grow back to its original position.
If gum recession has already exposed part of the root surface, the recession may remain even after the active inflammation has been brought under better control.
The priority is to identify what is causing the recession and manage any active periodontal disease.
Exposed root surfaces can also sometimes become sensitive, which can be discussed during your dental assessment.
Tooth Sensitivity After Deep Cleaning
Temporary sensitivity can occur after deeper periodontal cleaning.
When inflammation and deposits around the roots are reduced, areas of the tooth that were previously covered may respond more noticeably to cold temperatures or other triggers.
For many patients, this improves as the tissues settle.
Tell our dentist if you already have sensitive teeth before treatment. If sensitivity persists or becomes severe afterwards, arrange a review so that other possible causes can be considered.
How to Care for Your Gums After Deep Cleaning
Your dentist will provide advice according to the areas that have been treated.
Continue brushing carefully and maintaining good oral hygiene rather than avoiding the gums entirely because they feel tender.
Cleaning between the teeth is particularly important because plaque commonly accumulates in areas that ordinary brushing cannot fully reach.
Your dental team can recommend suitable cleaning techniques for your individual mouth.
If local anaesthetic was used, take care while the area remains numb to avoid accidentally biting your cheek, tongue or lip.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
Can Gum Disease Return After Deep Cleaning?
Yes. Deep cleaning removes existing deposits, but it does not permanently prevent plaque from forming again.
Maintaining the result depends heavily on daily oral hygiene and appropriate professional follow-up.
Patients who have experienced periodontitis may require more regular periodontal maintenance than someone with consistently healthy gums.
If plaque and tartar are allowed to accumulate again, gum inflammation can return and periodontal disease can continue progressing.
Periodontal Maintenance After Deep Cleaning in Pretoria
Once initial periodontal treatment has been completed, ongoing monitoring is important.
Our dentist may reassess your gums, bleeding, plaque levels and periodontal pockets to determine how well treatment has worked.
Professional cleaning may then be recommended at intervals appropriate for your gum health.
The goal is to keep treated areas manageable and identify renewed inflammation before substantial additional damage develops.
Patients with a history of gum disease should therefore continue attending dental appointments even when their gums are no longer painful or bleeding.
Deep Cleaning for Patients With Braces
Fixed braces can create additional areas where plaque accumulates around brackets, wires and the gumline.
Good oral hygiene is particularly important during orthodontic treatment.
However, having braces does not automatically mean you require periodontal deep cleaning.
If gum problems develop, our dentist will assess whether improved home care, routine professional cleaning or deeper periodontal treatment is necessary.
Addressing gum inflammation is important while teeth are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
Smoking and Healing After Deep Cleaning
Smoking can negatively affect gum health and the way periodontal tissues respond to treatment.
Patients who smoke may have a greater risk of gum disease and can experience less favourable healing.
Tell our dentist if you smoke so that this can be considered when assessing your periodontal health and discussing long-term maintenance.
Stopping smoking can benefit both your oral health and your general health.
Medical Aid and Deep Cleaning in Pretoria
Laomai Medical Centre accepts patients from major South African medical aid schemes.
Benefits for periodontal treatment, deep scaling and related dental care vary between medical aid schemes and individual plans.
The amount of treatment required can also influence benefits because some patients need only selected areas treated while others require more extensive periodontal care.
Our team can assist with confirming relevant medical aid information before treatment where necessary.
Deep Cleaning and Scaling for Pretoria and Surrounding Areas
Laomai Medical Centre provides professional deep cleaning and scaling from our dental practice in Pretoria Central.
We welcome patients from Pretoria and surrounding areas, including Sunnyside, Arcadia, Muckleneuk, Hatfield, Brooklyn, Groenkloof, Waterkloof, Menlo Park, Gezina, the Moot and Pretoria West.
Whether you have persistent bleeding gums, tartar below the gumline, periodontal pockets or have been told that you need more than a routine dental cleaning, our dentist in Pretoria can assess your gums and recommend appropriate treatment.
From the moment we arrived at Laomai Medical Centre, we were welcomed with so much kindness and professionalism. The dentist was absolutely amazing — she made my daughter feel safe, comfortable, and completely at ease. She explained everything, reassured her throughout the process, and created such a warm environment.
My daughter ended up having her teeth extracted and cleaned, and I cannot believe how smoothly everything went. She felt no pain and was relaxed throughout the entire appointment. Seeing her sit comfortably in the dental chair after being so nervous was such a relief.
We travelled all the way from Pretoria East to Pretoria Central, and it was honestly worth it. We did not expect such efficient, fast, and caring service.
Thank you so much, Doctor, for your patience, kindness, and for making my daughter’s first dental experience such a positive one. We are truly grateful and would recommend you a thousand times! ❤️🦷
thorough screening of the mouth, tongue, and throat for any abnormalities is conducted,Rather than harsh manual scraping, a modern ultrasonic scaler is used. It uses high-frequency vibrations and warm, pressurized water to gently remove tartar and plaque, crazy experience I feel normal again 😅. Was exciting too.
Book a Deep Cleaning and Scaling Appointment in Pretoria
Gum problems can progress without causing severe pain, which makes professional assessment important when bleeding, swelling or other changes persist.
Visit Laomai Medical Centre for professional deep cleaning and scaling in Pretoria. Our dentist will assess your teeth and gums, determine whether periodontal cleaning is necessary and recommend an appropriate plan for improving and maintaining your gum health.