160+ Reviews

Periodontal Care

Scaling & Root Planing
/ Deep Cleaning in La Jolla & Chula Vista

Deep cleaning treatment to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria below the gumline.
Serving La Jolla & Chula Vista, CA.

Request an Appointment Call (858) 352-6755
⭐More than 20 years of experience
🏥Advanced technology and convenient appointment options
💳Most PPO insurance plans accepted
😌Relaxed, comfortable environment
Periodontal Care

About Our Scaling & Root Planing / Deep Cleaning

Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning treatment used to treat gum disease and remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gumline. The procedure smooths the tooth roots to help the gums heal and reattach to the teeth, reducing inflammation and preventing further periodontal damage. This periodontal therapy can help improve gum health, reduce pocket depth, and support long-term oral health with follow-up maintenance when recommended.

Scaling and root planing deep cleaning at Elite Smiles of La Jolla and Elite Dental Care in Chula Vista

With periodontal visits available when scheduling allows and most PPO plans accepted, getting the care you need has never been easier. Our teams at Elite Smiles of La Jolla, with Elite Dental Care as our Chula Vista location serve patients throughout La Jolla, Chula Vista, and the greater San Diego County area.

  • Deep cleaning below the gumline
  • Removal of plaque, tartar, and bacteria
  • Smoothing tooth root surfaces
  • Gum disease and gingivitis treatment
  • Periodontal pocket reduction support
  • Personalized maintenance recommendations and laser gum treatment options when appropriate

Related gum care may include periodontal maintenance, gingivitis treatment, or laser gum treatment, depending on your exam and gum health needs.

Signs you might benefit from a Deep Cleaning

  • Bleeding or swollen gums
  • Deep periodontal pockets
  • Tartar buildup below the gumline
  • Persistent bad breath linked to gum disease
  • Gum inflammation or tenderness
  • Bone loss or early periodontal damage

Why consider Periodontal Deep Cleaning?

  • Helps treat active gum disease
  • Reduces inflammation and bleeding
  • Removes bacteria below the gumline
  • Helps gums heal and reattach
  • May reduce periodontal pocket depth
  • Supports long-term oral health
Compare Your Options

Scaling & Root Planing vs
Regular Cleaning

A regular dental cleaning and a periodontal deep cleaning both remove buildup, but they are used for different levels of gum health and different treatment goals.

Factor Regular Cleaning Scaling & Root Planing
Best for Patients with generally healthy gums who need routine plaque and tartar removal. Patients with gum disease, deeper periodontal pockets, bleeding gums, or tartar below the gumline.
Cleaning area Focuses mainly on the teeth above the gumline and along the gum edge. Reaches below the gumline to remove bacteria and buildup from tooth roots and pocket areas.
Treatment goal Helps maintain oral health and prevent future dental problems. Helps control active gum disease, reduce inflammation, and support gum healing.
Follow-up care Usually followed by routine preventive cleanings every six months, depending on your needs. May be followed by periodontal maintenance visits to monitor pocket depth and gum stability.
Good to know Recommended when there are no signs of active periodontal disease. Recommended when a standard cleaning is not enough to address buildup below the gums.

Dr. Seraj evaluates gum measurements, bleeding, tartar buildup, X-rays, and bone support before recommending routine preventive care or periodontal deep cleaning.

Patient Experience

A Patient Story
About Deep Cleaning

Yelp

"I had a amazing experience with Dr. Seraj at her beautiful, state of the art, La Jolla office. She performed a full deep cleaning on my teeth today and my stating that it was amazing, has never been my experience before. She made sure that I wasn't in pain and was thorough and explained each step as she went along. Her staff is both professional and kind. I have definitely found my new dentist. I cannot say thank you enough. I truly appreciate your quality of care."

Yelp Review

This before and after example shows tartar and stain removal around the gumline after deep cleaning.

Before and after scaling and root planing deep cleaning showing tartar and stain removal near the gumline

The Elite Smiles of La Jolla
Difference

🏆

20+ Years of Experience

Dr. Seraj and the Elite Smiles of La Jolla team bring over two decades of clinical expertise to every patient visit.

🔬

Advanced Technology

Digital X-rays, 3D imaging, and cutting-edge treatment tools for precise diagnoses and outstanding results.

⚡

Flexible Scheduling

Periodontal visits may be available depending on the schedule, treatment needs, and appointment timing.

💳

Most PPO Accepted

We accept most PPO insurance plans and offer flexible payment options to make quality care accessible.

😌

Comfortable Environment

From the moment you arrive, we prioritize your comfort in a warm, welcoming, judgment-free setting.

📋

Personalized Plans

Every patient receives a custom treatment plan tailored to their specific needs, goals, and lifestyle.

Related Services

Many dental goals connect across treatments. These related services can help you compare options and plan the right next step.

Related Service

Periodontal Maintenance

Ongoing gum care to support oral health and long-term stability after deep cleaning.

 Related Service

Gingivitis Treatment

Early gum care to help reverse inflammation.

 Related Service

Laser Gum Treatment

Advanced gum therapy for select periodontal needs.

 Related Service

Gum Antibiotic Therapy

Targeted support for gum infection management.
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

You may have temporary gum tenderness or sensitivity. Follow your dentist’s home care instructions and keep recommended periodontal maintenance visits.
It removes bacteria and tartar from deep pockets and smooths the roots, helping reduce inflammation and allowing the gums to heal more closely around the teeth.
No. A regular cleaning focuses on routine plaque and tartar removal, while deep cleaning is a periodontal treatment for gum disease.
Maintain consistent brushing and flossing, keep periodontal maintenance visits, and follow your dentist’s recommendations for gum health at home.
Support Gum Health

Concerned About Gum Disease?

Schedule a periodontal deep cleaning evaluation with Elite Smiles of La Jolla or Elite Dental Care in Chula Vista. Appointments may be available when scheduling allows — most PPO plans accepted.

Schedule Gum Evaluation La Jolla: (858) 352-6755 Chula Vista: (619) 422-3368