Brushing and flossing at home only go so far. Plaque and tartar stick around in spots you can’t reach. Gums get irritated. Breath gets worse. A professional cleaning is the only way to clear out what your toothbrush leaves behind.

What Sets Regular and Deep Cleanings Apart

Walk into a dental office and you’ll hear about two types of cleanings. Regular cleanings keep things on track. Deep cleanings step in when gums start to lose ground. Here’s what actually happens:

• Regular cleanings clear away plaque and tartar sitting above the gum line. The hygienist scrapes, polishes, and checks for trouble spots. Gums stay tight. Teeth feel smooth.
• Deep cleanings go below the surface. Bacteria and hard deposits hide under the gums, out of sight. The hygienist numbs the area, then works under the gum line to clear out the buildup. Gums get a chance to reattach. Infection gets pushed back.
• Regular cleanings happen every six months for most people. Deep cleanings only show up when gum disease starts to take hold.
• Deep cleanings take longer. Numbing is standard. The process can stretch over two visits if needed.

Choosing the right cleaning isn’t a matter of guessing. Our family dentistry services include a full check of your gums, teeth, and bone. We spot the warning signs early. When regular cleanings aren’t enough, we move fast to stop the damage before it spreads. Waiting too long leads to bigger problems. Missing teeth, shifting bite, and the need for prosthodontic treatment that could have been avoided.

What Deep Cleaning Really Involves

Deep cleaning isn’t just a longer version of a regular cleaning. It’s a different job. The hygienist uses special tools to reach deep under the gums. Every pocket gets checked. Hardened deposits get chipped away. Bacteria and infected tissue get removed. The root surfaces are smoothed out so bacteria can’t grab hold again. Gums start to heal. Bleeding slows. Breath improves.

Comfort matters. We use advanced dental technology to keep the process precise and as gentle as possible. Local anesthesia keeps pain away. Most people feel pressure, not pain. Afterward, gums may feel sore for a day or two, but the infection is on the run. Healing starts right away.

• Expect some numbness for a few hours after the visit.
• Gums may bleed lightly for a day or two.
• Follow-up visits check healing and make sure the infection stays gone.

Deep cleaning isn’t a one-time fix. It’s the first step in turning gum health around. Home care and regular checkups keep things moving in the right direction.

When Deep Cleaning Is the Only Option

Gum disease doesn’t announce itself with pain. It sneaks up. Here’s what tells us a deep cleaning is needed:

• Pockets between teeth and gums measure deeper than 4mm. The probe drops in further than it should.
• Gums pull back. Roots start to show. Teeth look longer.
• Bleeding shows up every time you brush or floss. The sink turns pink.
• Breath stays bad, no matter how much you brush.
• Teeth feel loose. The bite changes. Chewing feels different.
• X-rays show bone loss around the roots.

These signs don’t go away on their own. Regular cleanings can’t reach the problem. That’s when deep cleaning steps in. Our experienced dental team spots these issues early. We don’t wait for pain or swelling. We act before teeth are lost for good.

What Insurance Actually Pays For

Insurance covers most regular cleanings. Twice a year, you walk in, get cleaned up, and walk out with little or no bill. Deep cleanings are different. Insurance usually pays a portion, sometimes half, sometimes more, if the cleaning is medically necessary. We check your benefits before starting. No surprises. Payment options are always on the table for anything insurance doesn’t cover.

• Preventive cleanings: covered at 80-100% by most plans
• Deep cleanings: covered at 50-80% when needed
• We handle the paperwork and explain your options up front

Why Consistent Cleanings Matter

Skipping cleanings lets problems build up. Plaque turns to tartar. Gums pull away. Infection sets in. Teeth get loose. Breath gets worse. The fix gets more complicated and expensive. Regular cleanings keep things simple. Deep cleanings stop the slide when things go off track. Both are tools to keep your mouth healthy and your smile strong.

• Regular cleanings keep small problems from turning big
• Deep cleanings stop gum disease from stealing teeth
• Consistent care means fewer surprises and less time in the chair

We don’t guess. We check every tooth, every gum pocket, every time. Preventive care and the right cleaning schedule keep your mouth healthy for the long haul.

Your Partner in Dental Health

At Reston Family Dental Center, we're dedicated to helping you maintain optimal oral health through appropriate cleaning treatments and preventive care. Call us at 703-495-3333 or schedule your appointment online to discuss which cleaning approach is right for you.