How Long Does a Deep Cleaning Take?

The duration of a deep teeth cleaning, scaling, and root planing can depend on several factors, such as the severity of gum disease, the number of teeth involved, and the comfort level of the patient during the procedure. On average, a deep cleaning session lasts between 45 minutes to 2 hours, but treatment may require multiple visits.

What Is a Deep Teeth Cleaning?

Deep teeth cleaning, or scaling and root planing, is a treatment for gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Periodontal disease is caused by bacterial infection and plaque buildup beneath the gum line. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to the destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth. The purpose of deep cleaning is to remove the bacteria, plaque, and tartar that contribute to this damage. By addressing the infection and inflammation, the procedure helps create a healthier environment for the gums to heal and reattach to the teeth, potentially preventing further bone and tissue loss.

For patients with mild gum disease, a full-mouth deep cleaning can be completed in a single visit taking an hour or two. More severe cases will typically require multiple visits where the dentist will deep clean one or two quadrants of the mouth. The more severe the case, the more time each quadrant will take to clean.

Factors That Determine Session Length

Extent of Pre-Existing Gum Disease

A major factor is the severity of gum disease. Mild cases, with minimal tartar and shallow gum pockets, will take less time to treat. In contrast, the deeper pockets, heavy tartar buildup, and inflammation of more advanced cases will require more thorough cleaning and thereby extend the appointment.

Use of Anesthesia

A local anesthetic is typically applied during deep cleaning to numb the gums and reduce discomfort during the procedure. Waiting for the application of the anesthetic and allowing it time to take effect can add several minutes to the procedure.

Comfort and Tolerance

Individual pain thresholds and dental anxiety levels may affect the time needed. Dentists will take breaks or slow down the work quite often for those patients who need more time to get comfortable during the procedure.

Post-Treatment Follow-Up

After the initial deep cleaning, follow-up appointments may be scheduled in order to observe healing and ensure that the gums are responding well to treatment. These appointments will typically be of shorter duration, about 30 minutes.

It is important to diligently maintain proper oral hygiene, and regular dental exams are a large part of proper maintenance.

Is Deep Teeth Cleaning Painful?