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All the below content has been written by NYC Dentist, Dr. Sandip Sachar.
Dental Deep Cleaning in NYC
If you’ve been told you need a dental deep cleaning, you may have questions about what to expect and whether the procedure may be painful. This article explains what dental deep cleaning involves, what to expect, and why it’s essential for maintaining healthy gums.
Is Dental Deep Cleaning Painful?
The short answer is 'No', a dental deep cleaning does not have to be a painful experience at all. A skilled dentist or dental hygienist can often get this procedure completed without discomfort. Numbing gel and anesthetic can also be used to make the procedure comfortable and pain-free. At Sachar Dental NYC, most of our patients report no discomfort during a dental deep cleaning procedure, especially when numbing gel and local anesthesia is used.
What Is a Dental Deep Cleaning?
Dental deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing (SRP), is a non-surgical procedure recommended for the treatment of gum disease (or periodontal disease) in the early stages. Unlike routine teeth cleanings that focus on cleaning the surfaces of your teeth, dental deep cleaning targets the areas beneath the gum line to remove bacteria and plaque buildup from under the gums, that cause gum disease (periodontal disease). By removing bacteria, plaque, and toxins from under the gums, a dental deep cleaning helps reduce inflammation, halt the progression of gum disease, and promote healthier gums and teeth.
- Scaling: Removal of plaque and tartar (hardened plaque) from the teeth, especially below the gum line. Dentists or dental hygienists use specialized instruments, such as ultrasonic scalers and manual tools, to thoroughly clean these areas.
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Root Planing: Cleaning the root surfaces of your teeth to eliminate rough spots where bacteria can accumulate. This step promotes healthy gum reattachment and overall healing.
Why Do I Need a Dental Deep Cleaning?
A dental deep cleaning may be needed when you have tartar or calculus build-up below the gums and on the roots of the teeth, thereby causing gum inflammation or periodontal disease. Periodontal disease left untreated can lead to bone loss and eventually tooth loss. Deep cleaning is a highly effective treatment for gum disease in the early stages.
How long is the procedure?
A dental deep cleaning can take up to two hours per session- depending on the severity of gum disease being treated. Some patients may need multiple sessions to have their entire mouth deep cleaned.
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During the Procedure:
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Numbing gel and/or local anesthesia is typically used to numb the area being treated, for a comfortable and painless experience. Once you are numb, ultrasonic scalers are used to clean and flush below the gums. You may feel slight pressure or mild vibration (and water being flushed) from the instruments during the procedure, but pain is uncommon.
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After the Procedure:
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Once numbness wears off, it is normal to experience some mild soreness or sensitivity in the teeth and gums for a day or two. Occasionally, in some patients, this sensitivity may last a few days. These symptoms usually subside without any issues, as your gums heal.
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Benefits of Dental Deep Cleaning
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Improved Gum Health: Reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
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Prevention of Tooth Loss: Early gum disease treatment helps prevent tooth loss.
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Better Overall Health: Good oral health is linked to lower risks of systemic issues like heart disease and diabetes.
Warning Signs that You May Need a Dental Deep Cleaning
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Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing can be a sign of gum infection or periodontal disease.
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Persistent bad breath can be a sign of periodontal disease.
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Receding gums, loose teeth or pockets forming between the teeth and gums can be a sign of periodontal disease.
Factors influencing possible discomfort
- Severity of Gum Disease: More advanced cases may require a deeper cleaning, which can cause more sensitivity post-procedure.
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Individual Pain Tolerance: Everyone’s threshold for pain is different.
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Treatment Area: Larger or more severely affected areas may lead to more post-procedure sensitivity.
Pain Management Options
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Local Anesthesia: Numbs the treatment area to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
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Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Medications like ibuprofen can help manage post-procedure soreness, if needed.
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Special Toothpastes and Rinses: Products designed for sensitive teeth can help alleviate discomfort post-procedure.
Post-Procedure Care and Recovery
- Avoid Eating or Drinking Immediately: Wait at least an hour after the procedure, or until the numbness wears off, to eat or drink.
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Manage Sensitivity: Warm salt water rinses and toothpaste for sensitive teeth can provide relief.
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Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: This helps prevent gum irritation. Brush twice daily in soft gentle circles.
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Avoid Smoking: Smoking can hinder healing and worsen gum health.
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Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions: Use prescribed mouth rinses or medications as directed.
How Much Does a Dental Deep Cleaning Cost in NYC in 2025?
A dental deep cleaning in NYC in 2025 can cost between $250 to $475 per Quadrant, depending on how many teeth require treatment. A full mouth deep cleaning can range from $1000 to $1900. At Sachar Dental NYC our fee for a deep cleaning is $350/ Quad.
Is Dental Deep Cleaning covered by Insurance?
Sachar Dental NYC
20 East 46th Street
Rm 1301
(Between 5th Ave & Madison Ave)
New York, NY 10017
212-752-1163
https://www.sachardental.com/
drsachar@sachardental.com