Deep Cleaning in Los Angeles, CA

No — deep cleanings are done right here by Dr. Baseri and our hygiene team, not passed off to an outside office.

Most patients feel pressure, not pain, since we numb the area first. With our Waterlase laser, many patients need little to no anesthesia at all.

A typical deep cleaning is done in one or two visits, treating one half of the mouth at a time, usually about an hour per side.

Treating half the mouth at a time keeps you more comfortable while the anesthesia is working and lets your gums start healing in sections.

Many PPO plans cover a portion of scaling and root planing since it's a medically necessary treatment, not cosmetic. We're happy to check your benefits before you commit to anything.

A regular cleaning only addresses the surface above the gumline. Deep cleaning treats below the gumline, where gum disease actually lives.

In many cases, yes. We use our Waterlase erbium laser alongside scaling and root planing to more thoroughly disinfect the gum pockets and support faster healing. For many patients, this combination is enough to fully resolve the infection without ever needing surgery.

For most patients, deep cleaning — especially when paired with our Waterlase laser therapy — is enough to get gum disease fully under control without surgery. But if your case is advanced enough to still need a surgical procedure for the best result, the next step is often osseous surgery, sometimes called pocket reduction surgery. During this procedure, the gum tissue is gently lifted back so the bone and root surfaces underneath can be thoroughly cleaned, and any irregular or damaged bone is reshaped to eliminate the deep pockets where bacteria hide. The gum is then repositioned and sutured so it can reattach more closely to the tooth, making future cleanings far more effective. Dr. Shervin Molayem, our in-house periodontist, performs osseous surgery personally when it's needed, so you're still treated by a doctor you already know, instead of being sent to an outside office.

It can if plaque and tartar are allowed to build back up, which is why regular maintenance cleanings and good home care matter after treatment.

Deep cleaning stops the infection causing recession from progressing, but it doesn't regrow lost gum tissue. We'll let you know if further treatment is worth discussing.

Cost depends on how many areas of your mouth need treatment. We'll give you an exact number after your exam, and financing is available if needed.

Most patients move to a maintenance cleaning schedule every three to four months after their initial deep cleaning, instead of the usual twice-a-year visits.

Gum disease and blood sugar affect each other, so we'll pay extra attention to your gum health and coordinate care around your diabetes management.