A gentler, more effective way to treat gum disease to get your mouth (and the rest of you) back on track.
A Gentler Way to Treat Gum Disease
When a regular cleaning is not enough
A regular cleaning works above and at the gumline. When gum disease has set in, bacteria and tartar build up below the gum and start damaging the bone that holds your teeth in place. A deep cleaning also called scaling and root planing goes below the gumline to remove that buildup so the gums can heal and reattach to the tooth.
What the laser adds
We pair deep cleaning with a dental laser that targets bacteria living deep in the gum pocket. The laser is gentle on the surrounding tissue, reduces bleeding during the appointment, and helps the gums heal faster afterward. Many patients tell us this kind of cleaning is more comfortable than a deep cleaning they have had elsewhere.
What happens after the appointment
We will see you back for follow-up cleanings on a more frequent schedule for a while usually every three to four months to keep the gums on track. We may pair the deep cleaning with bacterial testing so we know exactly what we are treating. The goal is healthy gums you can maintain at home.
What is a deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease. It removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline so the gums can heal. At Tatum Dentistry, we add a dental laser to the procedure, which targets bacteria more precisely and is gentler on the surrounding tissue than scaling alone.
Does a deep cleaning hurt?
Many patients say the laser-assisted version is easier than what they remember from past deep cleanings. Nitrous oxide is available in every room if you want extra ease. You may have some tenderness or sensitivity for a few days afterward, which fades.
How long does a deep cleaning take?
A full-mouth deep cleaning is usually done in two visits one side at a time to keep the appointment manageable and to allow each side to numb properly. Each appointment is scheduled for about 90 minutes. We will see you for a follow-up to check healing once the gums have had time to respond.
See Why Charleston Loves Us
➔ Two kind and highly-skilled dentists
➔ Decades of experience
➔ A team that’s been together a long time
➔ Personal care with your comfort in mind
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need a deep cleaning?
Signs include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, gums that look pulled away from your teeth, or sensitivity. We measure the depth of your gum pockets at every checkup — when those measurements increase past a certain point, a deep cleaning is the right next step. We will explain what we see on the screen.
Why pair the laser with the cleaning?
The laser kills bacteria living deep in the pocket where instruments cannot easily reach, and it does so while protecting the surrounding gum tissue. Patients tend to bleed less during the appointment and heal faster afterward. It is one of the upgrades that makes a real difference.
Is gum disease reversible?
Early gum inflammation, called gingivitis, is reversible with good home care and regular cleanings. Once gum disease has caused bone loss, it is not fully reversible, but it is treatable and can usually be stabilized. The earlier we catch it, the better — that is why measuring at every visit matters.
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