Deep Cleaning in Tysons, VA
A gentle, thorough periodontal treatment to stop gum disease, protect your bone, and restore healthy gums.
Treating Gum Disease at the Source
When plaque and tartar build up below the gumline, they create pockets that harbor bacteria and lead to gum disease. Left untreated, this infection can damage the bone that supports your teeth and eventually cause tooth loss. A deep cleaning — scaling and root planing — treats the problem at its source.
At our Tysons Corner, VA office, our hygienists carefully remove hardened deposits from below the gumline and smooth the tooth roots so your gums can heal and reattach. It is the most effective non-surgical way to control periodontal disease and protect your smile.
Patients throughout Northern Virginia — including Vienna, McLean, Falls Church, and Fairfax — rely on our Tysons VA location for gentle, thorough periodontal care.
Signs You May Need One
A deep cleaning may be recommended if you have:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Receding gums or teeth that look longer
- Deep pockets measured during your exam
- Loose or shifting teeth
During your visit to our Tysons Corner office, we'll measure your gum health and recommend the right treatment plan for you.
Key Benefits
Stops Gum Disease
Deep cleaning removes bacteria and tartar below the gumline, halting the progression of periodontal disease before it damages bone and teeth.
Protects Your Health
Treating gum disease supports your overall health, as periodontal infection has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.
Fresher, Healthier Mouth
Removing built-up plaque and tartar reduces bad breath, gum bleeding, and inflammation — leaving your mouth feeling clean and healthy.
Saves Teeth
By reversing early gum disease and controlling infection, deep cleaning helps you keep your natural teeth and avoid tooth loss.
Learn More
Learn About Gum Health
Watch these educational videos to understand periodontal disease and how deep cleaning helps.
Common Questions
What is a deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is a non-surgical periodontal treatment that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots. Unlike a routine cleaning that focuses on the visible surfaces of teeth, a deep cleaning targets the pockets that form between the teeth and gums when gum disease is present.
How is a deep cleaning different from a regular cleaning?
A regular cleaning (prophylaxis) is a preventive treatment for healthy gums that cleans above the gumline. A deep cleaning treats active gum disease by cleaning below the gumline where bacteria collect in periodontal pockets. Root planing then smooths the root surfaces so the gums can reattach to the teeth and heal.
Do I need a deep cleaning?
You may need scaling and root planing if you have signs of gum disease such as bleeding gums, swollen or receding gums, persistent bad breath, or deep pockets measured during your exam. Our team will assess your gum health and recommend a deep cleaning if it is the best way to restore and protect your gums.
Is a deep cleaning painful?
We use local anesthetic to numb the area so you stay comfortable throughout the procedure. Some tenderness or sensitivity is normal for a few days afterward and is easily managed. Most patients find the treatment far more comfortable than they expected.
How many visits does a deep cleaning take?
Deep cleanings are often completed over two visits, treating one side of the mouth at a time so we can numb and clean thoroughly while keeping you comfortable. The number of visits depends on the severity of gum disease and the number of areas being treated.
What happens after a deep cleaning?
After treatment, we typically recommend periodontal maintenance cleanings every three to four months to keep the disease under control and prevent it from returning. Good home care — brushing, flossing, and regular checkups — is essential to maintaining the results.
Related Treatments
Protect Your Gums and Your Smile
Contact our Tysons Corner office today to schedule a periodontal evaluation and deep cleaning.