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Deep Cleaning & Gum Disease Treatment

Healthy gums hold your teeth in place. We help you stop gum disease early and keep it from coming back.

Periodontal Care

Bleeding gums are not normal.

A lot of people think a little pink in the sink is no big deal. It is actually the most common early sign of gum disease, and it is easy to treat when caught early.

Left alone, the bacteria under the gumline slowly damage the bone that holds your teeth. Teeth can loosen, gums can pull back, and the infection has been linked with other health problems like diabetes and heart disease.

The good news: with a thorough deep cleaning and a solid home routine, most patients get their gums back to health. Dr. Patel will measure your gum pockets, explain what the numbers mean, and give you a clear plan.

Dr. Nisha Patel, DDS University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry · 19+ years of practice

Book an Appointment Call (281) 240-1177

Treatment Options

From mild to advanced, we have a plan.

What we recommend depends on how deep the pockets are and how much bone has been affected.

Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing)

We numb the area, clean the tartar and bacteria from below the gumline and smooth the root surfaces so your gums can reattach. Usually done in two visits.

Arestin

An antibiotic placed directly into deeper gum pockets after cleaning. It keeps working for weeks to help pockets shrink. Nothing to swallow, no pain.

Gum Surgeries

For pockets that do not respond to cleaning alone, minor gum surgery can reduce pocket depth or repair receded gums so your teeth are easier to keep clean.

Signs of gum disease

Gums that bleed when you brush, floss or eat
Red, puffy or tender gums
Bad breath or a bad taste that keeps coming back
Gums pulling away from your teeth, making teeth look longer
Teeth that feel loose or a bite that feels different

Regular cleaning vs. deep cleaning

A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline on healthy gums. A deep cleaning goes further down to treat infected pockets on the root surfaces. If your gum pockets measure 4 mm or more and bleed, a regular cleaning simply cannot reach the problem. That is why your dentist may recommend a deep cleaning instead.

After treatment: periodontal maintenance

Gum disease can come back, so we usually see patients every three to four months after a deep cleaning. These visits keep the pockets clean and let us catch any changes early. Your home care matters a lot too, and we will show you what works best for your mouth, whether that is floss, water flossers or small brushes.

Coverage

Most dental plans cover deep cleanings at least in part. We will check your benefits and give you a written estimate before we start. See our insurance and payment page for details.

Frequently asked questions

Does a deep cleaning hurt?

We numb the area first, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Your gums may be a little sore for a day or two afterward, which over-the-counter pain relievers usually handle.

How do I know if I need a deep cleaning?

We measure the space between your gums and teeth. Pockets of 4 mm or more that bleed, along with bone loss on X-rays, usually mean a deep cleaning is needed.

Can gum disease be reversed?

Early gum disease (gingivitis) can be fully reversed. More advanced gum disease cannot undo bone loss, but treatment can stop it from getting worse and help you keep your teeth.

What is Arestin used for?

Arestin is a locally applied antibiotic that we place into deeper pockets after scaling and root planing. It helps reduce bacteria and pocket depth over the following weeks.

Two offices, one dentist. Deep Cleaning & Gum Care is available at our Sugar Land office (12921 West Bellfort Ave, (281) 240-1177) and our Houston office (12861 Gulf Freeway, (281) 922-1919). Walk-ins welcome, free parking at both.

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