Deep cleaning in Bacchus Marsh, for gums that need more than a routine clean.
A deep clean, also called scaling and root planing, treats gum disease by cleaning below the gumline along the tooth roots, where brushing and a routine clean can't reach. At our Gisborne Road clinic it is done with local anaesthetic, and we measure your gums first so you know whether you really need it.
Measuring the gum pockets around each tooth shows whether a deep clean is needed.
What is a deep clean?
A deep clean is a gum treatment that removes plaque, tartar and bacteria from below the gumline, in the pockets that form between gum and tooth when gum disease sets in. The root surfaces are then smoothed so the gums can heal and reattach more easily.
Deep cleaning is part of our general dentistry in Bacchus Marsh.
It has two steps. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surfaces below the gumline. Root planing smooths the roots, which helps the gum reattach and leaves fewer rough spots where bacteria can collect. It is the standard non-surgical treatment for gingivitis and early to moderate periodontitis. Periodontitis becomes more common with age: in 2017–18, moderate or severe periodontitis affected 12% of 15–34 year olds, 33% of 35–54 year olds, 51% of 55–74 year olds and 69% of people aged 75 and over, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (report updated August 2026).
We only recommend a deep clean after examining your gums and measuring the pockets. Results depend on how advanced the gum disease is and on your care at home, and we'll talk through what's realistic for your gums before anything is booked.
What are the signs your gums need more than a routine clean?
Gum disease often doesn't hurt in its early stages, so many people don't notice it, yet around 3 in 10 Australian adults (29%) had gingivitis in 2017–18, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Any of these is worth having checked.
Bleeding when you brush or floss
Healthy gums don't usually bleed. Bleeding most days, even a little, is one of the earliest signs of gum inflammation and one of the easiest to ignore.
Swollen, tender or receding gums
Gums that look puffy, feel sore or seem to be pulling back from your teeth should be measured. Recession can gradually expose the tooth root.
Bad breath that keeps coming back
Bacteria trapped in deep gum pockets release odours that brushing and mouthwash can't fix for long, because the source is below the gumline.
You've been told about 'pockets'
If a past check-up found gum pockets of 4 mm or more, or mentioned early periodontitis, a deep clean is usually the first treatment discussed.
Only measuring the pocket depth around each tooth can confirm whether you need a deep clean. We do this as part of every check-up at Magical Smiles Bacchus Marsh.
What happens at a deep cleaning appointment?
Limited gum disease can sometimes be treated in one longer visit of one to two hours. More widespread gum disease is usually split over two or more visits of about 45 to 90 minutes, one section of the mouth at a time.
Examination & gum measurements
We measure the pockets around your teeth and look at your X-rays before recommending anything. You'll see what we see and hear plainly whether a deep clean is needed.
Numbing first
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic before we start. If you're nervous about injections, tell us: The Wand and other comfort options can be part of the plan.
Scaling below the gumline
Ultrasonic and hand instruments remove plaque, tartar and bacteria from the root surfaces under the gum, where the inflammation starts.
Root planing
The cleaned roots are smoothed, making it harder for bacteria to settle again and helping the gum heal against the tooth.
Review at six to eight weeks
Once your gums have had time to heal, we measure them again and plan your maintenance cleans, usually every three to four months.
Tender gums and some sensitivity to cold for a few days afterwards is normal. You'll go home with clear aftercare instructions and our phone number.
How is a deep clean different from a routine clean?
A routine scale and clean looks after healthy gums. It removes plaque, tartar and surface stain from the teeth and just below the gumline, usually in one visit, and most adults need it every six months. A deep clean is treatment rather than maintenance. It is recommended when gum pockets are deeper than three to four millimetres or there is bleeding or recession, and it works further down along the roots with local anaesthetic.
For some people with diagnosed periodontal disease there are further options, including Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy (LAPT) with the Fotona LightWalker, and gentler maintenance cleans such as Airflow Guided Biofilm Therapy once your gums are stable. We'll explain what applies to you, and in what order, at your assessment.
Not sure where you stand? A check-up and clean is the right place to start, because the gum check is part of every visit.
Deep cleaning questions, answered.
Let's take a careful look at your gums.
Measuring your gum pockets shows exactly where things stand. Book an assessment at our Bacchus Marsh clinic, or call and we'll talk it through first.