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If your dentist has ever told you that a regular cleaning is not enough and that you need something deeper, you are not alone. Many patients at our clinics hear this and immediately wonder what it means, how much it will cost, and whether it will hurt.
This article answers all of that.
What Is Deep Dental Cleaning?
Deep dental cleaning is a clinical procedure called scaling and root planing. It goes further than the routine cleaning your dentist does during a regular check-up.
A standard dental cleaning focuses on the visible surfaces of your teeth, removing plaque and tartar above the gum line. A deep clean goes below the gum line to remove buildup from the roots of your teeth. It also smooths those root surfaces so that bacteria have less surface to cling to. The goal is not cosmetic. It is to stop gum disease from progressing.
How Is Deep Dental Cleaning Different from Regular Cleaning?
Regular cleaning is preventive. It keeps gums healthy. Deep dental cleaning is more of a therapeutic procedure. It is done when the gums have already become inflamed or infected, and there is a significant buildup below the gum line that a routine cleaning cannot reach.
Think of it like this: a regular cleaning is like sweeping the floor. A deep clean involves pulling out the furniture to clean underneath it. If your dentist measures your gum pockets during an examination and finds readings of 4mm or more, combined with bleeding and bone loss on your X-ray, a deep clean is usually the appropriate next step.
What Are the Signs You Might Need One?
Most people who need a deep dental cleaning do not feel pain until the problem is advanced. This is one of the reasons gum disease is so underdiagnosed in Lagos, where dental visits are often only triggered by a toothache.
Watch out for these signs:
- Your gums bleed when you brush or use a toothpick.
- Your gums look red, swollen, or puffy rather than firm and pink.
- You have persistent bad breath that does not go away with brushing.
- Your teeth feel sensitive, especially to cold water or cold drinks
- Your gums appear to be pulling away from your teeth, making them look longer
- You notice loose teeth or shifting teeth
If you have had years of skipping dental visits, which many Lagos residents do, given how hectic daily life can get, there is a reasonable chance that tartar has been building up below your gum line for a while. That buildup does not resolve on its own.
What Happens During Deep Dental Cleaning?
The procedure is done in two parts, often split across two visits. The mouth is divided into quadrants, and the dentist or dental hygienist works on two quadrants at a time.
Scaling involves using specialised instruments to remove hardened tartar from above and below the gum line. Ultrasonic scalers are commonly used alongside hand instruments.
Root planing smooths the root surfaces of your teeth. Rough root surfaces harbour bacteria more easily. Smoothing them makes it harder for new plaque to attach and gives your gums a better chance of reattaching to the tooth.
Local anaesthesia is used to keep you comfortable throughout. You should not feel pain during the procedure itself, though you may feel some pressure. Sensitivity and mild soreness in the days after is normal.
The full procedure typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes per session, depending on how much tartar has accumulated.
Is Deep Dental Cleaning Painful?
This is the question patients ask most often, and it deserves a straight answer. During the procedure, your gums will be numbed. Most patients feel pressure but not pain. After the anaesthesia wears off, some soreness and gum sensitivity is expected, particularly in the first two to three days.
Over-the-counter pain relief is usually sufficient. Most patients return to normal eating within a day or two, though your dentist will advise you to avoid very hot or very cold foods for a short period. The discomfort is temporary. Untreated gum disease is not.
How Much Does Deep Dental Cleaning Cost in Lagos?
The cost of deep dental cleaning in Nigeria varies based on the extent of the work needed, the number of quadrants treated, and the clinic you visit.
At Dr. Reach Dental Clinic, pricing is determined after a proper clinical assessment. There is no one-size-fits-all figure because every patient’s situation is different. What we can tell you is that catching gum disease early and treating it with a deep clean is significantly less expensive/. It is also less involved than treating the bone loss and tooth loss that come with advanced periodontitis.
We encourage patients to book a consultation first. Your dentist will examine your gums, take necessary X-rays, and give you a clear treatment plan with transparent pricing before anything is done.
What Happens After the Procedure?
Your dentist will schedule a review appointment, usually four to six weeks after the deep clean, to check how your gums have responded. Many patients see significant improvement: gums that were inflamed and bleeding begin to heal, pockets reduce in depth, and sensitivity decreases.
After a deep clean, your maintenance schedule typically shifts to more frequent professional cleanings, usually every three to four months rather than the standard six. This is to keep any remaining bacteria in check while your gums continue to recover.
At home, your dentist will guide you on proper brushing technique, flossing, and whether any mouth rinses are appropriate for your situation. Consistency matters a great deal at this stage.
Can Gum Disease Come Back After a Deep Clean?
Yes, it can, if proper maintenance is neglected. Deep dental cleaning is not a cure. It is a reset. It removes the bacterial load and gives your gums the environment they need to heal. But gum disease is driven by bacterial buildup, and bacteria return if oral hygiene is not maintained and if professional cleanings are skipped.
Patients who follow through with their maintenance schedule and keep up with home care have much better long-term outcomes.
Why Lagos Patients Often Wait Too Long
Many people in Lagos put off dental visits until a tooth is painful or broken. By that point, gum disease may already be moderate to severe. The city’s pace does not help. Between traffic, work demands, school runs, and general busyness, dental appointments fall off the list.
The problem with gum disease specifically is that it progresses silently. By the time it hurts, significant damage may have already occurred. A quick check-up every six months can catch early gum changes before they require more intensive treatment. For working professionals and parents, especially, building that into your schedule is one of the more practical health decisions you can make.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your dentist will measure your gum pockets during an exam. If pocket depths are 4mm or deeper, and there is visible tartar below the gum line on your X-ray, a deep clean is likely necessary.
Most patients complete their deep cleaning over two appointments, with each session lasting about 60 to 90 minutes. This depends on how much treatment is needed.
Yes. It is a standard periodontal procedure performed regularly at dental clinics. Local anaesthesia is used to ensure your comfort.
Your teeth may appear slightly more exposed near the gum line as swollen gum tissue reduces in size after healing.
You can eat after the anaesthesia wears off. Soft foods are recommended for the first day or two.
Book Your Assessment at Dr. Reach Dental Clinic
If you have been putting off a dental visit or you have noticed any of the signs mentioned above, a professional assessment is the right first step. Our dentists at Reach Dental Clinic in Yaba will examine your gums, review your X-rays, and walk you through exactly what your teeth need, with no pressure and no guesswork. Book a consultation today at reachdentalclinic.com/booking or visit either of our Lagos locations.
