This is the most common teeth cleaning. A hygienist scrapes off plaque and tartar from tooth surface areas and along the gumline. For many people, this is enough to prevent cavities and periodontitis.
Deep teeth cleaning, also known as scaling and planing, is sometimes needed if there is advanced plaque and tarter or early-stage gum disease. This minimally invasive procedure is used to remove bacteria from below the gumline. A deep teeth cleaning allows the gums to reattach to the teeth by cleaning out pockets of bacteria between the gums and teeth.