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Treat Gum Disease at Its Source

Healthy gums are the foundation of any healthy smile. When bacteria begin to collect beneath the gumline, they can lead to inflammation, infection, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss if left untreated. If you are looking for a dental cleaning in Encino and your gums bleed, ache, or have started to pull away from the teeth, a routine polish may not be the appointment you need.
A deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, removes harmful bacteria from below the gums and creates an environment where your tissues can begin to heal. Dr. Elizabeth Wolfe approaches periodontal therapy with a whole-body perspective, helping patients restore not only their oral health, but also their overall wellbeing.
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Dental procedure underway: dentist in blue gloves uses a drill and suction near a patient’s mouth while the patient rests in a dental chair.

What Is a Deep Cleaning?

More Than a Routine Dental Cleaning

Unlike a regular dental cleaning, which removes plaque and tartar above the gumline, a deep cleaning reaches below the gums to remove bacteria and hardened deposits that cannot be addressed during a preventive visit.
The procedure includes two important steps:
  • Scaling: Removing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from beneath the gumline.
  • Root Planing: Smoothing the root surfaces to help the gums heal and reattach to the teeth.
This treatment helps stop the progression of periodontal disease before it causes more serious damage.

Why Gum Health Matters

Healthy Gums Support Whole-
Body Health

Gum disease affects far more than your mouth. Research continues to show a strong connection between periodontal disease and systemic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, chronic inflammation, and pregnancy complications.
Chronic infection in the gums can place stress on the body’s immune system and contribute to inflammation throughout the body. By treating gum disease early, Dr. Wolfe helps patients protect both their smiles and their overall health.

Signs You May Need a Deep Cleaning

You may benefit from periodontal therapy if you experience:
  • Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
  • Red, swollen, or tender gums
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Gum recession
  • Bone loss identified during an examination
  • Loose teeth
  • Deep periodontal pockets
Many patients are surprised to learn they have gum disease because symptoms often develop gradually.
Patient seated in the treatment room during a dental cleaning

Our Approach to Periodontal Care

Treating the Cause, Not Just
the Symptoms

Every patient receives a comprehensive periodontal evaluation before treatment begins. Dr. Wolfe carefully measures the health of your gums, evaluates bone support, reviews digital imaging, and identifies the severity of infection.
From there, she develops a personalized treatment plan focused on eliminating harmful bacteria while helping your tissues heal naturally. Because every patient is different, recommendations are tailored to your specific needs and long-term goals.

Supporting Long-Term Gum Health

Keeping Disease From Returning

A deep cleaning is often the beginning of healthier gums, not the end of treatment. Following therapy, Dr. Wolfe may recommend ongoing periodontal maintenance visits, improved home care techniques, or supportive therapies such as PerioProtect to help reduce harmful bacteria between appointments. By combining professional care with consistent maintenance, many patients successfully stabilize their gum health and avoid more extensive treatment in the future.
Close-up of a dental examination using a mouth mirror and probe

Why Patients Choose Dr. Wolfe

Whole-Body Dentistry Starts With Healthy Gums

Dr. Wolfe believes periodontal care should be proactive, personalized, and grounded in prevention. Rather than simply treating infection, she helps patients understand why gum disease develops and how healthy gums contribute to lifelong wellness. Her thoughtful, comprehensive approach gives patients the knowledge and support they need to protect their oral and overall health.

FAQ

Q: Does a deep cleaning hurt?

A: Most patients remain very comfortable during treatment. Local anesthetic is used as needed, and Dr. Wolfe takes time to ensure each appointment is as comfortable as possible. If the appointment itself is the obstacle rather than the treatment, sedation is available for a cleaning as readily as for anything else.

Q: How is a deep cleaning different from a regular cleaning?

A: A regular cleaning focuses on the visible surfaces of the teeth above the gums. A deep cleaning removes bacteria and tartar below the gumline to treat active periodontal disease.

Q: Will I need more than one appointment?

A: Depending on the severity of your gum disease, treatment may be completed in one or multiple visits. Dr. Wolfe will explain your personalized treatment plan before beginning.

Q: Can gum disease come back?

A: Yes. Without proper home care and regular periodontal maintenance, bacteria can return. Ongoing care is one of the best ways to protect your gums and maintain long-term health.

Healthy Gums Are the Foundation of a Healthy Smile

If you’ve noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or signs of gum disease, early treatment can make all the difference. Schedule a periodontal evaluation with Dr. Elizabeth Wolfe and take the first step toward healthier gums and a healthier body. We always prioritize the care we give as well as the clarity of treatment, we will estimate how treatment is covered to the best of our abilities prior to the treatment.
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