Key Takeaways
- Many adults in Sherman Oaks need deep cleanings because they often overlook early gum disease.
- Missing regular checkups lets plaque build up and harden into tartar. Only dental scaling and root planing can remove tartar.
- Symptoms like bleeding gums, bad breath, and gum tenderness are warning signs that should not be ignored.
- Deep cleanings help prevent bone loss, gum recession, and eventual tooth loss.
- Clove Dental Sherman Oaks provides gentle, thorough dental scaling and root planing to restore gum health.
Are you wondering why your gums suddenly feel tender or why your dentist is recommending a deep cleaning when your teeth don’t even hurt? Here’s the quick answer: gum disease often grows quietly, and missing checkups allows it to get worse long before you notice anything.
At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we see this pattern almost every week. Adults come in thinking they only need a regular cleaning, but their gums tell a different story. By the time they return after a long gap, a standard cleaning isn’t enough; what they actually need is dental scaling and root planing.
Why Skipping Dental Visits Leads to Bigger Problems
Many adults delay dental visits because of busy schedules, past dental anxiety, or simply thinking, “My teeth feel fine.” The problem is that gum disease rarely causes pain in its early stages.
When you go months, or even years, without a checkup, plaque sits on the teeth long enough to harden into tartar. Once tartar forms under the gumline, a toothbrush or regular cleaning can’t remove it.
This is where dental scaling and root planing become necessary. It reaches deep areas that a routine cleaning cannot, helping stop the progression of gum disease before it leads to permanent damage.
Early Gum Disease Is Easy to Miss
Most adults aren’t aware that gum disease can start with very subtle changes. You may notice:
- Gums that bleed when brushing
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- A sour taste in your mouth
- Slight gum swelling or tenderness
- Gums pulling away from the teeth
These may seem minor, but they’re early signs of a bigger problem. When ignored, inflammation spreads deeper, creating pockets around the teeth where bacteria grow quickly.
At this stage, dental scaling and root planing are the most effective ways to clean those pockets and stop the infection.
What Happens During dental scaling and root planing?
Many patients feel nervous when they hear the words “deep cleaning,” but the process is gentle, precise, and far more comfortable than people expect.
Here’s what we do:
1. Scaling
We carefully remove hardened tartar from the teeth and below the gumline. This step is important because tartar traps bacteria that keep the infection alive.
2. Root Planing
Once the roots are clean, we smooth them so the gums can reattach. This reduces pocket depth and makes it harder for future bacteria to stick.
3. Healing and Follow-Up
Most people notice that their gums feel lighter, cleaner, and less inflamed within days. Regular follow-up cleanings help maintain these improvements.
This entire process is the core of dental scaling and root planing, and it prevents gum disease from reaching the stage where tooth loss becomes a risk.
Why So Many Adults in Sherman Oaks Need This Treatment Now
Lifestyle habits have changed over the years. We’re seeing more stress, more nighttime grinding, and more people drinking sugary or acidic drinks throughout the day. Combine that with skipped cleanings, and gum disease becomes extremely common.
Here’s what we notice:
- People return after 1–3 years, expecting a routine cleaning
- Tartar buildup has moved below the gumline
- Gums show signs of persistent inflammation
- Pockets around the teeth have deepened
- A regular cleaning would not fix the issue
By this point, dental scaling and root planing are the safest and most effective treatments.
Does Deep Cleaning Really Make a Difference?
Absolutely.
Patients who complete dental scaling and root planing almost always see:
- Less bleeding
- Fresher breath
- Reduced gum swelling
- Shallower gum pockets
- Better long-term dental stability
Most importantly, deep cleaning helps preserve your natural teeth. Gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss, not cavities, and early action makes a big difference.
Why Acting Sooner Matters
Gum disease doesn’t go away on its own. Once tartar builds up under the gums, it stays there until a professional removes it.
If left untreated, the infection slowly destroys bone, eventually making teeth loose. By getting dental scaling and root planing early, you avoid:
- Costly treatments later
- Painful infections
- Bone loss
- Tooth removal
- Expensive implants or dentures
Your gums are the foundation of your smile. They deserve attention before problems grow.
We’re Here to Help You Get Back on Track
At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we understand that many adults avoid the dentist for years. There’s no judgment, only support. Our goal is to help you feel comfortable, informed, and confident in restoring your gum health.
If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, a deep cleaning can help your teeth and gums. Two methods called scaling and root planing can keep your smile healthy and stop gum problems before they get worse.
Final Thoughts
Many people skip checkups, but it can hurt your gum health. A deep cleaning isn’t a punishment; it’s a way to reset your mouth. With good care and support, your gums can become healthier and stronger again.
FAQs
Why do so many adults in Sherman Oaks need deep cleanings?
Gum disease often develops quietly over time. When checkups are skipped, plaque hardens into tartar below the gumline, and only a deep cleaning can remove it.
What are the early signs that I may need a deep cleaning?
Bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum tenderness, or gums that look slightly swollen or receded are all early signs.
Why isn’t a regular cleaning enough once tartar forms under the gums?
Routine cleanings only remove buildup above the gumline. Deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) are needed to clean deeper pockets and smooth the roots so gums can heal.
What happens if gum disease is ignored?
Untreated gum disease can lead to bone loss, gum recession, loose teeth, and eventually tooth loss. Early treatment helps prevent more serious problems.
Can deep cleanings help my gums heal?
Yes. After scaling and root planing, inflammation decreases, pockets become shallower, and gums begin reattaching to the teeth.