We’ll assess your gum health during your exam. If pockets are deeper than 4mm or inflammation is present, we’ll likely recommend scaling and root planing.
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Routine dental cleanings do more than brighten your smile—they’re a vital part of preventing gum disease and protecting your overall health. Research has shown that gum inflammation can contribute to serious conditions like heart disease, stroke, and uncontrolled diabetes.
At Bella Dental in Camarillo, we offer thorough, professional teeth and gum cleaning tailored to your needs. Whether you’re due for your six-month checkup or showing early signs of gum disease, we’re here to help you stay on top of your oral health.
Dental cleanings aren’t just cosmetic. They remove plaque and tartar that brushing alone can’t reach—especially along the gumline or between your teeth. Over time, this buildup can cause inflammation, gum disease, and even tooth loss if left untreated.
The American Dental Association recommends a cleaning every six months for most people. But some individuals—such as those with diabetes, smokers, or anyone with early gum disease—may need cleanings every 3–4 months to stay healthy.
At Bella Dental in Camarillo, we provide both standard cleanings and deeper treatments for those who need additional care. Our services include:
Routine cleanings also lower your risk of infections that can impact other systems in the body. That’s why we consider your dental visit a key part of preventive health.
Professional dental cleanings at Bella Dental go beyond what you can achieve at home with a toothbrush and floss. Our team uses advanced tools and gentle techniques to give you a deep clean while keeping you comfortable.
We often begin with a visual exam followed by digital X-rays or 3D intraoral scans, depending on your needs. This helps us get a full picture of your oral health before your cleaning begins.
Our cleanings typically involve:
If deeper pockets or gum inflammation are found, we may recommend a deep cleaning to address bacteria below the surface.
There are two main types of professional cleanings:
This is the cleaning most patients get every six months. It removes plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline. It’s quick (usually under an hour) and doesn’t require anesthesia. If your gums are healthy and your hygiene is consistent, a standard cleaning is the best way to maintain your smile.
When gum pockets become deeper than 4mm, bacteria and tartar collect in areas your toothbrush can’t reach. This can lead to gum inflammation, infection, and loss of bone over time.
Deep cleaning is a more advanced treatment for gum disease. It includes two key steps:
Deep cleaning is often done under local anesthesia and may require multiple visits depending on the severity.
Gum disease is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults—and it often starts silently. By the time you notice bleeding gums or loose teeth, there may already be damage beneath the surface.
When plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which irritates the gums and creates deeper pockets that trap bacteria. These pockets become harder to clean with regular brushing or flossing and can lead to:
A deep cleaning targets these hidden areas, removes harmful bacteria, and gives your gums a chance to heal. It’s one of the most effective ways to halt early to moderate gum disease before it becomes permanent.
While everyone benefits from routine cleanings, some people are more prone to gum issues than others. Our team uses detailed digital tools—including 3D intraoral scans and digital X-rays—to identify those who need more frequent or specialized care.
Gum disease begins as gingivitis and may be reversible with treatment and home care. Warning signs include:
Left untreated, gingivitis can turn into periodontitis, a more serious condition that damages the bone and connective tissue around your teeth.
Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas. If you haven’t had a professional cleaning in over 12 months, now’s the time to come in.
Patients with excellent oral health may only need annual cleanings. But most people benefit from two visits per year. We’ll help you determine the right schedule for your needs.
Tobacco significantly increases your risk for gum disease by restricting blood flow and reducing your body’s ability to fight infection. If you use tobacco, we often recommend cleanings every 3–4 months.
Diabetes and gum disease are closely linked. Elevated blood sugar can weaken your body’s ability to fight infection and heal after dental work. Regular dental cleanings can help reduce inflammation, stabilize blood sugar, and support long-term health.
At Bella Dental in Camarillo, we look for specific warning signs that suggest it’s time for scaling and root planing:
Gums that bleed during brushing or flossing often indicate inflammation. This is one of the earliest signs of gum disease.
Chronic bad breath that doesn’t improve with brushing or mouthwash may be caused by bacteria under the gumline. A deep cleaning can eliminate odor-causing buildup.
As plaque and tartar accumulate below the gumline, your gums may begin to pull away from your teeth. This exposes more of the tooth surface, causes sensitivity, and can lead to shifting or loose teeth.
We measure gum pocket depth during your exam. Pockets deeper than 4mm typically require scaling and root planing to prevent further damage.
Your appointment begins with a full review of your oral health. We’ll ask about any medical conditions or medications and take digital images to assess your teeth and gums.
We also use a special periodontal probe to measure the depth of the pockets around each tooth. This helps us understand where inflammation may be hiding.
If gum pockets are deep or inflammation is present, we’ll recommend scaling and root planing. You’ll receive local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
The process typically takes 1–2 hours per session. We may clean one half of your mouth per visit or complete all four quadrants over multiple appointments.
Mild discomfort or sensitivity is common for a few days after treatment. You may also experience:
We’ll give you home care instructions and may recommend:
For the first 24–48 hours after a deep cleaning, stick to soft, gentle foods that won’t irritate your gums. Good options include:
You should avoid:
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy between appointments is just as important as the cleaning itself. Here’s how to maintain your results:
We’ll help you develop a plan that fits your lifestyle, especially if you’ve had gum disease in the past.
Bella Dental offers thorough, comfortable teeth and gum cleanings using advanced tools and modern technology. Our iTero intraoral scanner and digital X-rays allow us to catch early signs of gum disease and customize your treatment plan with precision.
We provide:
Our team is here to help you maintain strong teeth, healthy gums, and lasting confidence in your smile. We are located in Camarillo and welcome patients of all ages. Call us today to book your appointment.
We’ll assess your gum health during your exam. If pockets are deeper than 4mm or inflammation is present, we’ll likely recommend scaling and root planing.
Most dental insurance plans cover deep cleanings as a basic service. Coverage may vary based on your provider, but our team will help you review your benefits before treatment.
After a standard cleaning, you can eat right away. If you’ve had scaling and root planing, wait until the numbness wears off and stick to soft foods for the first 24–48 hours.
In some cases, we may prescribe antibiotics or a special mouthwash to reduce bacteria and support healing. We’ll let you know based on your health and the extent of treatment.
Tobacco reduces blood flow to the gums and slows healing, increasing your risk of infection. More frequent cleanings help manage this risk and support better outcomes.
Yes, but be gentle. Use a soft-bristled brush and avoid aggressive scrubbing. You may want to wait until the following day to resume flossing, depending on how your gums feel.
Mild bleeding can occur during or after the procedure, especially if your gums are inflamed. This usually resolves within a few days.
Each session typically lasts 1–2 hours. You may need 1–4 sessions depending on the severity of your gum disease.
Yes. Most people return to normal activities the same day. If you’ve had anesthesia or multiple quadrants treated, you may want to take it easy for a few hours.
Healing begins right away and continues over the next week. Most people see improvement in inflammation and sensitivity within 7–10 days.
Call Bella Dental at (805) 394-3000 for more information on booking an appointment, or fill out the form below and we will reach out to you!
