What Is a Deep Clean ?
A deep clean, often called a scale and clean, is a professional dental procedure designed to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria buildup that regular brushing and flossing can’t reach. Over time, these deposits can lead to gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. A professional clean helps to restore your oral health, protect your gums, and keep your smile feeling fresh and healthy.
At Happy Dentistry, we recommend having a professional scale and clean every six months as part of your regular dental check-up. For patients with gum inflammation or early signs of periodontal disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent deep cleans to prevent further issues.
What Happens During a Deep Clean?
Your deep clean appointment usually includes three main steps:
1. Scaling
Using specialised ultrasonic tools, your dentist or hygienist gently removes plaque and tartar from your teeth and below your gumline. This process targets areas where bacteria tend to build up, especially around the back molars and tight gum pockets.
2. Root Planing (if needed)
If your gums have started to recede or pockets have formed, root planing may be performed. This smooths out the root surfaces of your teeth, helping your gums reattach and preventing future bacteria buildup.
3. Polishing and Fluoride Treatment
Once scaling is complete, your teeth are polished to remove surface stains and create a smooth finish. A fluoride treatment may be applied to strengthen enamel and protect against cavities.
Need a Consultation with a Chinese-Speaking Dentist in Melbourne?
We are proud to communicate effectively in both English and Mandarin at our dental practice in Melbourne. We offer our services to international students, families, and anyone looking to improve their dental and oral health.
Common Questions About Deep Cleaning
Is a deep clean painful?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort. Your dentist can apply a local anaesthetic or numbing gel if your gums are sensitive.
How long does a deep clean take?
A standard appointment usually takes 30–60 minutes. For patients requiring root planing, it may be done over two visits.
Can I eat after a scale and clean?
Yes — but wait until the numbness wears off (if anaesthetic was used) and avoid very hot or hard foods immediately after.
How Often Should You Get a Deep Clean?
For most people, a scale and clean every 6 months is ideal. However, if you have a history of gum disease, diabetes, or heavy tartar buildup, your dentist may suggest visits every 3–4 months. Regular cleaning appointments help maintain healthy gums, prevent bleeding, and reduce the risk of bone loss.
We Are Here to Help
At Happy Dentistry, we take a patient centred approach in all our services. We will always prioritise your comfort, health, and safety. We will work with you as you decide to improve your dental and oral health to attain a beautiful smile.
Happy Dentistry provides high quality dental crowns using state of the art dentistry equipment and solutions. Our dentists in Melbourne are continually updated with the latest tools and techniques in the field of dentistry.
Accessible Location
Located on Swanston Street, our dental practice is in the heart of Melbourne CBD. Visit us at our Melbourne dental clinic during our opening hours!
Get quality dental crowns to help you attain and maintain a beautiful smile. Please book an appointment today, or you can learn more about our Chinese-speaking dentist in Melbourne.