General dentistry
Gum disease treatment & deep cleanings
Bleeding, puffy or receding gums are often the first signs of gum disease. Caught early, a deep cleaning and a better routine at home can stop it.
- Time in the chair
- 45–60 min per visit
- Visits
- Two, then regular upkeep
- Numbing
- Yes, local
- Typical cost
- $170–$350 per quarter of the mouth
What it is
Gum disease (periodontitis) starts when plaque and tartar build up below the gumline. The gums get inflamed and slowly pull away from the teeth, forming pockets that collect more bacteria. Left alone, it destroys the bone that holds teeth in. It is the most common reason adults lose teeth, and it rarely hurts until it is advanced.
The usual treatment is scaling and root planing, often called a deep cleaning. It reaches below the gumline, removes the tartar from the roots and smooths them, so the gums can tighten back against the teeth.
Who does this here
Dr. Renata Alcott
Dr. Meera SethiWhat to expect, step by step
Measuring
We measure the pockets around every tooth (healthy is 1 to 3 millimetres) and take X-rays to see the bone. You see the numbers and know exactly where you stand.
One side at a time
We usually treat half your mouth per visit, numbed, so you are comfortable and can still chew on the other side.
The deep cleaning
Ultrasonic and hand instruments clean each root below the gum. Because you are numb, it feels like pressure and vibration.
Home care
We show you exactly which areas to focus on, with a brush, floss or small interdental brushes. This part matters as much as the cleaning.
Re-check
Six to eight weeks later we measure again. Most pockets shrink. From then on you have maintenance cleanings every three to four months.
How long it takes
Usually two visits of 45 to 60 minutes, a week or two apart.
Gums can be tender and teeth sensitive to cold for a few days. You can go back to work the same day.
What it costs
$170–$350
Typical U.S. range, per quadrant (a quarter of your mouth), before insurance
Most patients pay somewhere in this range. Your exact cost depends on how many quadrants need treatment (often all four) and how deep the pockets are. Maintenance cleanings afterward cost a little more than a regular cleaning.
Most PPO plans cover deep cleanings at around 80% after the deductible.
This is a guide, not our fee and not a quote. After your exam you get a written estimate, and we check your insurance, before anything starts. Call (602) 555-0148 for a quote. Where these ranges come from.
Questions patients ask
Is gum disease reversible?
Early gum inflammation (gingivitis) is fully reversible. Bone lost to periodontitis doesn’t grow back on its own, but treatment stops it getting worse, and that is what keeps your teeth.
Why cleanings every three months now?
The bacteria behind gum disease rebuild below the gum in about three months. Cleaning on that cycle keeps them from settling back in.
How to book
Use our request form and we’ll call you back within one business day to pick a time, or call us now on (602) 555-0148. Tell us it’s for gum disease treatment and we’ll book the right length of visit.