We measure your gum pocket depths during your exam. Pockets over 4mm, along with signs of bleeding or tartar buildup below the gumline, may indicate the need for scaling and root planing.
Keeping your mouth healthy starts with something simple—routine cleanings. At Bella Dental in Ventura, our teeth and gum cleaning services are designed to help you stay ahead of problems before they escalate. Regular cleanings don’t just freshen your breath or polish your teeth—they also reduce your risk of gum disease, tooth loss, and even systemic health issues like heart disease and diabetes.
We use modern technology and a gentle approach to make your cleanings thorough, comfortable, and personalized to your needs.
You may brush twice a day and floss regularly, but professional cleanings are still essential. Over time, plaque hardens into tartar—especially in areas your toothbrush can’t reach, like below the gumline. Left untreated, this buildup leads to inflammation and, eventually, gum disease.
Routine cleanings:
At Bella Dental, we provide both preventive cleanings and specialized care for gum disease. Whether it’s your first visit in years or your regular six-month checkup, we’re here to support your long-term oral and overall health.
Professional cleanings at Bella Dental go beyond the surface. We start by examining your teeth, gums, and bone levels using digital X-rays or intraoral scanning as needed. This helps us understand the full picture of your oral health before we begin.
Your cleaning may include:
If we find signs of gum inflammation or deeper pockets, we’ll talk through your options for more involved treatment, like scaling and root planing.
Not all cleanings serve the same purpose. Depending on your gum health, you may need either a standard cleaning or a more thorough deep cleaning to manage early gum disease.
Also called prophylaxis, this cleaning is recommended every six months for most patients with healthy gums. It focuses on removing buildup above and just below the gumline and typically takes 30–60 minutes without the need for numbing.
This is a treatment for gum disease that involves cleaning below the gumline, where harmful bacteria collect. It includes:
Local anesthesia is used to keep you comfortable, and treatment may be done in multiple visits depending on how many areas need care.
When plaque and bacteria accumulate below the gumline, it triggers inflammation that separates the gums from your teeth. These pockets become a hiding place for bacteria, which worsens the infection and leads to:
Deep cleaning interrupts this cycle and creates a healthier environment for your gums to heal. It’s the most effective non-surgical treatment for gum disease when caught early.
Everyone needs regular cleanings, but some patients need them more frequently or require deeper care to manage gum health.
The first stage of gum disease—gingivitis—can often be reversed with a professional cleaning and better at-home hygiene. Early warning signs include:
Addressing these signs early can prevent long-term damage.
Even with great brushing habits, going too long without a cleaning allows plaque to turn into tartar and collect near or under your gums. Skipping dental visits can lead to silent progression of gum disease.
We’ll help you get back on track with a cleaning tailored to your current oral health.
Tobacco and nicotine restrict blood flow and slow your body’s ability to heal. Smokers often need more frequent cleanings—every 3 to 4 months—to stay ahead of inflammation and bone loss.
People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum infections and may also struggle to heal after dental procedures. Regular cleanings reduce inflammation, which can help stabilize blood sugar and reduce systemic stress.
At Bella Dental, we look closely for symptoms that suggest gum disease is present. If we notice any of the following, we may recommend scaling and root planing:
Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed when you brush or floss. If they do, this could indicate a bacterial infection beneath the gumline.
A lingering odor may be a sign of bacteria building up in gum pockets. Deep cleaning clears out these areas and helps restore a fresher mouth.
Receding gums often expose the roots of your teeth, which leads to sensitivity and an increased risk of decay. It can also be a sign that gum disease is progressing.
During your exam, we measure the depth between your teeth and gums. Pockets deeper than 4mm typically require deep cleaning to stop damage and allow healing.
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.
It’s normal to feel some tenderness, sensitivity, or minor swelling after a deep cleaning. This usually resolves in a few days.
We recommend:
Choosing the right foods after a cleaning can help reduce irritation and support healing. For the first day or two, stick to:
Avoid:
Return to your usual diet once tenderness has resolved—usually within 2–3 days.
Great home care is the key to keeping your teeth and gums healthy between visits. After your cleaning, we’ll offer tips based on your risk level. In general:
If you’ve had gum disease, we may suggest cleanings every 3 to 4 months to maintain results.
Whether you’re coming in for your regular cleaning or need treatment for early gum disease, Bella Dental in Ventura is here to help. We use advanced diagnostics and gentle techniques to deliver cleanings that are effective, comfortable, and tailored to your needs.
Our services include:
Let us help you take the next step toward better oral and overall health.

We measure your gum pocket depths during your exam. Pockets over 4mm, along with signs of bleeding or tartar buildup below the gumline, may indicate the need for scaling and root planing.
Yes. Most patients return to their routine right after the appointment. If your mouth feels numb or tender, you may want to take it easy for the rest of the day.
No. Adults of all ages can benefit from deep cleaning if gum disease is present. Early intervention helps preserve your teeth and bone structure at any age.
Deep cleanings typically require local anesthesia to numb the gums. Routine cleanings don’t require numbing unless there’s severe sensitivity.
Deep cleaning can reverse early to moderate gum disease and significantly slow progression. Continued maintenance cleanings are essential to prevent recurrence.
We usually recommend maintenance cleanings every 3–4 months for patients with a history of gum disease. This helps keep inflammation under control.
Daily flossing or using interdental brushes is ideal. Your dentist or hygienist will recommend the method that works best for your teeth and gum shape.
Most plans cover two cleanings per year. Deep cleanings may also be covered under basic services. We’ll check your benefits and give you a clear breakdown of any costs.
Yes, if your gum health improves and remains stable. We’ll monitor your progress at each visit to determine the best schedule.
Bleeding gums are often a sign of inflammation caused by plaque buildup. With consistent cleaning and proper technique, bleeding usually decreases within a few weeks.
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!