This clinic
01Point Cook
Address220 Point Cook Road, Point Cook VIC 3030
Phone(03) 8338 1515
HoursMon–Sat 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Point Cook · Gum treatment
Deep teeth cleaning in Point Cook for gums that need extra care.
A deep clean, or scaling and root planing, is a non-surgical treatment for early to moderate gum disease. At Magical Smiles Point Cook we clean below the gumline and along the tooth roots so inflamed gums can heal, usually over two appointments with local anaesthetic. Call (03) 8338 1515 to book a gum assessment.
Measuring the pockets around each tooth shows whether a deep clean is needed.
In simple terms
What does a deep clean involve?
A deep clean removes plaque, hardened tartar and bacteria from under the gums, below the reach of a toothbrush or a routine clean. Each root surface is then smoothed so the gum has a clean surface to heal against.
It's one of the gum treatments in our general dentistry care at Point Cook.
When gum disease takes hold, small pockets form between the teeth and gums, and bacteria collect inside them where regular cleaning can't reach. Scaling and root planing is a standard non-surgical treatment for gingivitis and early to moderate periodontitis. With the area numbed, we clean the roots and smooth them so the gums can tighten back around the teeth.
We only recommend a deep clean after examining you and measuring your gum pockets. How well gums respond depends on how advanced the disease is and on your care at home, and we'll explain what to expect for your gums before anything is booked.
Warning signs
How do you know if you need a deep clean?
Gum disease often doesn't hurt at first, which is why it's easy to miss. It's also much easier to manage when caught early. Have you noticed any of these?
1
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
Healthy gums don't usually bleed. Regular bleeding, even a little pink in the sink, is one of the first signs of gingivitis and one of the most often ignored.
2
Swollen, sore or shrinking gums
Puffy or tender gums, or gums pulling back from the teeth, are worth having measured. Receding gums can expose the roots slowly over several years.
3
Bad breath that keeps coming back
Bacteria living in deep gum pockets can cause an odour or taste that brushing and mouthwash only cover up, because the source is below the gumline.
4
You've been told you have gum pockets
If a previous dentist or hygienist mentioned pockets of 4mm or more, or early periodontitis, a deep clean is usually the first treatment we'd discuss.
The only way to confirm whether you need a deep clean is to measure the gum pocket around each tooth. We include this gum check in check-ups at our Point Cook clinic.
Your treatment
What happens during a deep clean?
Most deep cleans are split over two longer appointments, treating one side of your mouth each time. This is what to expect.
1
We measure and explain
We measure the pockets around every tooth and look at your X-rays with you, then tell you clearly whether a deep clean is needed.
2
We numb the area
Local anaesthetic keeps you comfortable while we work. If injections worry you, mention it when you book and we'll talk about ways to make numbing more comfortable.
3
Cleaning under the gums
Ultrasonic and hand instruments remove plaque, tartar and bacteria from the root surfaces below the gum, which is where the inflammation starts.
4
Smoothing the roots
We then smooth the cleaned roots, making it harder for bacteria to build up again and helping the gum settle back against the tooth.
5
A review a few weeks later
Once your gums have had time to heal, we measure the pockets again and set how often you should come back, often every three to four months at first.
Your teeth may feel sensitive for a few days afterwards; this usually settles. You'll go home with written aftercare advice and our number, (03) 8338 1515, in case anything doesn't feel right.
Comparing cleans
Deep clean or routine clean: what's the difference?
A routine scale and clean keeps healthy gums healthy. It removes plaque, tartar and stains from the visible teeth and just under the gumline, usually every six months. A deep clean is a treatment rather than upkeep: it's used when gum pockets have deepened, it reaches further down the roots, and it's generally done over two appointments with local anaesthetic.
If you've been diagnosed with gum disease, there may be other options too, such as laser-assisted periodontal therapy (LAPT), and gentle maintenance cleaning methods such as air polishing once your gums are stable. We'll explain which apply to you, whether each is an option, and in what order, at your assessment.
Not sure where you stand? A check-up and clean is the best place to start, because it includes a check of your gum health.
Common questions
Deep teeth cleaning in Point Cook: your questions.
A deep clean, also called scaling and root planing, is a non-surgical treatment for early to moderate gum disease. It removes plaque, tartar and bacteria from under the gumline along the tooth roots, then smooths the roots so the gums can heal. It's usually done over two appointments with local anaesthetic.
We numb the area with local anaesthetic before we start, to keep you comfortable during treatment. Your teeth may feel sensitive for a few days afterwards, which usually settles. If you're anxious, let us know when you book and we'll plan around it.
Most deep cleans are done over two longer appointments, one for each side of the mouth. We'll let you know how much time to allow when you book, and we review your gums a few weeks later to check how they've healed.
It depends on how advanced the gum disease is and how well you look after your teeth at home afterwards. Many people notice less bleeding and shallower pockets by their review visit, and regular maintenance cleans help keep things stable. We'll be honest about what to expect for your gums.
Gum treatment is usually covered under general or major dental extras, and rebates vary by fund and policy. We claim on the spot with HICAPS, and you'll get a written fee estimate before treatment starts.
A deep clean is the standard first non-surgical treatment for early to moderate gum disease, using instruments to clean below the gumline. LAPT uses focused laser energy inside the gum pocket and is used for diagnosed gum disease as part of a wider treatment plan. Your dentist will recommend the right option after assessing you.
Next step
Book a gum check in Point Cook.
Measuring your gum pockets shows exactly where things stand. Book an assessment at Magical Smiles Point Cook, open Monday to Saturday, or call us to talk it over first.