A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is a conservative procedure to treat gum disease. It is usually performed by the hygienist where the plaque and tartar are thoroughly cleaned off of the root surfaces of your teeth and the infected gum pocket lining surrounding each tooth is removed. This is usually done while the patient is numb to minimize any discomfort. Doing this procedure allows us to remove the source of the irritation so that healing can occur. Most patients find the procedure comfortable and very tolerable. The end result will be improved health of the gum tissue and prevention of further bone loss.