Hygiene and Gum Treatments
In general, hygiene and gum treatments range from a routine clean for healthy gums to treatment for gum disease. For anyone comparing them, this page separates the two and links to guides on deep cleaning, air polishing and direct access, plus costs and booking.
5.0 from 550+ Google reviews
Open 8am to 8pm, seven days
Free parking at the door
CQC & GDC registered
No referral needed
Clinically reviewed by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, dentist · GDC 301711
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It does not replace an examination or treatment by a dentist.
This page is reviewed by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, the practice's principal dentist and a General Dental Practitioner (GDC 301711). His qualifications are BDS, BSc (Hons), MSc (Leeds), PG Dip Implant Dentistry and PG Cert Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry.
What does this section cover?
This section has three guides: deep cleaning, air polishing and direct access.
How does a routine clean differ from gum disease treatment?
In general, types of teeth cleaning differ by gum health: a scale and polish is a routine clean, and deep cleaning treats periodontitis. Scaling removes plaque and tartar (calculus), then the teeth are polished.
| In general | Routine clean (scale and polish) | Therapeutic (deep cleaning) |
|---|---|---|
| For | Healthy gums or early gum inflammation (gingivitis) | Periodontitis, which damages the tissues holding the teeth |
| Cleans | The teeth, at and just below the gumline | Root surfaces, deeper below the gumline |
| Course | Often repeated at regular intervals, though how often is debated | Active treatment, then a reassessment of the gums |
Deep cleaning and root surface debridement
Deep cleaning treats periodontitis by cleaning root surfaces below the gumline. At the practice this is non-surgical periodontal therapy, with root surface debridement under local anaesthetic. Read about deep cleaning and root surface debridement.
To ask about hygiene and gum treatments, book online or call 0114 288 2121.
Air polishing
In general, air polishing sprays air, water and fine powder onto the teeth to remove biofilm, the soft bacterial film. At the practice, the powder is glycine, erythritol or sodium bicarbonate, chosen to suit the patient. Read about air polishing.
Direct access
At the practice, direct access means you can book hygiene appointments directly with our dental therapist, without seeing a dentist first. Read about booking hygiene care directly.
Which topics sit outside this section?
What periodontal disease is, and how it is diagnosed, has its own page. Gum care at the practice includes BPE screening at every examination, full six-point periodontal charting, halitosis assessment, desensitising treatment, smoking cessation advice, gum recession treatment, regenerative gum treatment and treatment of advanced gum disease (severe periodontitis). Gum surgery and gum grafting are carried out in house.
For daily care, prevention has its own section, so browse this section or read the guide to gum health and dental hygiene.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a hygiene appointment?
Hygiene appointments at Deepcar Dental Care last 30 to 60 minutes. You can book one online through the booking portal without registering as a patient. The practice is on the ground floor, is wheelchair accessible, and has free parking directly outside.
Is a deep clean the same as a scale and polish?
No. In general, a scale and polish suits healthy gums or early gum inflammation, while a deep clean treats periodontitis, so which one is needed depends on the state of the gums. UK guidance says early detection and treatment of periodontitis increases the likelihood of keeping the teeth.
Can air polishing replace scaling?
It can for biofilm, but not for tartar. A 2023 systematic review notes that, unlike hand and ultrasonic instruments, air-polishing equipment only removes biofilm, the soft bacterial film. Tartar (calculus) therefore still needs hand or ultrasonic scaling, whichever powder is used.
Book a consultation.
Online in under a minute, or call and speak to a real person.
Contact the practice online or on 0114 288 2121. The hygiene cost page explains what it costs, and patients describe visits in our patient reviews.
334 Manchester Road
Deepcar, Sheffield S36 2RH
0114 288 2121
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Opening hours
Open 8am to 8pm, seven days
Free parking at the door