If your dentist has told you that you need a “deep cleaning,” you probably have some questions — and maybe some worry. That’s completely normal. A dental deep cleaning (medically called “scaling and root planing”) is one of the most common treatments for early-stage gum disease, but most people have never had one and don’t know what to expect.
Here’s the honest truth from Dr. Aliya Khan, DDS — a Columbia University-trained dentist at Moorestown Smile Center in NJ:
– A deep cleaning is nothing like a regular cleaning
– It’s usually done in 1-2 visits over 1-2 hours each
– You’ll be numbed, so you shouldn’t feel pain
– Recovery takes just a few days
– It stops gum disease before it becomes surgery-level serious
Let’s walk through what actually happens, who needs it, what it costs, and how to make the whole thing easier on yourself.
What Is Dental Deep Cleaning? (And How Is It Different?)
A dental deep cleaning — technically called **scaling and root planing (SRP) — is a periodontal procedure that removes plaque and hardened tartar from BELOW the gum line. That’s the key difference from a regular cleaning, which only cleans what’s above the gum line.
Regular Cleaning vs Deep Cleaning
| | Regular Cleaning | Deep Cleaning |
| Cleans above gum line | Yes | Yes |
| Cleans below gum line| No | Yes |
| Numbing required | No | Usually yes |
| Duration| 30-60 min | 60-90 min per section |
| Number of visits| 1 | 1-2 |
| Frequency | Every 6 months | Once (if caught early), then maintenance |
| Purpose| Prevention | Treatment |
| Recovery time| None | 2-3 days |
Bottom line:
A regular cleaning is preventive. A deep cleaning is treatment for gum disease that’s already started. Read our article on Understanding dental hygiene month key to long life oral health.
How Much Does a Dental Deep Cleaning Cost?
Cost depends on several factors:
Number of quadrants treated — your mouth is divided into 4 sections
Severity of tartar — heavier buildup takes longer
Whether antibiotics are prescribed
Your insurance coverage
Typical Cost Ranges in New Jersey
Treatment | Cost Range |
Per quadrant | $200 – $400 |
Full mouth (all 4 quadrants) | $800 – $1,600 |
With laser therapy | $1,000 – $2,000 |
With antibiotic placement| Add $50-$100 per site |
Does Insurance Cover Deep Cleaning?
Yes— most dental insurance plans cover 50-80% of scaling and root planing when it’s medically necessary. At Moorestown Smile Center, we verify your benefits before your appointment so there are no surprises. If you don’t have insurance or need help spreading the cost, we have dental financing options as well.
What to Eat (and What to Avoid) After a Deep Cleaning
Safe Foods for the First Week
Cool, Soft Foods (Days 1-2):
– Yogurt or Greek yogurt
– Applesauce
– Smoothies (no seeds)
– Cottage cheese
– Room-temperature mashed potatoes
– Scrambled eggs (cooled)
– Cold soup
Warmer, Softer Foods (Days 3-5):
– Warm oatmeal
– Well-cooked pasta
– Soft-cooked vegetables
– Baked fish
– Soft bread (no crust)
Foods to AVOID for 7-10 Days
– Crunchy foods (chips, nuts, popcorn)
– Sticky foods (caramel, chewy candy)
– Hot temperature foods and drinks
– Spicy foods (irritates healing gums)
– Acidic foods (citrus, tomatoes, vinegar)
– Alcohol (delays healing)
– Small seeds (they get stuck in pockets)
– Straws (can disturb blood clots)
Aftercare: How to Keep Your Smile Healthy
In the first 24 hours:
– Take pain medication before numbness fully wears off
– Cold compress on your cheek — 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off
– Eat only soft, cool foods
– Rest and keep your head elevated when sleeping
– No smoking (delays healing dramatically)
– No alcohol
Days 2-7:
– Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush
– Rinse with warm salt water 3-4 times daily
– Continue soft food diet
– Use any prescribed antibiotic mouthwash exactly as directed
– Sleep with your head slightly elevated
Week 2 and beyond:
– Return to normal brushing and flossing
– Follow up with Dr. Khan at your scheduled appointment
– Book maintenance cleanings every 3 months (not 6)
Call Moorestown Smile Center at (856) 638-5266 if:
– Bleeding hasn’t stopped after 24 hours
– Pain increases instead of decreases
– Fever above 100.4°F
– Signs of infection (bad taste, foul smell, pus)
– Swelling that spreads to your face or jaw
FAQs
Each session takes 60-90 minutes. Most patients need 2 appointments (one for each half of the mouth) spaced 1-2 weeks apart.
Yes! “Deep cleaning” is the everyday name. “Scaling and root planing (SRP)” is the medical term used by your dentist and Insurance . Same procedure.
Most dental insurance covers 50-80% of scaling and root planing when medically necessary.
Some sensitivity to cold, hot, or sweet foods is normal for 2-4 weeks. Using sensitivity toothpaste (like Sensodyne) helps. Sensitivity typically fades as gums heal.
About the Author
Dr. Aliya Khan, DDS is a Columbia University-trained dentist and
the founder of Moorestown Smile Center in Moorestown, NJ. With
20+ years of experience in cosmetic and family dentistry, she
has helped hundreds of patients achieve brighter, healthier
smiles. Voted Best Dental Practice in Burlington County in
2024 and 2025. Learn more →