“How do you know if you need a deep cleaning?”

A deep cleaning is based on a number of factors. The most important is what are your pocket depths? This involves a 6 point information gather around each tooth. If you have a lot of pockets over 4 mm, you may need this. However, you need to track this over time. I have patients with 4 and 5mm pockets who have been this way for years and are stable. Stable is little to no bleeding during probing and cleaning. If your gums bleed a lot and are very inflamed, you made need deep cleaning even if only a few pockets of 4. And the X-rays must be checked and a through health history and how long since your last cleaning? All must be taken into account. You can't just look at mouth and say, "YOU NEED A DEEP CLEANING."

The most reliable way is radiographs. Calcified plaque adhering to the root surfaces will be evident on radiographs.

Justin W. Ruffner, DDS

X-ray evidence will show deteriorating bone levels and tartar build-up on the root surfaces of your teeth. These signs, along with spontaneous bleeding with periodontal probing, are indicative of the need for a deep cleaning.