Scottsdale’s Complete Guide: Do I Need a Deep Teeth Cleaning?

Considering a Deep Teeth Cleaning?

Gentle. Thorough. Life-changing. Discover the power of a healthier smile.

At Alpers Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we know how important it is to feel confident in your dental care, especially when something like a “deep teeth cleaning” sounds a little intimidating. 

If your dentist or hygienist has mentioned it, you probably have questions. Is it painful? Do I really need it? Will it make a difference?

We’re here to walk you through everything you need to know so you feel informed, reassured, and confident about your early intervention and ongoing dental care.

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What Is Deep Teeth Cleaning?

You know how your regular dental cleaning leaves your teeth feeling smooth and fresh? A deep teeth cleaning – or scaling and root planing (SRP) as we call it in the dental world – takes that care a step further. Instead of just cleaning the surfaces you can see, we're able to reach those sneaky spots below your gumline where bacteria, tartar, and plaque love to hide out.

Scaling is the process of removing plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, especially below the gumline where bacteria collect. Root planing goes a step further, smoothing the root surfaces of your teeth to help your gums reattach and heal more effectively. Together, these two steps make up a deep teeth cleaning, targeting the source of gum disease at its root.

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Here's the thing: your regular toothbrush and even professional cleanings can't always get to these deeper areas. Sometimes you need help beyond what you can do for your oral health routine at home. When harmful bacteria build up there, it can lead to gum disease, and if left untreated, that can progress to more serious issues like bone loss, tooth loss and other systemic issues.

That's where deep cleaning becomes your smile's best friend. It's often the first and most effective step in stopping gum disease in its tracks.

What makes our approach at Alpers Dentistry different is that we don't just guess whether you need this treatment. We use incredible advanced technology, like 3D imaging, iTero scanning, and saliva testing, to get a complete picture of what's happening in your mouth. 

This means you'll know exactly why we're recommending a deep cleaning and can feel confident that it's truly necessary for your oral health.

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Quick Signs You Might Need a Deep Cleaning

Not sure if it’s time? These common symptoms may be your body’s way of waving a red flag:

🚩 Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing

🚩 Persistent bad breath (even with brushing)

🚩 Red, swollen, or tender gums

🚩 Teeth that feel a little loose

🚩 A noticeable buildup of tartar or plaque at the gumline

🚩 Receding gums or “longer looking” teeth

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Pro tip: You don’t have to diagnose yourself. That’s what our comprehensive two-hour new patient visit is for. We’ll take a full look and walk you through what’s really going on.

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Is a Deep Cleaning at the Dentist Worth It?

Absolutely. Especially when done right.

A deep SRP cleaning does more than just remove buildup. It plays a powerful role in restoring and protecting your health. It can reverse the early stages of gum disease, stop bleeding and swollen gums, prevent tooth loss, and reduce inflammation throughout your body.

Many patients also notice fresher breath and healthier gums that begin to reattach to their teeth. Most importantly, it lays the foundation for long-term oral and systemic wellness.

At our office, you’re not just getting a cleaning; you’re getting a comprehensive, two-hour health-focused assessment. We look at your overall oral condition with the most advanced tools available, so we’re not just guessing; we’re diagnosing with confidence.

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What to Expect During and After a Deep Cleaning

Is Dental Deep Cleaning Painful?

Let’s talk about the big question on most patients’ minds.

Deep cleanings don’t have to be painful. We take your comfort seriously. Here's how we make it easier:

• We use numbing local anesthetic to ensure you're comfortable
• Our hygienists are known for their gentle technique
• We offer laser therapy and Perio Protect trays for less invasive follow-up care

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“As someone who has always been anxious about dental visits, I find Rylie’s ability to put patients at ease remarkable. She is gentle, extremely thorough, and understanding of individual circumstances.” - Melanie S., patient

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You may feel some mild soreness afterward, but most patients say it’s manageable and short-lived, and they’re relieved by how much better their mouth feels afterward.

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Will My Teeth Fall Out After a Deep Cleaning?

We hear this worry a lot, and honestly, it makes perfect sense that you'd be concerned about this. But here's what we want you to know: deep cleaning is actually designed to help save your teeth, not put them at risk.

Sometimes after a deep cleaning, you might notice that your teeth feel a little different, maybe even slightly loose. If this happens, please don't panic. What's actually occurring is that any infection that was there had already been quietly weakening the tissue around your teeth. 

Think of it like clearing away debris from around a house's foundation. Once we remove all that harmful bacteria and inflammation, your body finally has the chance to heal and strengthen the area properly.

It's kind of like when you clean out an old wound. Things might look a little different at first, but that's because your body can now do what it does best: heal itself. The looseness you might feel is temporary, and as your gums recover and tighten back up, your teeth will actually be more secure than they were before the cleaning.

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How Long Does It Take to Heal?

Most patients begin to feel better within a few days, though full healing can take 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the severity of gum disease.

During this time:

• Gums may feel tender and bleed slightly
• Inflammation begins to reduce
• Gaps may appear where swollen gums shrink; this is a sign of healing, not harm

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Our team follows up with personalized guidance and tools (like antimicrobial trays or specific rinses) to keep you healing quickly and comfortably.

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Your Healing Allies: Our Favorite Tools for Faster Results

We use these next-level tools to help you bounce back quicker and protect your long-term gum health:‍

🔹 Saliva Testing: Identifies harmful bacteria so we can treat smarter, not harder

🔹 Perio Protect Trays: Comfortable trays with medication to reduce bacteria and inflammation between visits

🔹 Laser Therapy: A gentle, non-invasive tool to boost healing and reduce deep pockets

🔹 Fluoride & Antimicrobial Rinses: Targeted, prescription-strength protection where it counts

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What Are the Risks or Disadvantages?

Like any treatment, an SRP cleaning comes with a few considerations:

• Temporary sensitivity to temperature or pressure
• Sore gums for a few days
• Gum recession may be more noticeable as inflammation decreases

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However, untreated gum disease leads to far worse: loose teeth, chronic bad breath, and health complications linked to diabetes and heart disease. (More on the red flags for gum disease and its link to systemic health here.) Our goal is to catch things early, treat them conservatively, and keep you on track.

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So, let’s talk numbers…

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How Much Does a Deep Teeth Cleaning Cost?

We believe in being transparent, and in delivering incredible value with every visit.

At Alpers Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, your care starts with a comprehensive two-hour New Patient Hygiene Assessment. This isn’t just a quick cleaning; it’s a full health-focused evaluation using some of the most advanced diagnostic tools in dentistry.

During this visit, you’ll receive:

• Full mouth X-rays
• iTero digital scan
• Cone beam 3D CT scan
• Oral cancer screening with VELscope
• Comprehensive exam with Dr. Alpers
• A professional cleaning (also called a "healthy mouth prophy," if your gums are healthy and no signs of disease are present)

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This deep dive allows us to understand exactly what’s going on in your mouth, and make the most accurate, cost-effective recommendations for your health.

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Then, If a Deep Cleaning Is Needed…

Sometimes, we uncover signs of gum disease during this visit that require more than a routine cleaning. If that’s the case, we’ll walk you through everything and help you get started with treatment, often that same day.

When it comes to the cost of a deep teeth cleaning, you should plan to pay somewhere between $100-500 on top of your regular cleaning. Each patient is different, because the cost depends on how many teeth you need the SRP on.

💡 The difference in cost between a regular teeth cleaning and a deep cleaning could be as little as $100. The exact amount depends on what we find during your assessment, and how many areas need treatment.

And unlike some other treatments in dentistry, deep cleanings are often partially covered by dental insurance. It’s worth noting that while some dental insurance plans may say they cover 80% of a deep dental cleaning, the reality is most cover around 50% of the cost. Our team will verify your benefits and make sure you know exactly what to expect.

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And Here’s the Best Part…

When we find gum disease, we don’t hold back; we treat it with everything we’ve got! That includes laser therapy at no additional charge for every patient receiving a deep cleaning. We believe in this technology so much that we include it as a standard part of SRP care, not as an additional cost

You also have access to advanced tools like:

• Perio Protect Trays for at-home antibacterial treatment
• Saliva testing to target the right bacteria
• Ongoing periodontal maintenance to keep your gums healthy long-term

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So when you invest in your oral health with us, you’re not just getting a deeper clean. You’re getting more precise diagnostics, more advanced tools, and a partner who’s committed to your total wellness.

That’s what sets us apart from other dental offices: we base our treatment on real diagnostic data, so every dollar you invest in your care is purposeful, precise, and never wasted.

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Will Insurance Cover It?

Unlike some dental treatments where insurance may refuse to offer coverage, most dental insurance plans DO cover a significant portion of a deep cleaning, especially when gum disease is diagnosed. Our team will walk you through your coverage, so there are no surprises. 

And if insurance is holding you back from getting the care you need, we also offer our insurance-free membership plan with low monthly payments.

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When to Book Your Deep Cleaning: A Simple Timeline

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What Makes Our Deep Cleanings Different?

Deep SRP cleanings can feel like a big step, but when you’re in the right hands, they can be surprisingly smooth and even empowering. Here’s how we make that possible.

✅ Award-Winning Expertise – Dr. Kristopher Alpers was named one of Arizona’s Best Doctors for 2025
✅ Advanced Technology – 3D imaging, laser therapy, saliva testing, and more
✅ Unmatched Comfort & Care – A team that truly listens, never rushes, and treats you like family
✅ Proven Results – Healthier gums, happier smiles, and patients who trust us for life
✅ Convenience & Transparency – We’ll tell you exactly what’s going on, what’s needed, and how we can help

Ready to Find Out What’s Best for You?

The truth is, not everyone needs a deep cleaning. But if you do, it’s essential to act early. With our comprehensive two-hour new patient visit, we’ll uncover exactly what’s happening in your mouth, then create a plan that works for your health, comfort, and schedule.

You deserve clarity. You deserve quality. You deserve a dental team that’s truly on your side.

📞 Call us today at (480) 998-3355 or book your appointment online.

Let’s get you the personalized care (and peace of mind!) you’ve been looking for.

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Additional Frequently Asked Questions:

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