Is deep cleaning different from regular cleaning?

Author: Davonte Jakubowski III  |  Last update: Friday, October 31, 2025

While routine cleaning focuses on the gum line to scale and polish the outer surface of the teeth, deep cleaning entails eliminating bacteria colonies and tartar from the teeth's roots. People who have had gum disease treated often express how much healthier they feel overall as a result of their treatment.

Is deep cleaning the same as cleaning?

A deep cleaning teeth goes beyond the tooth's surface to remove calculus and debris that accumulates in the roots of the teeth. The sessions are quite demanding and sometimes require more than a single visit, unlike regular cleaning (which takes just a couple of hours.)

Should I do general cleaning or deep cleaning?

While regular cleaning is for your cleanliness upkeep, deep cleaning is a lot more extensive than your standard weekly clean. Deep cleans involve a complete rubdown and giving attention to the often neglected and hard-to-reach spots. Anything inside your home that can be reached with a stool will be hand-wiped.

What is the difference between a routine and a deep cleaning?

Deep cleaning goes further than regular cleaning. The main difference is in the level of detail. Deep cleaning is more extensive. It includes all regular cleaning tasks as well as cleaning neglected and/or hard-to-reach areas of your home.

What is the difference between a full clean and a deep clean?

Your regular weekly cleaning likely includes tidying up your countertops, wiping down all visible surfaces, and cleaning the floor. For a deep cleaning, the following things might be included: Cleaning behind and under appliances. Cleaning inside appliances, including your oven, refrigerator, and microwave.

Deep Cleaning vs Regular Cleaning (Dental Hygienist Explains)

How much is a deep cleaning vs regular cleaning?

Simple to standard cleans will cost between $0.10 and $0.20 per square foot, whereas deep cleaning can cost up to $0.25 per square foot. If you're moving out of your home, expect to pay up to $0.35 per square foot for a move-out cleaning.

Do you charge more for a deep clean?

Level of Cleanliness Required:

The more thorough the cleaning, the higher the cost. Deep cleaning involves more intensive tasks than regular maintenance cleaning, such as scrubbing grout, removing stubborn stains, and sanitising hard-to-reach areas.

Can I refuse a deep cleaning at the dentist?

Of course you can refuse a deep cleaning at the dentist because without your consent, we are not legally able to perform treatment on you. It is your right to refuse and we can't touch you unless you permit us to. However, it may not be in your best interest to put off the deep cleaning if you truly need it.

Does insurance cover deep cleaning?

Deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) are typically categorized as a basic dental procedure, similar to dental fillings. As such, the tier of coverage for a deep cleaning typically drops to around 60-80%, depending on your unique insurance plan details.

How many minutes does deep cleaning take?

So, How Long Does a Deep Cleaning Take? The process for a deep teeth cleaning usually requires more than one visit. On average, you can assume that your dentist or highly skilled hygienist will be able to clean ¼ of your mouth in about 45-60 minutes or so, depending on the level of plaque and hardened calculus buildup.

How much should a deep cleaning be?

However, if it's been a while since you've been to the dentist and you have excessive plaque or tartar build-up, your dentist will likely recommend you to do the deep teeth cleaning which can cost you from $600 to $1000.

How do I prepare my house for deep cleaning?

Here are some tips to get the most of your professional cleaning by preparing your home:
  1. Declutter Your Home. Before the cleaners arrive, take the time to declutter your home. ...
  2. Put Away Valuables and Fragile Items. ...
  3. Clear Surfaces. ...
  4. Communicate Your Expectations. ...
  5. Identify Problem Areas. ...
  6. Schedule Your Cleaning at the Right Time.

What not to do before a deep cleaning?

It is best to avoid doing the following before your dental appointment:
  1. DO NOT brush or floss excessively.
  2. DO NOT forget to check if your medical insurance covers the visit.
  3. DO NOT put on too much makeup.
  4. DO NOT keep any medical history from your dentist.
  5. DO NOT drink alcohol beforehand.
  6. DO NOT take painkillers.

What is typically included in a deep clean?

Vacuuming under furniture and carpets. Dusting skirting boards and walls behind furniture. Dusting all shelves and removing all ornaments, books and photos. Cleaning the insides of ovens, microwaves, fridges and freezers and other kitchen appliances.

What can I do instead of a deep cleaning?

While dental deep cleaning is a common procedure recommended for treating gum disease, there are alternative approaches that can be effective in maintaining oral health.
  • Daily Oral Hygiene Routine. ...
  • Antimicrobial Mouthwashes. ...
  • Interdental Cleaning. ...
  • Professional Dental Cleanings. ...
  • Diet and Nutrition.

Why are deep cleanings so expensive?

Because scaling and planing is a typically more invasive and time-consuming procedure than a regular cleaning, it may cost more than a regular cleaning.

How much does a deep cleaning cost in the US?

Costs of a deep clean for a 2,000 sq. ft. home range from $200 to $400, with most homeowners paying around $300 for a deep clean of a three-bedroom and two-bathroom home. At a minimum, homeowners will pay $60 for a deep clean of a studio apartment.

Can I get a regular cleaning instead of a deep cleaning?

You need a deep cleaning because bacteria has created a deep pocket between your teeth and your gums. There is a larger than normal pocket because of bone loss. If you get a regular cleaning, we will not be able to reach down into the area where the bacteria is doing damage to your bone.

Why are dentists pushing deep cleanings?

Targeting Periodontal Disease At Its Core

The accumulation of plaque and tartar along and below the gum line, which routine dental cleanings cannot fully address. Dentists push for deep cleaning, technically known as scaling and root planing, to remove these stubborn deposits.

Can teeth fall out during deep cleaning?

Deep cleaning is a common dental procedure that will not cause your teeth to become loose and certainly won't lead to them falling out. On the contrary, a deep cleaning is instrumental in stopping the progression of gum disease and restoring your gums to health.

Should I be nervous for a deep cleaning?

Most people find deep teeth cleaning tolerable, but some discomfort is expected. To help with this, your dentist is likely to use a local anesthetic to reduce any sensation of pain. It's really important for you to let your dentist know if you're feeling uncomfortable or anxious at any point.

Do I tip for a deep clean?

If you hire cleaners to do a one-time clean or a deep clean of your home, you should give them a larger tip and you should definitely tip after the service. Deep cleaning is hard—that's why you've brought in help—and it's good form to acknowledge that.

Why is deep cleaning so satisfying?

Various studies have shown that cleaning is good for our mind and body, as we burn calories and endorphins are released.

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