Deep Cleaning

Gum disease moves quietly — most people don’t notice it until their gums bleed or pull back from their teeth. At Inova Dental Clinic, Dr. Jafari uses deep cleaning to stop that process early, clear out the buildup underneath your gumline, and give your gums a real chance to heal. It’s one of the most effective things you can do for your long-term oral health.

Deep Cleaning in Sterling, VA

A deep cleaning — clinically called scaling and root planing — goes further than a routine cleaning. Instead of polishing the visible surfaces of your teeth, it removes plaque and hardened tartar that have accumulated below the gumline, where your toothbrush simply can’t reach. Left in place, that buildup drives gum inflammation, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss.

Dr. Jafari typically recommends deep cleaning when periodontal disease is present or when the gap between your gum and tooth root (the “pocket”) is deep enough that bacteria have taken hold. She may also suggest it if you’re coming in after a long gap between visits and there’s significant calculus buildup.

What Deep Cleaning Actually Involves

The procedure has two steps. First, scaling: Dr. Jafari uses hand instruments and an ultrasonic scaler to carefully remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline, right down to the root. Then root planing: the root surfaces are smoothed so bacteria have less to cling to, which lets the gum tissue reattach and heal over time.

The treatment is usually split across two appointments — one side of the mouth per visit — so your mouth isn’t sore all at once. Local anesthetic is used so you stay comfortable throughout.

Signs You May Need a Deep Cleaning

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Gums that look red, swollen, or have pulled back from your teeth
• Persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away with brushing
• Teeth that feel loose or look longer than they used to
• It’s been a year or more since your last dental cleaning

If any of these sound familiar, that’s not a reason to feel embarrassed — it’s a reason to come in. Dr. Jafari sees patients at every stage of gum health, and her approach is always straightforward and judgment-free.

What to Expect After Your Visit

Your gums may feel tender and look slightly swollen for a few days after each appointment — that’s normal healing. Most patients find over-the-counter pain relievers handle any discomfort easily. Dr. Jafari will schedule a follow-up visit (usually four to six weeks out) to measure your pockets again and confirm the gum tissue is responding. For many patients, once the disease is under control, regular three- to four-month maintenance cleanings keep things stable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?

A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) removes plaque and tartar from the visible surfaces of your teeth and just at the gumline — it’s maintenance for a healthy mouth. A deep cleaning targets bacteria and buildup below the gumline, down along the root, to treat active gum disease. Your dentist will take measurements of your gum pockets to determine which you need.

Is deep cleaning painful?

Most patients are surprised by how comfortable it is. Dr. Jafari numbs the area with local anesthetic before starting, so you shouldn’t feel sharp discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, the gums may be sore for two to four days — similar to how they feel after a vigorous cleaning. Over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen usually takes care of it.

How long does a deep cleaning take?

Each half-mouth appointment typically runs 60 to 90 minutes. The exact time depends on how much buildup is present and how deep the pockets are. Dr. Jafari will walk you through the plan at your exam so you know what to expect before you commit to anything.

Will I need deep cleanings forever?

Not necessarily — but gum disease doesn’t have a permanent cure, so it does require ongoing management. After your initial deep cleaning, most patients move to periodontal maintenance visits every three to four months. Over time, if your gums stay healthy and stable, Dr. Jafari may reduce that frequency.

Does insurance cover deep cleaning?

Most dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing at least partially, since it’s a medically necessary procedure rather than cosmetic. Inova Dental Clinic accepts Medicaid and most major insurance plans. Call us at (703) 433-1400 and our team can help you understand your coverage before your appointment.

What happens if I skip the deep cleaning my dentist recommended?

Gum disease doesn’t resolve on its own. Without treatment, the infection continues to damage the bone and connective tissue supporting your teeth. That can lead to tooth loss and may increase your risk for systemic health issues linked to chronic gum inflammation. Catching it early with a deep cleaning is far less involved than the alternatives.

Ready to get your gum health back on track? Call us at (703) 433-1400 or schedule a visit — Dr. Jafari and the team at Inova Dental Clinic are here Monday through Friday 8am–5pm, and Saturday mornings by appointment.