What Is a Deep Clean
at the Dentist?
A "deep clean" is the patient term for non-surgical periodontal therapy — also called scaling and root planing or root surface debridement. It involves cleaning calculus and bacterial biofilm from below the gum line, where a routine hygienist scale-and-polish cannot reach. It is recommended when periodontal pockets exceed 4mm and is performed under local anaesthetic across 1–4 visits depending on severity. At Tower Dental Blackpool, non-surgical periodontal therapy is delivered by qualified hygienists and dentists at £180–£480 per quadrant.
What a deep clean actually involves
A deep clean — clinically called *non-surgical periodontal therapy*, *scaling and root planing*, or *root surface debridement* — is a treatment for gum disease that has progressed beyond the gum margin into the supporting bone.
It involves:
1. Local anaesthetic to numb the area being treated. Most patients describe the procedure as comfortable rather than painful. 2. Mechanical scaling below the gum line to remove hardened calculus (tartar) that has built up on root surfaces. 3. Root surface debridement to remove the soft bacterial biofilm and any infected tissue. 4. Smoothing of the root surface to reduce future plaque retention. 5. Saline irrigation of the periodontal pockets.
The goal is to remove the source of inflammation so the gum can re-attach to the tooth, reducing pocket depth and stabilising any bone loss. The treatment is usually delivered across 1-4 visits depending on which quadrants are affected.
When a deep clean is recommended
A deep clean is appropriate when:
- Periodontal pocket depths exceed 4mm at one or more sites - Bleeding on probing is present at multiple sites - Calculus is visible below the gum line on radiographs - A routine hygienist scale-and-polish has not resolved the inflammation after a 4-6 week trial of improved home care
It is not indicated for: - Gingivitis (inflammation confined to the gum margin) — a routine hygienist visit and improved home care is the right treatment - Generalised stain or surface calculus — also routine hygienist territory - Pain or sensitivity in a single tooth — this needs a different diagnostic workup
The decision is made after a full periodontal examination including pocket-depth charting and (often) radiographs to assess bone levels.
What to expect
Before the appointment: - Eat normally beforehand — local anaesthetic numbness can make eating awkward for 2-3 hours afterwards - Take any usual medication unless specifically told not to - The hygienist or dentist will explain the plan, take consent, and answer questions
During the appointment (typically 60-90 minutes per quadrant): - Local anaesthetic given (similar to a filling appointment) - The clinician works systematically through each tooth in the quadrant - Ultrasonic and hand instruments are used; modern ultrasonic scalers are efficient and comfortable - Most patients describe the procedure as more reassuring than dramatic — like a thorough hygienist visit, not a surgical experience
Immediately after: - The treated quadrant will be numb for 2-3 hours - Some tenderness and minor bleeding for 24-48 hours is normal - Mild sensitivity (especially to cold) for 1-2 weeks is common as the gums heal and tighten
Recovery: - Maintain gentle thorough brushing and interdental cleaning - Use a desensitising toothpaste if cold sensitivity is bothersome - Attend the follow-up review appointment (typically 6-8 weeks) to reassess pocket depths
Costs at Tower Dental Blackpool
Tower Dental Blackpool non-surgical periodontal therapy pricing (April 2026):
| Treatment | Price | Visits |
|---|---|---|
| Single quadrant deep clean | £180 | 1 |
| Two quadrants | £320 | 1-2 |
| Full mouth (all 4 quadrants) | £480 | 2-4 |
| Maintenance review (post-treatment) | included in plan or £85 hygienist visit | per visit |
Adult plan members (£19.60/month) receive 15% off these treatment fees. The plan also covers two routine hygienist appointments per year, which form the foundation of long-term gum stability after the initial deep clean is complete.
Most cases are completed across 1-2 visits. Severe cases (full-mouth advanced periodontitis) may need 4 visits — typically scheduled across 4-6 weeks.
What happens after the deep clean
6-8 weeks after treatment: a re-evaluation appointment to measure pocket depths and check that the gums have responded. Most pockets reduce by 1-3mm at this point. Sites that have not responded may need further targeted treatment.
Long-term maintenance: - Hygienist appointments at 3-6 monthly intervals (the "supportive periodontal therapy" phase) for life - Continued attention to home care — soft brush, interdental brushes, daily flossing - Smoking cessation if the patient currently smokes — this is the single most important modifiable risk factor
Without ongoing maintenance, periodontitis recurs in most patients within 2-3 years. With consistent maintenance, long-term stability is achievable for the substantial majority. Adult plan members at Tower Dental are entitled to 6-monthly hygienist visits as part of the plan; patients with stabilised periodontitis often benefit from upgrading to 3-monthly intervals at a 15% plan-member discount.
Talk through your own case
If a previous dentist has told you that you need a deep clean, or if your gums have been bleeding for some time and you want a thorough periodontal assessment, the £40 consultation at Tower Dental Blackpool includes a full periodontal examination with pocket-depth charting and a written treatment plan. Call 01253 353759.
Book a £40 Consultation
A £40 consultation includes a full clinical assessment, treatment plan and X-rays where indicated. The fee is credited against any treatment booked.
Find Tower Dental Blackpool
302a Devonshire Road, Blackpool FY2 0TW. Free on-street parking directly outside.