How Long Does a Deep Cleaning Take and Is It Painful? If your dentist recently recommended a deep cleaning, you might be wondering what that means, how long it takes, and whether it’s painful. The good news? Deep cleanings are far more comfortable and beneficial than most people realize.

At Hollywood Family Dentistry in Portland, our gentle, patient-centered approach ensures your comfort throughout every step. Let’s walk through what happens during a deep cleaning, why it’s important, and what you can expect before and after treatment.

What Is a Deep Cleaning?

A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, goes beyond a routine dental cleaning. While a standard cleaning focuses on the visible surfaces of your teeth and gumline, a deep cleaning targets bacteria and tartar below the gums — the areas where gum disease begins.

Over time, plaque hardens into tartar that your toothbrush or floss can’t remove. This buildup can cause inflammation and lead to periodontal pockets, where bacteria thrive and begin to damage the bone supporting your teeth.

A deep cleaning removes that harmful buildup and smooths the root surfaces to help your gums reattach and heal naturally. It’s one of the most effective ways to treat early to moderate gum disease without surgery.

Why You Might Need a Deep Cleaning

Your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning if you notice symptoms such as:

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Gums that appear red, swollen, or tender
• Gum recession or loose teeth
• A gritty or rough feeling near the gumline

If you’re seeing these signs, it’s important not to delay care. Treating gum disease early can prevent bone loss, infection, and tooth loss in the long run.

How Long Does a Deep Cleaning Take?

The duration of a deep cleaning depends on the extent of buildup, how deep your gum pockets are, and your comfort level. Here’s a general breakdown:

Half-Mouth Deep Cleaning

Most patients have one side of their mouth treated at a time — either the upper and lower right or left.

• Time: 60–90 minutes per visit
• Number of visits: 2 appointments (one for each side)

This approach allows your dentist to focus on each section thoroughly while keeping the experience comfortable.

Full-Mouth Deep Cleaning

If your gum disease is mild and your dentist feels it’s manageable, the entire mouth may be treated in one visit.

• Time: Around 2–3 hours total
• Best for: Patients with less severe tartar buildup or early gum inflammation

Your dentist will determine the best schedule for your deep cleaning after evaluating your gums and taking necessary X-rays.

Is a Deep Cleaning Painful?

This is one of the most common questions patients ask — and the answer is reassuring.

Most people find the procedure very comfortable thanks to local anesthesia or a numbing gel applied before treatment. You may feel some light pressure or vibration from the dental tools, but not pain.

At Hollywood Family Dentistry, we take extra steps to ensure your comfort:

• We use gentle ultrasonic instruments to remove tartar efficiently with minimal discomfort.
• You can take breaks anytime if you need a moment to relax.
• We maintain a calm, supportive environment to ease dental anxiety.

After treatment, your gums may feel slightly tender or sensitive for a few days. This is normal and a sign that your tissues are healing.

Tips for a Comfortable Recovery

To promote healing and minimize sensitivity after your deep cleaning, follow these simple tips:

• Rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water) 2–3 times daily.
• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and brush gently near your gums.
• Avoid spicy, crunchy, or acidic foods for a day or two.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever (like ibuprofen) if needed.
• Stay consistent with daily brushing and flossing to prevent reaccumulation of bacteria.

Within a week, you’ll likely notice your gums feel cleaner, look healthier, and bleed less when brushing.

Why Deep Cleaning Is Worth It

Deep cleaning isn’t just about fresher breath or cleaner teeth — it’s about protecting your overall oral health.
Here’s why it’s worth every minute:

✅ Stops gum disease progression before it causes irreversible bone loss
✅ Reduces gum inflammation and bleeding
✅ Prevents tooth loss and strengthens your dental foundation
✅ Improves breath and gum appearance within days

By removing harmful bacteria and giving your gums a chance to heal, you’re investing in long-term oral wellness and preventing future costly dental treatments.

A Gentle, Caring Experience at Hollywood Family Dentistry

At Hollywood Family Dentistry, we know that words like “deep cleaning” can sound intimidating. That’s why our team — led by Dr. Jaime Holtz — focuses on comfort, clarity, and compassion at every visit.

We use modern equipment, gentle techniques, and personalized care plans to make your treatment stress-free. Whether it’s your first deep cleaning or a follow-up visit, you’ll always feel supported and informed about your oral health journey.

Ready for Healthier Gums? Schedule Your Visit Today

If you’ve been told you need a deep cleaning or you’re noticing bleeding gums, bad breath, or gum tenderness, don’t wait for the problem to get worse.

Our Portland dental team can evaluate your gums and create a customized treatment plan to restore your oral health and comfort.

Schedule Your Deep Cleaning in Portland and experience gentle, modern dental care with Hollywood Family Dentistry.

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