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Treatment comparison

Regular cleaning or deep cleaning

By the Dental Nation clinical team — a licensed dental group practising in the UAE

Scaling and root planing cleans beneath the gumline and smooths roots; it is used for chronic periodontitis beyond gingivitis.

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The short answer

Scaling and root planing removes plaque and tartar below the gumline, then smooths the roots to help gums reattach to the teeth.

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Why the quote jumped from AED 300 to AED 1,500 ("deep cleaning vs regular cleaning" phrasing on-page) comparison graphic

The two options, side by side

Illustrative diagram: scaling and root planing vs teeth cleaning
Illustration — a representative diagram, not a patient photo.
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What makes a deep cleaning different?

The two parts of scaling and root planing
StepWhat happens
ScalingPlaque and tartar are removed above and below the gumline, down to the bottom of the pocket.[1][2]
Root planingThe root is smoothed to discourage future plaque and toxins from adhering.[1][2]

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When is regular cleaning enough?

The evidence here describes scaling and root planing as treatment for chronic periodontitis, which is gum disease that has advanced beyond gingivitis.

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When is scaling and root planing used?

During deep cleaning, the tooth root surfaces are treated beneath the gumline to remove plaque and bacterial toxins from periodontal pockets.

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What changes the treatment time?

Scaling and root planing can take more than one visit and may require a local anaesthetic. The work includes cleaning to the base of the pocket and smoothing the roots.

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What maintenance follows deep cleaning?

Many people do not require additional treatment after scaling and root planing, but ongoing maintenance therapy is needed for many patients to sustain periodontal health.

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Expected short-term effects
EffectReported timeframe
PainA day or two.[1][2]
Tooth sensitivityUp to a week.[1][2]

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What can you feel afterwards?

After a deep cleaning, gums can be swollen, tender and prone to bleeding. Pain may last a day or two, and tooth sensitivity may continue for up to a week.

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When can another treatment be needed?

Non-surgical treatment has limits. When it does not achieve periodontal health, gum surgery may be used; laser treatment is also used for periodontal disease in some situations.

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What is checked after treatment?

A follow-up visit measures the depth of the gum pockets after healing. If pockets have become deeper, more treatment may be needed.

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Frequently asked questions

Will a deep cleaning make my teeth sensitive?

Sensitivity can last for up to a week after scaling and root planing.

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Keep reading

symptomItchy GumstreatmentDeep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)conditionOverbite (Deep Bite)

Who wrote this page

This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.

This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.

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