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Periodontal Care
Part of Periodontal & Gum Disease Treatment
Scaling & Root Planing (Deep Cleaning) in Woodbridge, VA
Scaling and root planing removes plaque and tartar below the gum line — the foundation of gum disease treatment and periodontal maintenance.
What is Scaling & Root Planing (Deep Cleaning) at Hedgewood Dental?
Scaling and root planing — often called a deep cleaning — is the standard treatment for moderate gum disease (periodontitis) in Woodbridge, VA. Unlike a routine prophylaxis that cleans above the gums, scaling and root planing smooths the tooth roots and removes calculus in periodontal pockets.
What to expect
At Hedgewood Dental, we typically treat one or two quadrants per visit so you stay comfortable and healing is manageable. Local anesthesia is available when pockets are deep or gums are tender. After treatment, we schedule periodontal maintenance and review home-care techniques.
Deep cleaning is not a substitute for regular hygiene visits for healthy gums — it is the therapeutic step when gum disease has already progressed. We link your plan back to our periodontal hub so you understand every next step.
Benefits
Targets infection source
Cleans root surfaces where bacteria cause ongoing inflammation.
Often done in quadrants
Treatment can be split across visits for comfort and thoroughness.
Pairs with maintenance
Deep cleaning is the first step; maintenance keeps results stable.
Local anesthesia available
Numbing keeps the procedure comfortable for sensitive areas.
Testimonials
A Patient Perspective
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and scaling and root planing?
A regular cleaning maintains healthy gums above the gum line. Scaling and root planing treats active periodontitis by cleaning root surfaces in pockets, usually with local anesthesia.
Does deep cleaning hurt?
You may feel pressure, but local numbing keeps discomfort low. Mild soreness for a few days afterward is normal and usually responds to ibuprofen and warm salt-water rinses.
How long does scaling and root planing take?
A single quadrant often takes 45–60 minutes. Full-mouth treatment may require two to four visits depending on pocket depths and your comfort.
Will insurance cover scaling and root planing in Woodbridge?
Many plans cover periodontal therapy at a percentage after diagnosis. We verify benefits and provide a written estimate before treatment begins.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our comprehensive dental cleanings & hygiene options in Woodbridge.
View HygieneRelated services
Periodontal & Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease is treatable at every stage — from gingivitis to advanced periodontitis — with deep cleanings, maintenance plans, and specialist coordination when needed.
Learn morePeriodontal Maintenance
After gum disease treatment, periodontal maintenance visits protect your results — more frequent cleanings and monitoring tailored to your gums.
Learn moreDental Cleanings & Hygiene
Professional cleanings, exams, and gum care — the foundation of a healthy smile and the core of what our hygiene team provides every day.
Learn moreDeep Cleaning by location
Hedgewood Dental serves patients across Woodbridge neighborhoods and nearby Northern Virginia communities from our office on Hedgewood Drive.
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